Plump tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and juicy peaches are the signs of summer that we crave all year long. And when the produce is this undeniably flavorful, it’s time to ditch the meat altogether, and let those summertime veggies shine. But a meatless meal doesn’t have to mean a mere salad – our LMN summer vegetable guide will walk you through it all. From the store to the grill, learn how to best utilize this season’s produce at your everyday cookout.
The Store
When possible, try and go to a nearby farm stand or market. Not only does it help support your local farmers and community, but the produce is usually higher in nutrients because it is picked at its peak and is grown with fewer pesticides.
This month, make sure you pile your basket high with a variety of produce. Here are a few of our personal favorites that are currently at their peak:
And of course, don’t forget to stock up on whole grains, fresh herbs, and high quality olive oil.
The Grill
The vegetables this time of year are bursting with flavor and freshness, so when it comes to prepping your produce, use a light hand with the oil: opt for a high quality extra virgin olive oil, and use a brush to just lightly coat your veggies. Adding too much oil will not only add an unnecessary amount of calories, but will make your veggies soggy and muddle that fresh taste you’re craving.
If you’re looking for a little extra kick, experiment with marinades and seasonings such as crushed red chili peppers, oregano, Cajun spice, dash of garlic salt, or try using our LMN marinade below. And unlike their meat counterpart, veggies don’t have strict cooking time, so simply through them on the grill, sit back, and enjoy them at your leisure.
Looking for some more inspiration? Here are our favorite vegetable BBQ recipes:
LMN Marinade:
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp. fresh oregano (or 1 tsp. dried)
1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp. dried)
Greek Vegetable Kebabs (serves 6):
Ingredients:
1 bell pepper
1-2 zucchinis
1 cup cherry tomatoes
5-6 oz. halloumi cheese
½ a bunch of fresh mint
1 lemon
1-2 tsp. crushed red chili pepper
1 Tbsp. olive oil
Directions:
Adapted from Jamie Oliver
Grilled Corn Salad (serves 6):
Ingredients:
5-6 sweet corn
2 tomatoes
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
½ a red onion, minced
1 cup black beans
1 jalapeño pepper
1-2 limes, juiced
salt and pepper
Directions:
Cauliflower Steaks (serves 4-6):
Ingredients:
2 heads of cauliflower
¼ cup olive oil
2 limes, juiced and zested
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
½ tsp. honey
2 Tbsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. chipotle powder
1 tsp. salt
¼ cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
lime wedges to serve
Directions:
Adapted from The Kitchn
The Sides
No BBQ is complete without the perfect complimentary side dish. But the typical potato salads and corn breads are often heavy, and can weigh down even the lightest of BBQs. Instead, opt for fresh veggies to go along with your grilled pieces, and use vinegars and seasonings to add flavor.
Zucchini Carpaccio (serves 12):
Ingredients:
2 slender green zucchinis, sliced paper thin on a mandolin
½ cup mint, finely chopped (chiffonade)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
½ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
¼ – ½ cup shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano
Directions:
Lara’s Lima Bean Guacamole
Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
2 cups puréed lima beans
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ red onion, chopped
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 limes, juiced
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Healthy Slaw:
Ingredients:
1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
½ cup sliced almonds
2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
Directions:
Adapted from Nutritious Life
The Desserts
Finish your BBQ on a sweet and healthy note by grilling up some of your favorite fruits. Grilling fruit not only adds texture, but will actually enhance the flavor, as the heat helps caramelize the naturally occurring sugars, making it a sweet and healthful dessert. Can’t choose just one? Make a fruit kebab by layering your favorite fruits together. Here are some of our favorites to throw on the grill.
Get creative, and take advantage of nature’s candy.