Craving a taste of sunshine? These Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables burst with vibrant color, smoky char, and an irresistible sumac-spiked vinaigrette. Simple to prepare yet spectacular on the plate, this dish captures everything we love about the Mediterranean table—freshness, bold flavors, and an abundance of wholesome vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant & Flavor-Packed: Each bite delivers the smokiness of the grill with the tangy zip of sumac vinaigrette.
- Quick & Foolproof: All you need is 20 minutes, a handful of ingredients, and the simplest method—no fancy tools required.
- Endlessly Customizable: Mix and match your favorite vegetables or adapt for any season or dietary need.
- A Showstopper for Any Occasion: Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables are just as perfect for weeknight dinners as they are for summer gatherings or lavish mezze spreads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This short list is full of Mediterranean inspiration! Every single ingredient plays a starring role in building flavor and producing that signature riot of color and texture. Pick up the freshest veggies you can find—each will shine after a quick kiss from the grill and a toss in that dreamy sumac vinaigrette.
- Zucchinis: Their mild flavor and tender flesh make zucchinis soak up smoky grill marks and vinaigrette alike.
- Eggplant: When grilled, eggplant becomes creamy, mellow, and absolutely irresistible.
- Roma Tomatoes: They hold their shape when grilled and become even sweeter and juicier.
- Mini Peppers: These bring playful color and gentle sweetness to the mix, staying crunchy-tender on the grill.
- Brussel Sprouts: Grilling gives sprouts crispy charred edges while keeping their centers nutty and tender.
- Lemons: Fresh wedges for grilling add a zippy brightness, plus more juice for the vinaigrette.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The backbone of Mediterranean cooking—used for both grilling and the vinaigrette.
- Sumac: Tart and citrusy, this ground berry is essential for that unmistakable Mediterranean zing.
- Salt & Black Pepper: These amplify every other flavor—don’t be shy!
Variations
One of the best things about Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables is how easy they are to personalize. Feel free to raid your fridge or farmers’ market haul—this recipe is endlessly adaptable to your tastes or the season!
- Change Up the Veg: Try adding mushrooms, asparagus, red onions, or even chunks of sweet potato for a heartier plate.
- Herb Lovers: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, basil, oregano, or mint over the finished dish for an herbal flourish.
- The Vegan Grilled Platter: Toss in tofu or tempeh slices for a plant-based protein boost.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to your vinaigrette to turn up the heat.
How to Make Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables
Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables
Start by giving all those gorgeous veggies a good wash and dry—this ensures they’ll char beautifully. Slice the zucchini and eggplant into sturdy strips, halve the tomatoes, trim your brussel sprouts (cut big ones in half), slice a lemon for grilling, and leave the cheery mini peppers whole. Keeping the pieces similar in size means everything cooks evenly.
Step 2: Season & Oil
Tumble your veggies onto a big sheet or tray, then drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. Use your hands to gently toss and coat each piece, making sure every surface shimmers and glistens. Don’t forget a sprinkle of salt and pepper here—this simple step brings out their best.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Fire up your grill to medium or medium-high. Lay the vegetables directly onto the hot grates, spaced out for good contact. Grill for about 4 minutes, then flip everything and grill another 4–5 minutes until nicely charred outside and tender inside. You want those irresistible grill marks and bouncy, juicy veggies—so keep a close eye!
Step 4: Whisk the Vinaigrette
While the veggies are working their magic, combine olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper in a small jar. Shake or whisk until it’s glossy and tangy—this vinaigrette ties the whole dish together, adding a lemony, mouthwatering finish.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
Transfer your grilled vegetables onto a big serving platter, layering them for that wow-factor. Immediately drizzle the sumac vinaigrette over everything, letting it sink into the warm vegetables. Serve right away, while everything is aromatic and hot—that’s when Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables are their absolute best!
Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables
- Slice Size Savvy: Cut your vegetables no thinner than 1/2 inch—this helps them grill up golden without falling apart or slipping through the grates.
- Hot Grill, Happy Veggies: Preheat your grill thoroughly! A hot surface means gorgeous char and prevents sticking.
- Sumac Magic: Don’t skip the sumac in your dressing—the tanginess is what sets classic Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables apart from your average grilled veggies.
- Serve Straightaway: These vegetables are at their peak right off the grill, so have your platter and dressing ready before you start cooking.
How to Serve Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables
Garnishes
Take your platter over the top with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil—herbs add big flavor and a pop of green. For a finishing flourish, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, crumbled feta, or a dusting of extra sumac for color and tang.
Side Dishes
Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables love company! Serve alongside pita, crusty sourdough, fluffy couscous, or herby rice pilaf. For a full feast, plate them with grilled chicken, fish, or chickpea-based mains—this dish plays well with almost everything.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a gorgeous mezze platter by layering the grilled veggies with olives, hummus, and cheeses. Skewer the vegetables for party bites, or toss leftovers into salads, grain bowls, or wraps for next-day lunches. The options are as boundless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even deeper, making them perfect for meal-prep or next-day salads.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover grilled vegetables, though their texture softens a bit upon thawing. Arrange in a single layer in freezer bags or containers, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 8 minutes, or sauté briefly in a hot pan. They’re also wonderful cold or at room temperature for a relaxed, Mediterranean-style meal.
FAQs
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Can I make Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables ahead of time?
Absolutely! While they’re at their brightest served immediately, you can grill the vegetables a day in advance. Store in the fridge, then bring to room temperature or rewarm gently before dressing and serving.
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What can I use if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! Use a grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet on your stovetop—the key is high heat and spacing your veggies out so they sear, not steam.
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Is sumac necessary for the vinaigrette?
Sumac brings an authentic lemony tang that really defines Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables, but if you must substitute, try extra lemon zest and a touch of vinegar instead for similar brightness.
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Can I add cheese or protein to make this a main dish?
Definitely! Top with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or chickpeas. Or pair with grilled chicken, fish, or beans for a satisfying, Mediterranean-inspired main.
Final Thoughts
Ready to celebrate the flavors of the Mediterranean in your own backyard? Give Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables a try—you’ll fall in love with their effortless beauty and sunshiny flavor. I hope this becomes one of those recipes you return to again and again. Happy grilling, my friend!
PrintMediterranean Grilled Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delicious grilled vegetable recipe. Perfectly grilled veggies tossed in a zesty sumac olive oil vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Zesty Grilled Vegetables:
- 2 zucchinis
- 1 eggplant
- 3 roma tomatoes
- 12 mini peppers
- 8 oz brussel sprouts
- 2 lemons
- 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
Sumac Olive Oil Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 1 lemon juice of
- 1 tsp sumac
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Set the grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash, dry, and slice the zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, mini peppers, and brussel sprouts. Leave mini peppers whole.
- Coat vegetables: Drizzle olive oil over vegetables, ensuring they are well coated.
- Grill vegetables: Grill vegetables for 4-5 minutes per side until tender and charred.
- Make vinaigrette: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper in a jar.
- Assemble: Place grilled vegetables on a platter and drizzle with vinaigrette. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the salt in the vinaigrette to suit your taste.
- Slice vegetables to a thickness that holds shape during grilling.
- Best served immediately while hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg