Elevate your summer dinners with this incredibly easy grilled vegetable platter, featuring a creamy whipped feta that perfectly complements the smoky flavors. This recipe is an absolute gem for anyone looking for fantastic grilling recipes and makes a superb side dish or a light, satisfying meal on its own.
Get ready to discover all the details to bring this vibrant and delicious dish to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s truly one of the best ways to enjoy fresh summer produce.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Grilled Vegetable Platter with Whipped Feta
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Elevate your summer dinners with this incredibly easy grilled vegetable platter, featuring a creamy whipped feta that perfectly complements the smoky flavors. This recipe is an absolute gem for anyone looking for fantastic grilling recipes and makes a superb side dish or a light, satisfying meal on its own.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables for Grilling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, and mushrooms. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything gently until the vegetables are evenly coated.
2. Preheat Your Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 400 F / 200 C). Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. A well-heated grill is crucial for good grill marks and even cooking.
3. Grill the Vegetables in Batches: Place the seasoned vegetables directly onto the hot grill grates. Grill in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the vegetables instead of charring them. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are tender-crisp and have nice grill marks. The red onion and bell peppers may take slightly longer than the zucchini and squash.
4. Whip the Feta Spread: While the vegetables are grilling, prepare the whipped feta. In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Process until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more olive oil or water until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
5. Assemble the Platter: Once all the vegetables are grilled, arrange them artfully on a large serving platter. You can create sections for each vegetable or mix them for a more rustic look.
6. Serve with Whipped Feta: Spoon the whipped feta generously onto the platter, either in a central dollop or several smaller dollops around the vegetables. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or mint, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: grilling
- Cuisine: mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4-1/6 of platter
Keywords: grilled vegetables, whipped feta, summer recipe, healthy dinner, vegetarian, easy grilling, mediterranean, side dish, quick meal, party food
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This grilled veggie platter with whipped feta is a true crowd-pleaser and a weeknight savior. You’ll adore how effortlessly it comes together, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want a wholesome and impressive meal. It’s incredibly versatile, catering to various dietary preferences, and the combination of smoky, tender vegetables with the tangy, creamy feta is simply irresistible. This recipe is ideal for anyone who enjoys fresh, vibrant flavors and wants to incorporate more vegetables into their diet in a delicious way. It shines as a centerpiece for backyard BBQs, a vibrant addition to potlucks, or a light and satisfying dinner on a warm evening.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this grilled veggie platter is straightforward, focusing on fresh produce and simple pantry staples. The star of the show is, of course, the vegetables, which can be easily customized based on what’s fresh and available. The whipped feta comes together with just a few ingredients, creating a luxurious and flavorful dip that ties everything together beautifully.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds or spears
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds or spears
- 1 red onion, cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stems trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for feta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces block feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or mint, chopped, for garnish (optional)
For simple substitutions, feel free to swap out the bell peppers for orange or green varieties. Eggplant, cherry tomatoes (skewered), or asparagus also grill wonderfully and would be excellent additions. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, a little milk or even a touch of water can help achieve the right consistency for the whipped feta, though Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang. Any good quality olive oil will work for both the vegetables and the feta. Dried thyme or a mixed Italian seasoning can be used in place of oregano for a slightly different flavor profile.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for efficiency, getting a delicious and healthy meal on the table without hours of effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
The bulk of the time is spent on chopping the vegetables and then grilling them until tender and slightly charred. The whipped feta comes together in mere minutes, making the overall process incredibly quick and manageable for a weeknight.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this grilled veggie platter is a breeze with these straightforward steps. The key is to prepare your ingredients efficiently and keep an eye on the grill for that perfect char.
- Prepare the Vegetables for Grilling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, and mushrooms. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything gently until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Preheat Your Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. A well-heated grill is crucial for good grill marks and even cooking.
- Grill the Vegetables in Batches: Place the seasoned vegetables directly onto the hot grill grates. Grill in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the vegetables instead of charring them. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are tender-crisp and have nice grill marks. The red onion and bell peppers may take slightly longer than the zucchini and squash.
- Whip the Feta Spread: While the vegetables are grilling, prepare the whipped feta. In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Process until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more olive oil or water until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Platter: Once all the vegetables are grilled, arrange them artfully on a large serving platter. You can create sections for each vegetable or mix them for a more rustic look.
- Serve with Whipped Feta: Spoon the whipped feta generously onto the platter, either in a central dollop or several smaller dollops around the vegetables. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or mint, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This grilled veggie platter is incredibly adaptable, making it perfect for various occasions and tastes.
- Kid-Friendly Options: For younger palates, you might want to cut vegetables into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Offer a milder dip alongside the feta, like hummus or a ranch dressing, if the feta’s tang is too strong for them. Sweet potatoes or corn on the cob (grilled) are also popular with kids and can be added to the platter.
- Protein Boost: To make this a more substantial meal, add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or halloumi cheese to the platter. Tofu or tempeh also grill beautifully and would be a fantastic plant-based protein addition.
- Party and Buffet Serving: This platter is a showstopper for any gathering. Arrange the vegetables beautifully on a large board, with the whipped feta in a small bowl in the center. Offer pita bread, crackers, or crusty baguette slices for dipping into the feta. You can also add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Optional Toppings and Dips: Beyond the fresh herbs, consider a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or some toasted sesame seeds. Other dips that pair well include a classic tzatziki, roasted red pepper dip, or even a simple pesto.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will ensure your grilled veggie platter turns out perfectly every time.
- Overcrowding the Grill: This is a big one! When you put too many vegetables on the grill at once, the temperature drops, and the vegetables steam instead of getting those desirable char marks. Work in batches to allow proper air circulation and direct heat contact.
- Under-Seasoning: Grilled vegetables need a good amount of seasoning to truly shine. Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, herbs, and garlic powder. Taste a small piece after grilling and adjust if needed.
- Unevenly Cut Vegetables: If your vegetables are cut into different sizes, some will cook faster than others, leading to a mix of burnt and raw pieces. Aim for uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
- Not Oiling the Grill Grates (or the Veggies Enough): This leads to sticking, which can tear your beautifully grilled vegetables. Ensure your grates are clean and lightly oiled, and that the vegetables themselves have a good coating of olive oil.
- Over-Grilling: While a little char is good, burnt vegetables are not. Keep an eye on them, especially softer vegetables like zucchini and squash, as they cook quickly. They should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Too Thick Whipped Feta: If your whipped feta is too stiff, it won’t be as enjoyable for dipping or spreading. Add a tiny bit more olive oil, lemon juice, or even a splash of water or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, creamy, spreadable consistency.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This grilled veggie platter is best enjoyed fresh, but you can certainly prepare components ahead of time and store leftovers properly.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover grilled vegetables should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The whipped feta should also be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating Grilled Vegetables: To reheat, you can gently warm the vegetables in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or briefly in the microwave. For best texture, avoid over-reheating. They are also delicious served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
