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 flavors. Here are the ten recipes that have me in the produce aisle 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 addictive umami flavor.
Grilled Leeks with Salbitxada
This Spanish dish is traditionally prepared for Calçotada, an annual harvest celebration in Catalonia, Spain. We’ve swapped out springtime ramps for summer-ready leeks, and it’s just as tasty as the original.
Grilled Caesar Salad
Grilling your salad is a fun and delicious way to elevate a dinnertime staple. This grilled Caesar is finished with crunchy, buttery, garlic bread croutons (just 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.
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 flourish that adds crunchy texture and visual appeal.
Sweet Onion Steaks
As soon as Walla Walla Sweet Onions hit the stores, this is what I want to make with them. Toss these sauce-lathered 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 dessert recipe that made me want to buy a grill. Seriously—it’s that good and incredibly easy to execute.