5 Tips to Make Vegetables Taste Amazing This January

As we kick off the New Year, many are embracing resolutions to eat healthier. But who says healthy food has to be bland?

With the right techniques, you can turn simple vegetables into mouthwatering dishes that you'll crave. Champion pitmaster Christie Vanover shares five expert tips to make vegetables taste fantastic using a grill.

Choose the Right Vegetables for Grilling

Not all veggies are grill-friendly, but plenty are. Summer squash like zucchini and yellow squash are available year-round. Mushrooms, particularly portobello or cremini, deliver a hearty, almost meaty flavor when grilled. Winter squashes like acorn or butternut require a bit more preparation but reward you with rich, caramelized goodness. Don’t overlook green vegetables like asparagus, broccolini or baby bok choy, which hold up well to high heat.

Prep Like a Pro

The secret to flavorful grilled vegetables lies in the prep. Slice your veggies to maximize surface area for caramelization, which enhances their natural sweetness. For example:

• Slice zucchini and yellow squash into long strips to prevent them from slipping through the grates.

• Use toothpicks to secure onion slices, ensuring they stay intact during grilling.

• Soften hard-skinned vegetables like butternut squash by microwaving for 30–60 seconds before slicing.

Season Strategically

A drizzle of olive or avocado oil is the first step to great seasoning, as it helps spices stick and prevents veggies from drying out. Start with simple kosher salt and black pepper, or elevate your flavors with Girls Can Grill Chicken Rub. It adds a savory punch to vegetables. Want versatility for meal prep? Start with basic seasoning and customize your veggies with different spices or sauces later.

Master the Heat

Set your grill to medium-high, direct heat, around 375-400F. Whether using a charcoal, gas or pellet grill, preheat thoroughly and clean the grates to ensure your veggies don’t stick. Grill most vegetables for 8-10 minutes, flipping them once they achieve a good char. Harder vegetables like carrots or winter squash may take closer to 15-20 minutes. The key is to monitor texture. Aim for tender but not mushy veggies.

Experiment with Flavors

Once your veggies are grilled, the fun begins. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors. For an Asian twist, drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Craving heat? Sprinkle on taco seasoning or a few dashes of hot sauce. These simple additions can transform grilled vegetables into the star of any meal.

Bonus: Use Grilled Veggies in Creative Dishes

Grilled vegetables are as versatile as they are delicious. Add them to salads, pasta, wraps, burgers or even breakfast dishes like omelets or frittatas. Preparing a batch in advance saves time and ensures you have healthy options ready to go all week.

Grilling vegetables doesn’t just make them taste better, it makes sticking to those healthy New Year’s resolutions a whole lot easier. Fire up your grill, experiment with these tips and savor the smoky, charred flavors of perfectly prepared veggies.

Here are 20 more different grilled vegetable recipes.