**The content on Healthy Farmhouse is based on our family’s personal experiences and may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Prior to checking out some of the best vegetables for grilling or reading any other health-related information on this site, I encourage you to read our full Health Disclosure to learn more.

Summertime Cooking

With summer right around the corner, all I can think about is the vast array of summer activities we will be partaking in as a family and, of course, the amazing summer food that goes with it!

Summer cooking for our family typically means grilling some of our favorite meals.

From the traditional burgers and dogs to the more unique grilled quesadillas.

That said, our summertime cooking adventures are about to take a turn as we focus on building healthier grilling habits.

Grilling Vegetables

While our family has been on a bit of a health journey for the past 10+ years, we are always trying to find ways we can do even better.

From cutting how much takeout we eat to focusing on healthier meal options at home.

Right now, our main goal is to find healthy grilling recipes to lean on over the summer.

We tend to get in a bit of a grilling rut, and I’m honestly hoping that creating this list of vegetables for grilling will not only be beneficial to you but will also hold me more accountable by adding variety to our summer meals.

Whether you choose to use your grilled veggies as an entree or side dish, all of these vegetables can be incorporated into any diet or lifestyle and don’t require a ton of cooking skills.

It’s simply about adding variation, color, and nutrition to your summer rotation.

Best Vegetables for Grilling

Potatoes and zucchini tend to be our family’s go-to vegetables for grilling.

We honestly do not grill much else.

So, I did a little research on what other families are grilling this time of year, and I created a simple go-to list for all of my summer grilling needs!

There are also a couple of must-try recipes included in this list.

All that said, this is my list of the best vegetables for grilling this summer.

Check it out, you guys!

• Corn

While I would probably consider corn the most traditional grilled vegetable of summer, it’s actually not a typical veggie I serve in our home.

Personally, I feel like corn is way too prevalent in the American diet as is, so I tend to skip it as a fresh summer side dish.

However, corn on the cob feels like an American tradition, so I simply had to put it at the top of my list.

All that said, corn does have its benefits.

According to Everyday Health, sweet corn (the most commonly consumed as a summer side) is a good source of fiber and other vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus and vitamin D.

Corn also contains lutein, making it beneficial for eye health.

However, this popular summer veggie is also higher in sugar, giving it its name, a high starch food, and can be harder for some people to digest (like my husband). Corn can also contain GMOS or mycotoxins.

So, much like any type of food, corn has its pros and cons.

Yes, there are health benefits to corn, such as being high in fiber and good for eye health, but it’s also a high-starch food and not a good fit for everyone.

All that said, corn is a great vegetable for grilling up in moderation.

Pair it with a healthy burger recipe, some potato salad, and you’ve got yourself a classic American meal, you guys!

• Potatoes

I’m going to call this second to corn, the most popular grilled vegetable of summer.

This may or may not be factual, but growing up, we had both corn on the cob and ‘baked’ grilled potatoes on the regular, so I’m totally calling them second — haha!

Wherever they land on the popularity list, potatoes are one of the easiest vegetables to cook on the grill!

Russet potatoes and sweet potatoes alike.

From sliced or cubed to the traditional ‘baked’ potato, these guys are both versatile and healthy.

According to The National Potato Council, potatoes are a great source of vitamin C, contain more potassium than a banana, and have beneficial antioxidants!

That said, potatoes do have a high glycemic index and can contain high amounts of glycoalkaloids if not stored properly.

Potatoes are budget-friendly and ideal for most diets, so adding them to your summer lineup is a great option!

Plus, they go great with everything from grilled burgers and kabobs to grilled seafood.

• Zucchini & Squash

While I didn’t place these at the top of this list, they are at the top of my list.

I absolutely love grilling up zucchini and squash, you guys!

We typically cut them lengthwise and place them directly on the grill, or cut them into rounds and toss them in a grilling basket with some oil and herbs.

These tasty veggies have so many amazing benefits, too!

According to Healthline, Zucchini is rich in vitamins and minerals, is high in antioxidants, and may provide a variety of health benefits!

Squash is known to have a wide assortment of benefits as well.

