I absolutely love grilled vegetables – not only do they taste great, but they are healthy and so easy to make! This video contains some great tips on how to grill vegetables.

Before grilling veggies, be sure to wash and dry them. Some veggies, such as asparagus, corn, and mushrooms, can be grilled whole; however, some veggies should be cut up before grilling, such as eggplant, onion, peppers, and zucchini. Before placing veggies on the grill, be sure to put a light coat of oil on them – because veggies have no fat, the oil will help prevent them from sticking to the grill, and they will also get those great-looking grill marks that we love.

You can also marinate them for some extra flavor. Here is a simple recipe:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup minced fresh herbs
• 2 garlic cloves finely minced (optional)

Pour the marinade over the veggies and let sit for one hour. When done, be sure to shake off any extra marinade before placing them on the grill to prevent any flareups.

For smaller veggies, consider using a grill basket so they don’t fall into the fire – don’t forget to flip them so they cook evenly. You can also make kabobs – it is important to soak bamboo skewers in water for 20-30 minutes so they don’t char on the grill. Another great way to grill smaller veggies is inside an oil packet – wrap the veggies, along with some oil, butter, herbs, and seasonings, in aluminum foil and place the packet on the grill.

Keep in mind that some veggies, such as eggplant and onions, take longer to cook so if you are doing a lot of grilling, you might want to start with these.

Farmers markets are a great place to purchase fresh vegetables. Don’t forget to take my Farmers Market Shopping List, which is included in my Clean Eating Made Easy e-book, with you! Use this shopping list to keep track of your favorite farmers market locations (including their location, days, and times), and your favorite vendors at each farmers market location. Plus, you can make a note if your favorite vendors sell certified organic and/or non-GMO food, and your favorite items that these vendors carry.