Move over, beef patties. Take a seat, chicken wings. It’s time to make room for summer’s superstars: fresh, local fruits and veggies! Something magical happens to produce once it hits a grill; the heat brings out hidden sweetness, concentrates juices, and intensifies flavor. Here are the ten recipes that have me in the produce aisle every week all summer long.
Grilled Avocado and Portobello Salad
Once you try grilling avocados, there’s no going back to just putting it on toast. And this salad’s simple tamari dressing is packed with umami flavor.
Grilled Leeks with Salbitxada
This tasty recipe is inspired by a traditional dish prepared for Calcotada, an annual harvest celebration in Catalonia, Spain.
Grilled Caesar Salad
You read that right—a GRILLED salad, and it’s finished with crunchy, buttery, garlic bread croutons. As it should be.
Grilled Local Corn with Avocado Crema
This dreamy crema tastes good on anything, really, but I especially love it on hot-off-the-grill, slightly charred corn.
Grilled Vegetable Grazing Platter
Instead of straight charcuterie or crudité boards, take things to the next level by offering your guests an abundant assortment of grilled summer produce. It's both colorful and flavorful.
Yasai Yaki (Grilled Vegetable Skewers)
Perfect for snacking and chatting, these yakitori-inspired skewers are great for a crowd.
Grilled Endive and Rapini Salad
These vibrant, earthy veggies turn sweet when grilled, and the furikake is a simple finishing touch that takes everything over the top.
Sweet Onion Steaks
As soon as Walla Walla sweet onions hit the stores, this is what you want to make with them. Toss these onion steaks on a burger and you’re really in business.
Grilled Pineapple Mocktail
The grilled pineapple skewers add a sweet-and-smoky touch to this bright, summery mocktail.
Grilled Peach Ice Cream Sundae
This is the recipe that made me want to buy a grill. Seriously, it’s that good—and incredibly easy.