The biggest concern with consuming squash or zucchini on a regular basis tends to be allergies, food-borne illness from bacteria, and possible problems from over-consumption, such as digestive issues or high beta-carotene.

All that said, zucchini and squash are a regular in our diet, and grilled is our favorite way to enjoy them, you guys!

• Peppers & Onions

As a huge fan of onions, I’m totally intrigued by the idea of tossing them on the grill, you guys!

I use onions regularly in my everyday indoor cooking, but I have never thought to add them to the menu on grill nights.

That said, onions and peppers are both consumed regularly in our home, and I’m excited to experiment with them a little more this summer.

One of the best ways to enjoy these awesome veggies on the grill? On a stick, of course! These Veggie skewers – via The Forked Spoon include bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini! They sound totally ah-mazing!

While both onions and peppers are known for being rich in vitamins and antioxidants and having anti-inflammatory properties, onions are the real hero here!

According to the Cleveland Clinic, onions may lower your cancer risk, help fight off chronic conditions, and combat tough bacteria!

Talk about a winner, you guys!

However, like everything, there can be cons to adding too many onions or peppers to your diet.

For example, onions and peppers can both be known to cause digestive issues for certain individuals — especially those with IBS.

Also, onions contain sulfur, which may cause temporary bad breath, while bell peppers can cause gut inflammation due to nightshade sensitivity.

All that said, bell peppers and onions have way too many benefits to ditch and will always be a staple in our home!

• Avocado

Ok, so this is a new one to me.

While I’m a huge avocado fan, I would have never thought to grill one.

If it weren’t for stumbling across this grilled stuffed avocado recipe – via In the Kitch, I likely wouldn’t even have these on my list of vegetables for grilling.

This yummy recipe includes other health-conscious ingredients such as onions and lime juice! The serrano pepper and cherry tomatoes take it up a slight notch, though.

Try pairing this grilled avocado with a Mexican-flaired chicken recipe for a healthy protein-packed meal!

Talk about yum!

Everyone knows avocados are known to be a superfood, but do you know why?

According to Medical News Today, avocados are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C, E, and K, and they are a great source of potassium, magnesium, and omega-3s!

These nutrient-rich green eggs are also known to be good for heart health, vision health, digestion, and a wide variety of other things!

All that said, eating avocados can also pose risks to some individuals — especially when eaten excessively.

From interacting with medications and causing digestive issues to inducing migraines due to tyramine.

In my experience, though, the benefits far outweigh the risks with this one, and avocados will always be on my menu!

• Eggplant

Our family does not consume this veggie as part of our normal everyday diet.

However, I personally love eggplant.

That said, when I do decide to cook this one up, I tend to fry it up in a pan alongside some zucchini.

So, I’m pretty excited to add this to our summer grill rotation instead.

According to Taste of Home, eggplant is low in calories, which can aid in weight loss, and is packed with iron and calcium, making it beneficial for building strong bones.

This superfood can also be good for blood pressure and skin health!

That said, eggplant does contain oxalates, which can cause kidney stones in some individuals, and since it is a nightshade, it may trigger certain sensitivities such as gut discomfort or inflammation.

Also, eggplant is known to have a unique texture, which is not universally loved.

In my humble opinion, though, eggplant is a great option for any night of the week!

A little oil and some seasonings are all you need for grilling this one up. 

• Asparagus

Ok, if I had to pick a favorite vegetable, this would be it, you guys!

That said, I’m also pretty picky about my asparagus.

I like it soft, but not too soft, thick, but not too thick, and seasoned just right.

While I tend to cook this one in the oven, I’ve had it grilled at restaurants before, and man, oh man, is it good!

According to Montana Functional Health, asparagus may benefit skin and digestive health, as well as reduce the chance of kidney stones and balance glucose levels.

This green veggie is also known to be a great source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, and it contains both antioxidants and fiber, making it a great choice for overall health.

What a powerful food, you guys!

All that said, asparagus contains purines, which can increase uric acid levels in the blood or cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as gas or bloating, for certain individuals or when eaten in excess.

