Recipe · Side
Grilled Vegetables
A flexible technique for grilling whatever vegetables are in season. The right oil, the right heat, and a few rules for timing each vegetable.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Serves
- 6
Grills.co Editorial · Updated January 14, 2026
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends snapped off
- 2 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 2 zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch planks
- 1 red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch rings
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon, for serving
Method
- 1
Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 425°F).
- 2
Toss all vegetables in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Don't be shy with salt — vegetables need more than meat.
- 3
Place asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers cut-side down on hot grates.
- 4
Cook 4–5 minutes per side for zucchini and peppers. Asparagus needs only 2–3 minutes per side.
- 5
Onion rings are most stable if skewered through the center. Cook 4 minutes per side.
- 6
Squeeze fresh lemon over everything before serving.
Vegetable timing reference
| Vegetable | Heat | Time per side |
|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | Medium-high | 2–3 min |
| Bell pepper halves | Medium-high | 4–5 min |
| Zucchini planks | Medium-high | 4–5 min |
| Onion rings | Medium-high | 4 min |
| Corn on the cob (husk on) | Medium | 15 min total, rotate |
| Mushroom caps | Medium-high | 4 min per side |
| Eggplant rounds | Medium-high | 4 min per side |
Tips
- Oil the vegetables, not the grates. Oil on hot grates burns.
- Skewer small pieces. Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and shallots fall through grates without skewers.
- Don’t crowd. Cook in batches if you have more vegetables than grate space.
- Finish acidic. A squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar brings grilled vegetables to life.
Safety: Outdoor cooking involves heat, fire, fuel, smoke, and carbon monoxide risk. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, local fire rules, and safe ventilation practices. Never grill indoors unless the appliance is approved for indoor use.