Name: Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), sliced; 1 medium zucchini, sliced into ½ inch thick half-moons; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed (about 10 stalks); 1 red onion, cut into wedges; 2 ears corn on the cob, husked and halved; 3 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Balsamic glaze (optional)

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Memorial Day is the perfect occasion to fire up the grill and celebrate with friends and family. Nothing says “welcome to summer” quite like a beautiful Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter filled with vibrant veggies that are kissed by the flames of your backyard barbecue.

Imagine colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus sizzling away while the enticing aroma wafts through the air. You can almost hear those veggies saying, “Pick us! We’re delicious!” The anticipation builds as you gather around the grill, ready to dive into this feast of flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy-to-make grilled vegetable platter offers a burst of flavors that will impress your guests
It showcases seasonal produce at its finest while being visually stunning on your table
Perfect for any barbecue or potluck gathering while accommodating various dietary preferences effortlessly

I still remember the first time I served this grilled vegetable platter at our family gathering. Everyone was raving about how colorful and tasty it looked—and they didn’t even notice there was no meat!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Bell Peppers: Choose a variety of colors for visual appeal; red, yellow, and green add sweetness and crunch.
Zucchini: Select firm zucchinis; they should feel heavy for their size and have a smooth skin.
Asparagus: Look for bright green stalks with tightly closed tips; avoid any wilting or yellowing.
Red Onion: A sweet onion variety enhances flavors while adding a nice contrast in texture when grilled.
Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn brings sweetness; choose ears with bright green husks and plump kernels.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness; don’t skimp on quality here!
Seasonings (Salt & Pepper): Basic but essential—fresh ground black pepper and sea salt elevate every bite.
Balsamic Glaze (optional): For a touch of sweetness and tanginess, drizzle some balsamic glaze before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepping Your Veggies: Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly under cold water. Once clean, slice your bell peppers into wide strips and zucchini into half-moons about ½ inch thick.

Marinating Magic: In a large bowl, toss your sliced veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb those delicious flavors.

Fire Up the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle your veggies but not so hot that they turn to charcoal before you can say “grilled perfection.”

Grilling Time!: Place your marinated veggies directly onto the grill grates or use a grilling basket if you have one handy. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes until they start getting those beautiful char marks.

Corn on the Cob Adventure: While your other veggies are grilling, wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt. Place them on the top rack of the grill or off to the side where it’s slightly cooler. They’ll be ready in about 15-20 minutes.

The Grand Finale!: Remove everything from the grill once tender and charred beautifully—your kitchen will smell heavenly! If using balsamic glaze, drizzle it over before serving to elevate those flavors.

Now that you’ve created a stunning Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter bursting with color and flavor, it’s time to dig in! Gather everyone around and admire your handy work as they marvel at both presentation and taste!

In conclusion, this flavorful platter not only satisfies vegetarians but also complements any meaty main course effortlessly! So go ahead—fire up that grill! Your taste buds will thank you!

You Must Know

This Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter is not only colorful but also incredibly versatile
It’s a fantastic way to impress guests while adding a healthy twist to your holiday spread
The smoky aroma and vibrant colors will make it the star of your barbecue

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Then, toss your vegetables in olive oil and seasoning before grilling them for 5-7 minutes on each side for that perfect char.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or available. Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor even more, giving a delightful twist to your platter.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For maximum flavor, let your veggies marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling
Experiment with different vegetable combinations like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for variety
Always check for doneness as cooking times may vary by vegetable type

Sharing this grilled vegetable platter with friends during last Memorial Day was unforgettable; they all asked for the recipe and couldn’t believe how easy it was to make!

FAQ

What vegetables are best for grilling?

Zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus work wonderfully on the grill.

Can I prepare the vegetables ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop and marinate them a day before grilling.

How do I prevent vegetables from sticking to the grill?

Brush the grill with oil before placing vegetables to avoid sticking issues.