Memorial Day is that glorious time of year when the sun shines brighter than my future and the smell of sizzling veggies fills the air with promises of summer. Picture this: a stunning Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter—a kaleidoscope of colors that’s as inviting as your neighbor’s barbecue invitation (minus the awkward small talk).
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How do I choose the right vegetables for grilling?
- Can I marinate the vegetables before grilling?
- What should I serve with the grilled vegetable platter?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Let’s be honest, nothing says “I love America” like a plate overflowing with grilled veggies. This dish is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about creating memories and igniting your taste buds for the season ahead.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter is super easy to whip up, making it perfect for any gathering.
- The fresh flavors burst in your mouth while being visually appealing on any table.
- It’s versatile enough to complement any main dish or stand alone as a delightful vegetarian option.
I remember the first time I made this vibrant platter for my family. My cousin Kevin took one bite and exclaimed, “Wow! Veggies can be fun!” I think we all knew he wasn’t exactly a health nut before that moment.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Zucchini: Look for firm zucchinis; they should feel dense and have a smooth skin.
- Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors—red, yellow, and green—for a vibrant presentation.
- Red Onion: Choose medium-sized onions; they’ll add sweetness when grilled.
- Mushrooms: Baby Bellas are great; they have a rich flavor that intensifies with grilling.
- Asparagus: Fresh asparagus should snap easily when bent; they add elegance and crunch.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors; drizzle generously over the vegetables.
- Seasoning Salt: Use your favorite blend to elevate flavors; garlic powder works wonders here too.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens everything up—don’t skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Veggies: Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly under running water. Slice zucchinis into rounds, bell peppers into strips, and red onions into wedges.
Toss with Love: In a large bowl, combine all chopped veggies. Drizzle them generously with olive oil and season them well with salt and pepper. Toss until every piece feels loved!
Heat Up the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). You want it hot enough to get those beautiful grill marks without turning your veggies into mush.
Grill Away!: Place the marinated vegetables directly on the grill grates or use a grilling basket for smaller pieces. Grill for about 10-15 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
Add Some Zest!: Just before removing from the grill, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the vegetables for that zesty pop that makes everyone say “Mmm.”
Serve It Up!: Carefully transfer your grilled veggie platter to a serving dish. Arrange them beautifully because we eat first with our eyes!
This Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter will not only satisfy your cravings but also make you the star of any picnic or backyard gathering! So gather your friends, fire up that grill, and watch those veggies disappear faster than you can say “Happy Memorial Day!”
You Must Know
- A Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter is not only colorful but packed with flavor.
- Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables, making them irresistible.
- Perfect for sharing, this dish can elevate any gathering while satisfying both vegans and meat-lovers alike.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Begin grilling denser vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, followed by softer ones such as mushrooms and asparagus. This sequence ensures everything cooks evenly and retains its texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables for variety; think eggplant or sweet potatoes. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor profile, giving your platter a unique touch that will impress guests.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve their flavor and texture without turning them mushy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Grilling vegetables is all about timing; more delicate veggies need less time on the grill.
- Always use a good quality oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill; give each piece space to cook evenly for perfect results.
Creating a beautiful Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter brings back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and delicious food. I remember grilling with my dad, who insisted on using only fresh veggies from our garden—nothing could beat those flavors!
FAQ
How do I choose the right vegetables for grilling?
Select firm vegetables that hold their shape well when cooked, like zucchini or bell peppers.
Can I marinate the vegetables before grilling?
Absolutely! Marinating can add an extra layer of flavor to your grilled vegetable platter.
What should I serve with the grilled vegetable platter?
Pair it with dips like hummus or tzatziki for added taste and fun!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Memorial Day Grilled Vegetable Platter
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Celebrate Memorial Day with this vibrant and delicious grilled vegetable platter that’s perfect for gatherings and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 3 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green), cut into strips
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
- 8 oz baby Bella mushrooms, halved
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp seasoning salt (or to taste)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Slice zucchinis into rounds, bell peppers into strips, and cut red onion into wedges.
- In a large bowl, toss all chopped veggies with olive oil and seasoning salt until evenly coated.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Grill denser vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers first for about 5 minutes. Add softer vegetables like mushrooms and asparagus; grill for an additional 5-10 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the veggies just before removing them from the grill. Transfer to a serving dish and arrange attractively.
Notes
- Substitute seasonal vegetables like eggplant or sweet potatoes for variety.
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme can elevate flavors further.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 200g of grilled vegetables
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
