Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Vegetables
Grilling vegetables is an excellent way to enhance their flavor while enjoying the great outdoors. Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Vegetables are colorful, tasty, and easy to prepare. This delightful dish is perfect for summer barbecues or as a fresh side for any meal.
Why Make This Recipe
Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Vegetables are a fantastic way to enjoy healthy eating. The marinade, made with fresh herbs and lemon, adds a bright and zesty flavor to the vegetables. This recipe is versatile and can be served as a side dish, a main course for vegetarians, or even added to salads and sandwiches. Plus, grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies, making them taste even better!
How to Make Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into large chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into large chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 8 oz mushrooms, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large mixing bowl, place the cut bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, and mushrooms.
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Make the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper until combined.
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Marinate the Vegetables:
- Pour the lemon herb marinade over the vegetables.
- Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
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Grill the Vegetables:
- Remove the vegetables from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
- Place the vegetables directly on the grill or use a grill basket for smaller pieces.
- Grill the vegetables for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
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Serve:
- Transfer the grilled vegetables to a serving platter.
- Serve the Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Vegetables hot as a side dish or main course.
Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish as a perfect accompaniment to your favorite grilled meats or as a delicious vegetarian option!
How to Serve Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Vegetables
These grilled vegetables are best served warm. They make an excellent side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or steak. Alternatively, you can enjoy them as a main course along with quinoa or rice. You can also add them to pasta dishes or use them in wraps and sandwiches for extra flavor.
How to Store Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Vegetables
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. You can eat them cold or reheat them in the microwave or on the grill.
Tips to Make Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Vegetables
- Cut the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- You can add other vegetables like asparagus or eggplant to the mix.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Variation (If Any)
For a different twist, you can add balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice or swap the herbs based on your preference. Feta cheese can be sprinkled on top after grilling for added flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
While fresh vegetables yield the best results, you can use frozen vegetables. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before marinating.
How long should I marinate the vegetables?
A minimum of 30 minutes is ideal, but you can marinate them for up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
Can I cook these vegetables in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes! You can roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes instead of grilling. Just spread them on a baking sheet and cook until they’re tender and slightly browned.
Enjoy your delicious Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Vegetables!
