While burgers and sausages are summer BBQ classics, grilling fruits and vegetables elevates your cookouts with smoky depth and natural sweetness. Drawing from years of backyard grilling experience, here are 13 seasonal stars—from zucchini and asparagus to peaches—that shine on the grill.
1. Eggplant Grilling transforms eggplant into crispy-edged, creamy perfection. Slice thinly, brush with olive oil, and grill 6 minutes per side until tender.
2. Peaches
Halve peaches, remove pits, and grill cut-side down on a preheated grill for 5 minutes until golden. Drizzle with honey or cinnamon for a sweet upgrade.
3. Pineapple Grilling tames pineapple's tang, yielding caramelized bliss. Cut into wedges or rings and grill 3 minutes per side.
4. Asparagus Toss asparagus lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a quick, nutrient-packed side. Grill over high heat 2-3 minutes.
5. Tempeh
Veggie lovers, ditch the freezer patties for tempeh. Grill over medium heat 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and flavorful.
6. Tomatoes Infuse summer salads with smoke: halve tomatoes, brush with olive oil, and grill over high heat 3 minutes.
7. Portobello Mushrooms
Meaty portobellos make stellar burger swaps. Brush with olive oil and grill 4 minutes per side.
8. Zucchini Slice lengthwise, coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill 1 minute or until tender—a grill essential.
9. Carrots
Skip the oven for smoky grilled carrots. Peel, then grill in a perforated pan over medium-high heat 5 minutes.
10. Romaine Lettuce
Grilled romaine adds unique char to salads. Brush with olive oil, grill medium-high 2 minutes, turning until spotty.
11. Corn on the Cob
Grill in husks or oiled directly—either method delivers juicy, smoky summer corn.
12. Sweet Potatoes Microwave whole 6 minutes, slice into fries, brush with oil, and grill 3 minutes per side for a sunny twist.
13. Peppers
Brush peppers with olive oil and grill until lightly charred—essential for bold flavor.
