If you're someone who only associates grilling with meat, be adventurous this summer and bring out your colorful fruits and vegetables. Below are 9 absolutely healthy and delicious veggies and fruits you can add to your otherwise meaty barbecue.
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1.Portobello Mushrooms. With its meaty texture, portobello mushrooms are the perfect contenders for a burger patty. Plus, they have no fat or cholesterol. Just brush the head with olive oil and cook it on the grill, gill-side down, for 4 minutes, then cook the head for 7 minutes.
2. Zucchini. Zucchini by itself can be pretty bland in taste and its watery texture doesn't make it as appetizing to many, but when grilled, zucchini truly livens up. The moisture evaporates and its taste intensifies with a delicious smoky flavor. To grill, slice the zucchini lengthwise. Then coat it with a mixture of olive oil, pepper and salt. Cook for a minute or until tender.
3. Tomatoes. If you think that nothing beats a fresh tomato, then try grilling it. With the smoky skin and the juicy interior, grilling adds so much more flavor to tomatoes. The high heat caramelizes the natural sweetness while giving it an intense flavor. Cut the tomatoes sideways and brush it with olive oil. Grill it on high heat for 3 minutes.
4. Pineapples. Pineapples are already sweet, but put them on the grill and they will get even sweeter. The heat will caramelize the sugar, making the exterior brown in color. If you want to impress your guests, then toss some pineapples wedges and rings onto that grill and cook for 3 minutes per side.
5. Asparagus. Asparagus is one of the springs' most nutritious vegetable and grilling it is a delicious way to add it to your diet as a side. The charred and smoky flavor makes it incredibly addictive. Plus, it's easy. Just coat the asparagus with olive oil, salt and pepper and grill it on high heat for 2-3 minutes.
__6.__Kale. If you are a fan of roasted kale, then you are going to absolutely love the grilled version of it. Its crispy, slightly charred and smoky flavor will make you reach out for this recipe again and again. Cook pre-blanched kale on the grill for 3 minutes on each side. Kale is a superfood and this is a scrumptious way to add it to your diet.
7. Peaches. Grilling peaches intensifies its natural sweetness and makes them the perfect choice for a healthy treat. The peaches softens up and its luscious juices caramelizes on the heat. Just slice the peaches lengthwise and grill them face down until they turn golden brown. Then coat it with honey and cinnamon. The hot peaches will soak them right up.
8. Carrots. Grilled carrots are smoky and sweet in flavor. They are completely different in texture than what you get from just steaming and boiling them. The crunchy outside and mushy inside makes it a perfect side dish to go with the main meal. To grill, just peel the carrots and place them on the grill for 5 minutes.
9. Romaine Lettuce. On the outside, the idea of grilled lettuce might sound strange, but try it one time and you will definitely do it again. It adds an unexpected smoky flavor to an otherwise subdued lettuce. It's simple, it's delicious and it's absolutely a must have this summer. To grill, brush them lightly with oil. Turn frequently, for about 2 minutes, until it gets charred in a few spots.
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