Fruits and Vegetables Perfect for the Grill

Whether you are grilling for the last blast of summer or gearing up for a brand new grilling season of fall and winter, you may be wondering if you can grill some of your favorite summer produce items. You may love grilling classic dishes like chicken wings, steaks, and wild-caught seafood, and let’s not forget hamburgers and hot dogs, but if you are looking for some deliciously grilled side dishes, consider grilling up a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Here are the best fruits and veggies for grilling.

Best Fruits for Grilling

Apples

Apples are a fruit you may not think to grill, but firm fruits, like apples, hold up well to the high heat from the grill, making them an ideal fruit to hit the grill grates. Plus, apples go great with grill marks and make a crunchy yet refreshing topping to handcrafted salads and sandwiches.

 

Avocado

Avocado is fruit that really shines on the grill. Grilling this fruit gives it a slightly subtle taste of the grill making it perfect for homemade sandwiches or salads. You can even use it to add an irresistible taste to homemade guacamole, which pairs perfectly with your favorite burrito bowls, tacos, or tortilla chips.

 

Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a fruit that can be used as a plant-based substitute for any animal protein. Think of things like BBQ Vegan chicken pizza and pulled jackfruit chicken salad. It can also be used to recreate classic pulled-pork sandwiches, but with a plant-based twist. However, if you want to keep it simple, grill up some jackfruit and pair it with honey and lime to make a mouth-watering masterpiece like honey lime grilled jackfruit skewers.

 

Melons

Melons, like cantaloupe and watermelon, are other fruit options that can be grilled. It is best to cut any melons into strips and skewer them then place them on the grill for an irresistible taste that is also incredibly refreshing.

 

Stone Fruit

Stone fruits like apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums go great on the grill. If you want to get creative, make a tasty, low-fat dessert by grilling your favorite stone fruits then top them with a scoop of frozen yogurt. Sprinkle with a spoonful of crunchy granola and a drizzle of honey. If you enjoy bananas, you can even grill up some banana slices and add those to your homemade dessert bowl for a caramelized, savory, and sweet addition. Tip: Grilled bananas also go great on homemade campfire smores.

Some other fruits that are great for grilling include:

• Citrus fruits
• Mango
• Pears
• Persimmons
• Pineapple

If you cannot decide what fruits to grill, pick your favorites and make grilled fruit kabobs with a yogurt dip. Now onto the best veggies for grilling.

Best Vegetables for Grilling

Asparagus

Asparagus is a delicious vegetable that is served best grilled. Simply toss asparagus spears in a cooking oil that can withstand high heat (a good option is avocado oil), sprinkle with a dash of pepper and salt, then grill until the asparagus tips are slightly charred and the asparagus stalks are tender. Try to keep all of your asparagus spears on the grill as some may try and slip through the grill grates.

 

Beets

Beets are a hearty vegetable that can withstand a go-around on the grill. Simply slice them up into rounds, coat them in cooking oil, and give them a good grill until they are slightly charred on both sides. If you are looking for a low-lift way to elevate a simple sandwich or salad, add a handful of grilled beets to impress all of your guests.

 

Carrots

Carrots may not be a vegetable you think to grill, but carrots can handle the heat. Naturally sweet, grilled carrots easily caramelize with a slightly sweet glaze that is subtle enough to pair perfectly with almost any entree or enjoy a grilled carrot all on its own.

 

Garlic

Roasted garlic is mouthwatering, so why not try making it at home? Simply remove the skin from the garlic bulb then cut off the top bulb leaving portions of the garlic bulb exposed. Place the cut side down on a piece of tin foil then generously coat in avocado oil. Crimp the tin foil into a loose package around the garlic bulb and then grill for 20-40 minutes or until the garlic bulbs are tender to the touch with a poke of a fork. Smear on garlic bread or atop your favorite recipes.

 

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens, like kale and Romaine lettuce leaves, go great with grill marks. Grilled kale leaves are an excellent addition to salads or you chop them up as a gorgeous green garnish to accompany other main main dishes and sides. Just like with kale leaves, grilling Romaine lettuce leaves is a low-lift way to level up any homemade salad. Need some ideas? Try a deconstructed homemade Caesar salad with grilled Romaine lettuce leaves. Yum!

Some other vegetables that are great for grilling include:

• Artichokes
• Broccoli
• Brussel sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Corn on the cob
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Mushrooms
• Okra
• Onions
• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Summer squash
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini

These grilled produce options are also great for vegetarian BBQ ideas and vegetarian grilling recipes. Whether you are celebrating the end of the summer season or kicking off fall grilling, toss these fruits and vegetables on the grill for a flavorful addition to any meal.

A big thank you Ashley Martens for sharing this delicious guide to grilling fruits and vegetables! From sweet melons to savory asparagus, there’s something for every grill master. For more tasty ideas and recipes from a diverse group of chefs, visit our Discover Blog and get inspired in the kitchen!