Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables - marinated! Recipe

There is something irresistibly summery about a big, colorful platter of grilled vegetables, especially when each piece is kissed by the heat of the barbecue and glistens with a punchy, herby marinade. My Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables – marinated! are a true crowd-pleaser—bursting with vibrant flavors, smoky char, and just the right zing of lemon and chili. This is the ultimate way to celebrate veggies and make them the star of your grill!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unbeatable Flavor: The zesty marinade infuses every bite with herby goodness, bright citrus, and just a hint of heat.
  • Totally Versatile: Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables – marinated! are delicious as a main, alongside your favorite proteins, or piled onto crusty bread.
  • Meal Prep Magic: These veggies taste even better the next day, making them ideal for prepping ahead and enjoying all week.
  • A Showstopper at Any Gathering: The vibrant colors and charred edges will have everyone reaching for seconds—veggie lovers and skeptics alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes this recipe so crave-worthy: simple, fresh vegetables, a bright marinade, and a handful of everyday pantry staples. Each veggie is chosen for its flavor, texture, and color—when grilled and marinated, they become absolutely irresistible.

  • Red and yellow capsicum/bell peppers: Sweet, tender, and beautifully vibrant once grilled.
  • Red onions: Turn wonderfully sweet and caramelized, especially when cut to keep their wedges intact.
  • Eggplant: Soaks up the marinade like a sponge and grills to smoky, creamy perfection.
  • Zucchini: Grills quickly and adds fresh green color plus a delicate, almost buttery bite.
  • Asparagus: Grills in a flash and adds a lovely crispness—don’t skip the trimming!
  • Button mushrooms: Juicy and earthy, they get wonderfully meaty and flavorful.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Used both for grilling and in the marinade for a rich, fruity base.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of each vegetable.
  • Fresh garlic: Adds that instantly appetizing, aromatic hit.
  • Fresh parsley (or chives): A final sprinkle adds freshness and a pop of green.
  • Lemon juice: The backbone of the marinade—bright and slightly tart.
  • White sugar: Just a tiny bit to balance the acidity and round out the flavors.
  • Dried herbs (basil, parsley, oregano, thyme): For that rustic Mediterranean vibe—feel free to swap in Italian or mixed dried herbs!
  • Chili flakes: Gives just the right kick. Adjust to your liking!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables – marinated! is how infinitely customizable it is. You can swap out veggies, tweak the herbs, or pump up the spice—whatever makes your tastebuds happy or works with what’s in your fridge.

  • Add Halloumi or Feta: Toss in slabs of halloumi cheese to grill alongside, or crumble feta on top for extra richness.
  • Switch Up Your Veg: Try slices of sweet potato, whole baby corn, cherry tomatoes, or even broccolini for more variety.
  • Creamy Yogurt Drizzle: Mix Greek yogurt with lemon and fresh herbs for a cool contrast to the zesty marinade.
  • Mild & Kid-Friendly: Simply skip the chili flakes for a gentler flavor profile that the whole family will devour.

How to Make Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables – marinated!

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Start by mixing up your powerhouse marinade: simply pop all the marinade ingredients (lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sugar, dried herbs, chili flakes, salt, and pepper) into a jar. Tightly seal, then shake, shake, shake until lightly emulsified. Set aside for at least 10 minutes so those flavors can get cozy—you want that herby punch in every bite!

Step 2: Prep and Cut the Veggies

Cut your vegetables into large, sturdy pieces. This isn’t just for looks—bigger pieces are easier to turn on the BBQ (no chasing tiny slices!) and they won’t fall between the grates. For onions, keep the root intact and slice into wedges. Halve the eggplant lengthwise and cut into generous semi-circles; slice your zucchini diagonally to maximize grill surface. Place all the cut veggies in a huge bowl or tray.

Step 3: Oil and Season

Drizzle olive oil over your colorful vegetable mountain, followed by a good sprinkle of salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Now, don’t be shy—toss it all together with your hands to make sure each piece glistens and everything’s evenly seasoned. That tactile touch ensures every bite is perfection!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Brush your BBQ grills with a little oil, then crank it to high heat. Grill each veggie in batches, turning once to get those gorgeous char marks. Asparagus and zucchini need just about 2 minutes per side; mushrooms, onions, and capsicum about 3 minutes per side; and eggplant likes a few minutes longer—about 4 per side—until meltingly tender but not soggy. If you’re roasting, pop them in a hot oven (250°C/480°F) according to the same timing guidelines.

Step 5: Marinate While Warm

Once grilled, toss your piping hot vegetables straight into a large bowl. While they’re still warm, pour over that vibrant dressing and toss gently. The heat helps the marinade soak in, ensuring every veggie absorbs all that zesty flavor. Let sit for at least 10 minutes (or longer!) before serving—this is where the magic happens.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Transfer your marinated veggies to a serving platter and shower generously with fresh parsley or chives. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering around the table! See below for serving and garnishing inspiration.

Pro Tips for Making Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables – marinated!