I’m still technically on the lookout for a great grill recipe for this one, as my go-to method has previously been steam-grilling them in aluminum foil.

Serving grilled asparagus with grilled salmon or other grilled seafood entrees is ideal in my book!

• Cauliflower

Confession. We are not huge cauliflower eaters.

I tried to add this one to our snacking rotation for many years, but it never really stuck.

I’ve most certainly never used it as a staple for meal veggies either.

So, needless to say, the idea of grilled cauliflower intrigues me, yet doesn’t exactly excite me at the same time.

All that said, I’m ready to dive in and try something new, and this grilled cauliflower via Two Kooks in the Kitchen is it, you guys!

This recipe only calls for a handful of seasonings, olive oil, fresh lemon, and green onions, which sounds pretty simple for a cauliflower beginner like myself.

According to AANMC, cauliflower is high in antioxidants and contains choline, both of which are great for overall health and wellness.

This powerhouse veggie also contains important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, K, folate, and fiber!

However, this white tree-like food can also be known to cause gut discomfort, allergic reactions, interact negatively with some medications, and affect thyroid health and/or iodine absorption due to containing goitrogens.

While I am not personally a huge fan of cauliflower, I think it’s worth a shot to add this one to our menu from time to time.

• Cabbage

I absolutely love cabbage any way I can get it, so the idea of tossing it on the grill sounds a-ok to me, you guys!

From sourkraut to my family’s favorite cabbage soup recipe, cabbage is always on the menu for me.

I can’t even tell you how excited I am to try these grilled cabbage steaks – via Strength and Sunshine.

These healthy rounds can make a savory side dish or low-carb entree, are gluten-free (which I always love), and only take 3 ingredients to make!

According to Brown Health, cabbage is a superfood that is packed with tons of essential vitamins! This powerhouse can reduce inflammation, improve digestion, lower blood pressure, and help manage diabetes.

Talk about awesome!

That said, cabbage can also cause digestive issues in certain individuals and interact negatively with some medications.

I’m definitely looking forward to trying cabbage on the grill up next time we make grilled chicken or steak!

Grilling Mixed Vegetables

While it’s easy to focus on a singular veggie for meal time, sometimes it can be fun to mix it up!

Grilling mixed vegetables is just that.

So, if variety is your jam, these grilled vegetables – via Small Town Woman, will be right up your alley!

This simple recipe includes balsamic vinegar and honey, both of which are considered cooking staples in our household.

Plus, it includes a great variety of mixed veggies from our healthy grilling vegetables list!

From the bell pepper and onions to the zucchini and asparagus! 

Grilled Vegetable Salads

If regular grilled vegetables aren’t enough and you need a super summer side dish to finish your meal right, consider making a grilled vegetable salad instead!

I’ve got 4 awesome recipes for you guys to try this summer.

Check them out below.

• Grilled fennel arugula salad via Evolving Table
• Orzo salad with grilled veggies via – Buttered Veg
• Roasted garlic vegetable salad via Buttered Veg
• Grilled peach salad (above) via Cucina by Elena

All of these sound so amazing, you guys!

Plus, they would make the perfect side dish for grilled burgers or fish!

Fruits fit for Grilling

While not technically vegetables for grilling, I just had to share our favorite pick for grilled fruit + a yummy recipe!

Pineapple is our favorite fruit to toss on the grill, you guys!

Not only is this tropical fruit nutrient-rich, but it also tastes so darn good!

We tend to toss pineapple slices on the grill and either eat them as a side dish or use them as toppings for our burgers — add a little soy-free teriyaki sauce and you’re golden!

All that said, the fruit I’m most looking forward to trying on the grill this summer is hands-down these grilled peaches – via Yellow Bliss Road.

Most fruity dessert recipes call for sugar, and I was thoroughly impressed that this one includes an optional honey glaze instead!

More Healthy Grilling Tidbits

Since grilling healthier is my main goal for this summer, I’ve hardly been writing about anything else, you guys!

I’m learning to leave the aluminum foil behind, choose leaner meat options, and focus on nutrient-rich vegetables.

I hope you will continue to join me on my journey to healthier grilling all summer long.