Happy Monday! What’s the haps?
Mark and I had an epic weekend full of IKEA, officially moving out of our old place (!!!), decorating our new place, chips and salsa, and some quality together. In all, a very happy weekend indeed.
Our new place is much closer to my parents’ house, which is awesome for many reasons. But on our long 14-hour moving day last weekend, it was particularly awesome when they were able to stop by and deliver food to a very hungry Mark and me at 9 pm.
It was one of those, they-stepped-through-the-door-and-we-strapped-on-the-feed-bag type things. We were starving so we devoured everything they gave to us. It was a bit embarrassing to say the least, but it just needed to happen. After a super long day of lifting boxes and organizing the new kitchen, we needed some nourishment STAT.
But part of the little late-night treat that my parents so graciously delivered to us were these insane grilled vegetables. Grilling vegetables are like the roasted vegetables of summer. You know I believe that roasting a veggie is the single best way you can treat it. But, when it’s 90 degrees and you’re a hot sweaty mess from moving every item you own from one apartment to another, ain’t no man got time for turning on that oven.
To the grill we go!
So, you can pretty much pick and choose your favorite summertime veggies here. We’re big big fans of zucchini, onion, corn, and peppers, and then I threw in some radishes for color and absolutely went bonkers over them. But really, any veg with do here! Eggplant, shallots, green onions, yellow squash…they’d all be absolutely delish.
The marinade is something super special. AND it’s ridiculously simple to throw together. Win-win! I took the marinade that my parents used on their epic grilled veggies and elevated it just a wee little bit. You’ll need balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, djion mustard, honey/maple syrup, and salt and pepper! My little addition was the honey, which makes the veggie caramelization process even more delicious.
Luckily, I have all of these ingredients in my kitchen 99.9% of the time, which is a good thing because Mark and I are obsessed with this stuff. Like, we’ve made these veggies FOUR times in the past week obsessed. Oh yeah, you’re going to love these.
And you’re probably like, “Hello?! You live in an apartment! How in the world can you grill vegetables?” Ah, dear friend. That’s where the magic comes in! I use a grill pan (which I got for less than $10 at IKEA!).
You seriously won’t miss the grill at all with a grill pan; it still gives you those beautiful grill marks and that addicting caramelization, all without stepping foot outside of your comforting, air-conditioned home. Hallelu.
Enjoy this grilled veggie goodness, friends!
PrintBalsamic Grilled Vegetables
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 2 servings.
Ingredients
- FOR THE MARINADE:
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp. djion mustard
- 1 tsp. honey or maple syrup
- 1 medium-large clove garlic, minced
- salt + pepper
- FOR THE VEGETABLES:
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped into half circles
- 1 medium vidalia onion, cut into slices
- 1 bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
- 5 radishes, cut in half
Instructions
- Make the marinade: Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon, honey/maple syrup, and garlic in a small mason jar. Mix to combine. Set aside.
- Prep the vegetables: Add chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Pour half of the marinade on top and mix to combine. Season generously with salt and pepper.*
- Grill the vegetables over medium heat until they’re tender and caramelized on the outside. You can use a grill pan on your stove if desired, otherwise I’d suggest using a grill basket if you’re using a grill.
- Remove the vegetables from the grill and place them back into the large bowl they were marinated in. Pour the rest of the marinade on top, or serve on the side for dipping.
Notes
*You can grill right after you pour the marinade on top, or you can let the vegetables sit in the marinade for an hour or so and then grill.
Adapted slightly from Papa Fooduzzi’s epic grilled vegetables.
Grilled vegetables are my favourite thing about summer. These look absolutely delicious and that marinade!! I will have to throw some radishes in with my next batch of grilled veggies – I’ve never considered the radish as a griller but you are on to something here!
Same. Here. Grilled vegetables are just so perfect this time of year. This was the first time I ever grilled a radish, and I’m totally and completely obsessed with it now!
Girl you are so right! Grilled veggies are the best thing on a hot summer day! I like to add whole cherry tomatoes and throw everything on pasta or couscous with homegrown basil and cashew parmesan!
However I haven’t dared using a grill pan on my glass cooking top. Maybe if I’m extra careful when moving it?
And moving sucks but settling into a new place and making it your own is so worth it! Have fun! :) xx
Grilled cherries are DELICIOUS – what a great idea! That cashew parm sounds AMAZING – totally trying that next time!
These look SO good! I was also in Ikea land this weekend…not going to lie one of my favorite places! I’m so happy to hear you’re settling in and enjoying the new place :)
Oh IKEA… it’s one of Mark’s favorite places too. I basically just find a chair to sit in and let him do his thing for an hour or so ;)
First off…. loveeee IKEA shopping. Not necessarily putting the furniture together, but that store is like furniture Disney World! I always plan out my dream home every time I’m there. Secondly, these VEGGIES! Gahhh I adore grilled veggies so so much. I have a grill pan on my registry so hopefully I’ll be able to make these babies very soon ;)
Haha! The kitchen stuff is so fun to look at – I always get some fun ideas walking through the maze that is IKEA ;)
I arrive home from class every day feeling that desperate need for nourishment too. I totally agree, roast veges cannot be beaten.
Also, I’m liking the green look around here!
Thanks so much, Megan! I’m experimenting with some new fonts and colors – just to jazz things up a bit ;) I’m glad you’re liking it!
I couldn’t agree more that roasting veggies is the best way to fix them! Why did I never think to roast a radish? I NEED to try these. Oh, and I have an IKEA grilling pan too :) One of the best purchases I’ve ever made!
Seriously! Grilled radishes are like, my new favorite thing! They don’t have as much of a bite once you grill them, which I absolutely love. I hope you try it!
Omg I absolutely LOVE grilled veggies!! There’s nothing better! Moving can be soooo stressful, thank God for those food delivery men ;) IKEA is also such a fun place to play hide-and-seek, maybe I’m the only one who thinks that…hahaha
Hahaha! I think Mark and I unintentionally play hide-and-seek in IKEA. He’s always running off to look at something, and then I have to go ahead and find him ;)
These are amazing. To add a little kick after the zing of the balsamic, I added a hefty squeeze of siracha! It last on the tounge after the tingle of the vinegar fades!!!
Love the idea of adding Sriracha! So happy you liked these :)