Celebrate Memorial Day with a Grilled Vegetable Platter

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by Clara Harper

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The sun is shining, the grill is fired up, and the aroma of fresh veggies dances through the air. Picture this: a vibrant array of colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplants sizzling away, each bite bursting with flavor. This Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter is not just a dish; it’s a celebration on a plate!

Grilled Vegetable Platter for Memorial Day
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As I reminisce about my childhood summers spent devouring grilled veggies at family cookouts, I can’t help but smile. Those moments filled with laughter and love around the grill shaped my passion for cooking. Now, it’s your turn to create unforgettable memories with this delightful platter that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The ease of preparation means you can whip this up in no time while enjoying the sunshine.
  • Each vegetable packs a punch of flavor that bursts in your mouth.
  • Visually appealing colors make it an Instagram-worthy centerpiece at any gathering.
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side or a main dish!

I remember one Fourth of July when my uncle decided to throw in some “mystery veggies” he found at the farmers’ market. Let’s just say they were more than interesting! But nothing beats the classic combination of traditional favorites on the grill.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors—red, yellow, and green—for visual appeal and sweetness.
  • Zucchini: Look for firm zucchinis; they should feel heavy for their size.
  • Eggplant: Select smaller eggplants for tenderness; larger ones can be bitter.
  • Red Onions: Sweet red onions add flavor; slice them thick so they don’t fall apart on the grill.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Use ripe cherry tomatoes; they burst with juice when grilled!
  • Olive Oil: Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs (like Rosemary or Thyme): Fresh herbs elevate the dish; chop them finely before sprinkling.
  • Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of your veggies.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while you chop your vegetables. Clean and oil the grates to ensure nothing sticks.

Chop Vegetables: Slice bell peppers into strips, zucchini into rounds, eggplant into thick slices, and red onions into wedges. Keep everything uniform for even cooking.

Toss with Olive Oil and Seasonings: In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chopped veggies. Add chopped herbs along with salt and pepper. Toss until everything is well-coated.

Grill Those Veggies!: Place the prepared vegetables directly onto the grill grates. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side or until they’re tender and have nice grill marks.

Create Your Platter: Once cooked to perfection, remove veggies from the grill and arrange them artfully on a serving platter. Feel free to garnish with additional herbs if you’re feeling fancy!

Enjoy every bite of this Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter as you gather around friends and family! Each mouthful will remind you that simple ingredients can create memorable moments.

You Must Know

  • The Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter is not just a dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of summer.
  • Perfect for barbecues, these colorful veggies are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
  • Ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying solo, they’re versatile enough to please everyone.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating the grill while you chop your vegetables into even pieces, ensuring they cook uniformly and don’t fall through the grates.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or try different marinades like balsamic or lemon zest for a unique flavor twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover grilled vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect grilling, soak wooden skewers in water beforehand to prevent burning.
  • When grilling veggies, use a grill basket to keep smaller pieces from slipping through the cracks.
  • Always season generously to enhance their natural flavors and make them pop.

Sharing this platter at our family barbecue was a game changer—everyone raved about the colorful presentation and delicious flavors. It’s now my go-to recipe for gatherings!

FAQs

FAQ

What vegetables can I include in my Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter?

Use bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms, and eggplant for a colorful mix.

How long should I grill the vegetables?

Grill your vegetables for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re tender and charred.

Can I prepare the grilled vegetable platter ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate and chop your veggies ahead of time to save on prep work during your event.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Grilled Vegetable Platter for Memorial Day

Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter


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  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Description

Celebrate Memorial Day with this vibrant grilled vegetable platter, featuring fresh, colorful veggies that are bursting with flavor and perfect for outdoor gatherings.


Ingredients

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  • 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1 medium eggplant
  • 1 large red onion
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Chop the bell peppers into strips, zucchini into rounds, eggplant into thick slices, and red onion into wedges.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Grill the vegetables directly on the grates for about 5-7 minutes per side or until tender and marked with grill lines.
  5. Arrange the grilled vegetables on a serving platter and garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Feel free to add seasonal veggies like asparagus or mushrooms for variety.
  •  Marinate your vegetables for an extra flavor boost before grilling.
  • Use a grill basket to prevent smaller pieces from falling through the grates.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 15mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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