Balsamic Grilled Vegetables – Easy & Flavorful Summer Side

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The smell of smoky charred vegetables on a warm summer evening just feels right. Add a drizzle of tangy balsamic, and you have balsamic grilled vegetables that are as colorful as a sunset and as easy as your favorite playlist. These balsamic grilled vegetables are ready in minutes, yet taste like you’ve been fussing for hours.

Why This Recipe Works

You can have balsamic grilled vegetables on the table in just 20 minutes. The prep is quick, and the cooking is hands-off.
It’s healthy, too: low carb, vegan, and gluten-free.
The flavor pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or even quinoa for a plant-based meal.
It works beautifully for summer cookouts, but you can also make it ahead for weekday lunches.

Best Vegetables for Grilling

  • Zucchini – Holds up well and gets tender with crisp edges.
  • Yellow squash – Sweet and sunny, perfect for color contrast.
  • Bell peppers – Any color works. They caramelize nicely.
  • Red or white onion – Adds sweetness and depth.
  • Mushrooms – Soak up flavor and add meaty texture.
  • Asparagus – Tender with a pleasant snap.
  • Eggplant – Absorbs the balsamic beautifully.

Tip: Choose firm vegetables so they hold shape and get nice grill marks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Vegetables

  • 1 lb zucchini, sliced lengthwise into shorter sticks
  • 1 lb bell peppers, sliced into wide strips
  • 1 large red or white onion, cut into 1/2-inch rounds

Dressing

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh herbs

  • 1/3 cup Italian parsley or basil, finely chopped

Quality olive oil and fresh herbs make all the difference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the balsamic dressing

In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

Prep the vegetables

Slice zucchini, peppers, and onion so pieces are similar in size for even cooking.

Grill to tender perfection

Preheat grill on low heat and spray with cooking spray. Arrange vegetables in a single layer. Close lid and cook for 12 minutes, flipping once, until tender with grill marks. Cook longer for softer veggies.

Toss with dressing and herbs

Transfer vegetables to a bowl. Pour dressing over them, sprinkle herbs, and toss gently.

Grilled vegetables tossed in balsamic dressing with parsley in a white bowl

Serving Suggestions

Serve balsamic grilled vegetables hot, warm, or chilled. These balsamic grilled vegetables go well with chicken, fish, shrimp, or grilled tofu. For a hearty meal, serve balsamic grilled vegetables with couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread.

FAQs

How do you grill vegetables with balsamic dressing?

Grill the vegetables first, then toss with the balsamic dressing while warm so they soak up the flavor.

Can I use balsamic vinegar for roasted vegetables?

Yes. It adds a sweet tang that works in both grilled and roasted dishes.

Should vegetables be marinated before grilling?

You can, but for this recipe, dressing them after grilling keeps them bright and flavorful.

What veggies taste good on the grill?

Zucchini, peppers, onions, mushrooms, asparagus, and eggplant are all excellent.

More Such Recipes

Try this Easy Ratatouille Recipe – French Vegetable Stew for another colorful veggie dish.
For a sweet-savory twist, check out Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Smoky Flavor.
If you like zucchini, you’ll love Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn or crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Chips.

Close-up of balsamic grilled zucchini, peppers, and onions in white dish

Final Thoughts

These balsamic grilled vegetables are simple, fresh, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just making a quick weeknight side, they’ll always be a hit. Share your creations on Pinterest or Facebook so we can see your grill magic in action.

Print
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Balsamic grilled vegetables with zucchini, peppers, and onions in a white bowl

Balsamic Grilled Vegetables – Easy & Flavorful Summer Side


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Smoky, tender vegetables tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. Ready in 20 minutes and perfect for summer grilling or meal prep.


Ingredients

1 lb zucchini, sliced lengthwise into shorter sticks

1 lb bell peppers, sliced into wide strips

1 large red or white onion, cut into 1/2-inch rounds

2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 garlic cloves, grated

1 tsp salt

Ground black pepper, to taste

1/3 cup Italian parsley or basil, finely chopped

Cooking spray


Instructions

1. Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; set aside.

2. Preheat grill on low heat and spray with cooking spray.

3. Arrange vegetables in a single layer on the grill; close lid and cook for 12 minutes, flipping once, until tender with grill marks. Cook longer for softer vegetables.

4. Transfer vegetables to a bowl. Pour dressing over them, sprinkle with herbs, and toss gently.

5. Serve hot, warm, or chilled with your choice of protein or grains.

Notes

Make ahead: Refrigerate vegetables and dressing separately for up to 3 days. Warm dressing jar in hot water to melt oil.

Cooking time may vary by grill type and condition.

Firm vegetables work best for grilling to achieve nice grill marks and texture.

  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Summer Veggies Recipes
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 92
  • Sugar: 7
  • Sodium: 401
  • Fat: 5
  • Saturated Fat: 1
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 10
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 2
  • Cholesterol: 0

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