  • Cut Size Matters: Keep your veggie pieces large and uniform for easy flipping and even charring on the BBQ.
  • Dress While Hot: Pour the marinade over the freshly grilled veggies while they’re still warm—this helps them soak up all the tangy, herby flavors fast.
  • Adjust the Spice: Tweak chili flakes to match your heat preference—don’t be afraid to go bold or keep it sweet for kiddos!
  • Make It Ahead: These marinated veggies taste even better after a day or two; perfect for easy meal prep or entertaining.

How to Serve Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables – marinated!

Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables - marinated! Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Right before serving, shower your Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables – marinated! with a blizzard of fresh parsley or chives. For an extra flavor boost, grate over a little lemon zest or scatter with toasted pine nuts. Even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a crumble of tangy goat cheese can take it over the top!

Side Dishes

These veggies absolutely shine as a main dish with crusty bread for dipping, but are also fantastic served alongside grilled meats, halloumi, or flaky white fish. Try pairing them with herbed couscous, quinoa, or a big bowl of garlicky hummus for a feast-worthy spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the marinated veggies high on a rustic wooden board for classic family-style serving, or build vibrant grain bowls with a scoop of veggies, your favorite protein, and a spoonful of extra marinade. Thread chunks onto long skewers for colorful veggie kebabs, or layer in a sandwich with pesto and mozzarella for a grilled vegetable hero!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables – marinated! in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 5 days, and actually get more flavorful as they sit. I love snacking on them cold or tossing them into wraps and salads all week long.

Freezing

While these grilled veggies are best enjoyed fresh or within a few days, you can freeze them if needed. Pop cooled vegetables (without marinade) into freezer bags—just be aware the texture will soften when thawed. They’re perfect to reheat in the oven or toss into soups, stews, or pasta later!

Reheating

To reheat, let the veggies come to room temp or warm them gently in a hot oven or skillet until just heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them limp; a quick blast in the oven helps maintain their char and texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables – marinated! in advance?

    Yes! In fact, they taste even better after the veggies and marinade have mingled for a day or two. Prep them ahead for your next party or weeknight meal, and simply bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

  2. What if I don’t have a barbecue?

    No worries at all. You can achieve great results using a grill pan or simply roast the vegetables in a hot oven. You’ll still get caramelization and delicious flavor—just watch cook times and flip halfway for even charring.

  3. Which other vegetables can I add?

    Go wild! Try sweet corn, baby carrots, broccolini, snap peas, or thin-skinned potatoes. Just make sure all pieces are roughly the same size and thickness for even cooking on the grill.

  4. How spicy are Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables – marinated!?

    The level of heat depends on how much chili flakes you add! The recipe leans toward zesty without being overpowering, but you can easily tone down or ramp up the spice to make it perfect for your palate.

Final Thoughts

There’s just no beating a platter of Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables – marinated! for sheer color, freshness, and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, planning a week of meal prep, or just looking to add more veggies to your life, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how much everyone loves it, veggie fan or not!

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Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables - marinated! Recipe

Incredible BBQ Grilled Vegetables – marinated! Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 137 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 812 servings 1x
  • Category: Vegetarian
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Barbecue
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These BBQ grilled vegetables are a medley of colorful, charred goodness marinated in a zesty dressing. Perfect for a main or side dish, this recipe is bursting with flavor and can be enjoyed hot off the grill or as tasty leftovers.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Vegetables:

  • 2 red capsicum/bell peppers
  • 2 yellow capsicum/bell peppers
  • 2 red onions
  • 1 eggplant, halved lengthwise, then 1.25cm/0.5″ thick semi circles
  • 2 zucchini, 0.7cm/1/3″ thick slices on diagonal
  • 2 bunches asparagus, ends trimmed
  • 200g/7oz button mushrooms

Grilling/Roasting:

  • 1/4 cup (65ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp each salt and pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped (or chives)

Grilled Vegetable Marinade (Dressing):

  • 1/3 cup (85ml) lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup (85ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp white sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
  • 1/2 tsp each dried basil, parsley, oregano, thyme (Note 2)
  • 1/21 tsp chilli flakes (adjust spice to taste, Note 3)

Instructions

  1. Marinade: Place ingredients in a jar and shake well. Set aside 10 minutes+.
  2. Cutting Vegetables (see video): Keep pieces large for easy handling on the BBQ and to prevent falling through the grills.
  3. Grilling/Roasting Vegetables: Brush BBQ grills lightly with oil, preheat to high. Place vegetables in a large bowl, drizzle with oil, salt, pepper, garlic. Toss with hands. Grill until tender crisp with charred edges – cook times in instructions. Remove into a large bowl.
  4. Marinating: While hot, drizzle Dressing over vegetables and toss. Set aside 10 minutes+ before serving, sprinkled with parsley.

Notes

  • SERVINGS: Makes loads, better the next day, and highly versatile! Serves 6 as a main, 8 – 12 as a side.
  • Vegetables shrink by about 30% once cooked.
  • Herbs – use 2 tsp mixed herbs or Italian herbs.
  • Adjust chili flakes as per spice preference.
  • Onion cutting – keep wedges intact for easy handling.
  • Storage – great fresh, even better on Day 2! Best served at room temperature.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 206 cal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 301mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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