Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Flavorful: The vegetables are grilled to perfection and paired with a tangy balsamic dressing that enhances their natural sweetness.
Perfect for Summer: A great dish for outdoor grilling, making it a go-to for barbecue gatherings and warm-weather meals.
Nutritious & Delicious: Full of vitamins and antioxidants, this dish is as healthy as it is tasty, with the added crunch of toasted almonds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 zucchini
1 yellow squash
2 bell peppers
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Goat cheese or feta (for topping)

Directions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat, ensuring it’s ready for direct grilling.
Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the zucchini and yellow squash on the diagonal into ovals. Clean the bell peppers and slice them into 6-8 slices.
Toss Vegetables with Oil and Salt: In a large bowl, toss the sliced vegetables with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt until well-coated.
Grill the Vegetables: Place the sliced vegetables on the grill. Cover and let cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, check the zucchini and squash, as they might be fully cooked. If not, flip them and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Flip the bell pepper slices and grill for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness.
Prepare the Balsamic Dressing: While the vegetables are grilling, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Stir in Italian seasoning if you’re using it, and set aside.
Toast the Almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Assemble the Dish: Once the vegetables are done, toss them with the balsamic dressing in a large bowl. Top with the toasted almonds and crumbled goat cheese or feta, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese or feta, you can try using parmesan or mozzarella for a different texture and flavor.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like eggplant, asparagus, or mushrooms for even more variety.
Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the balsamic dressing for a little extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the vegetables on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat. You can also serve them cold as a refreshing salad.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can cook the vegetables on a grill pan or in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute for balsamic vinegar.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the balsamic dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

What other nuts can I use instead of almonds?

You can substitute sliced almonds with walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts for a different flavor and texture.

Is this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I use other vegetables besides zucchini and yellow squash?

Absolutely! You can swap them out for other seasonal vegetables like eggplant, asparagus, or even carrots.

How do I know when the vegetables are done grilling?

The vegetables should have grill marks and be tender when pierced with a fork. You can also check the bell peppers for slight charring.

Can I add a protein to this dish?

Yes, grilled chicken, steak, or even tofu would pair wonderfully with these grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I prepare the vegetables in advance?

You can slice and prepare the vegetables up to a day ahead, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I use store-bought balsamic vinaigrette instead of making my own dressing?

Yes, you can use store-bought balsamic vinaigrette if you’re short on time, but homemade dressing offers a fresher, more personalized taste.

Conclusion

This Grilled Vegetable Medley with Balsamic Dressing and Toasted Almonds is a flavorful and nutritious side dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for grilling season. With the right balance of smoky vegetables, sweet dressing, and crunchy toppings, it makes for a delightful addition to any meal. Try it out and enjoy the fresh flavors of summer!

Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Salad

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Grilled Vegetable Medley with Balsamic Dressing and Toasted Almonds is a perfect side dish that combines smoky grilled zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers with a tangy balsamic dressing. Topped with crunchy toasted almonds and creamy goat cheese or feta, this dish is not only delicious but also full of nutritious vegetables. It’s a great addition to any summer meal or barbecue, offering fresh, vibrant flavors with every bite.

Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to high for direct grilling.
Prepare Vegetables: Slice zucchini and yellow squash into ovals, and cut bell peppers into 6-8 slices.
Toss Vegetables: In a bowl, coat the vegetables with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Grill Vegetables: Grill the vegetables for 15 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes for even cooking. Zucchini and squash may cook faster than peppers.
Make Balsamic Dressing: In a bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Toast Almonds: Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Assemble the Dish: Toss the grilled vegetables in the balsamic dressing, top with toasted almonds, and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese or feta.

Notes

Cheese Options: Swap goat cheese or feta for parmesan or mozzarella.
Add More Veggies: Include eggplant, asparagus, or mushrooms for a more diverse medley.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the dressing for extra heat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American