How to Create a Stunning Summer Grilled Vegetable Platter

This post was sponsored by Cece’s® Veggie Co.. All opinions and ideas are my own.

In this post, you will find tips for preparing a stunning grilled vegetable platter AND two recipes for vegetable dipping sauces. Keep scrolling for more photo inspiration and both printable recipes.

Whenever hosting guests during warmer summer months, we often opt for grilled proteins and fresh, vibrant vegetable side dishes. One of my favorite summer vegetable side dishes this year was a grilled vegetable platter served with fun dipping sauces. There is something about a dipping sauce that can entice even the most hesitant diner to give the dish a try. Today, we are sharing tips for creating a stunning summer grilled vegetable platter featuring ready-to-grill vegetables from Cece’s® Veggie Co., and two simple dipping sauces to accompany. I love how easy they make it to incorporate fresh veggies into a summer diet with their ready-to-grill packaging. Keep reading for a few ingredient tips and the full dipping sauce recipes.

Grilled Vegetable Tips

One of the most commonly asked questions when grilling vegetables, is “how do I get perfect grill marks”? First, make sure that your grill or grill pan is set at the proper temperature. Vegetables are best grilled at medium, to medium high temperatures. Allow your grill or grill pan to heat up fully before you begin. Finally, resist the urge to flip often! Flip the vegetables once, midway through the estimated cooking time.

For crinkled cut veggies from Cece’s, begin by removing the fresh veggies from the outer packaging. Cece’s® Grillerz are ready to grill, right out of the package. I would recommend lightly brushing with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper before grilling. Once you are ready to grill, simply set the vegetables onto a prepared grill or grill pan and follow our tips above for perfect grill marks. The sweet potatoes will take approximately 10 minutes to cook through, flipping half way through. And, the summer squash, will take 6-9 minutes to cook, depending upon their size and thickness.

How to Assemble a Grilled Vegetable Platter

When assembling a grilled vegetable platter, I like to start with selecting 3-5 vegetable varieties. For our grilled vegetable platter, we highlighting 2 styles of summer squash, yellow and white sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Once the vegetables are grilled, arrange them by type on a large platter or serving dish. Keep in mind that you will want to delay layering vegetables onto a platter until you are ready to serve to avoid the juices to cause them to become soggy.

To complement the grilled vegetables, I personally love a great dipping sauce. When serving, place the dipping sauces into small, shallow bowls, then nestle them between your vegetable display. Garnish the entire vegetable platter with your favorite fresh herbs. We are sharing our two favorite vegetable dipping sauce recipes below; romesco and yogurt mint. Keep reading for the full dipping sauce recipes.

What is Romesco Sauce?

This Spanish condiment is full of robust, earthy flavors! It is made with roasted peppers, onions, garlic and hazelnuts. We are sharing an amazing romesco sauce recipe below, but you can also find delicious pre-made sauces at your local grocer. Jump to Recipe

Romesco Dipping Sauce 

Yield 1 ½ cups

1 large bell pepper
½ white onion diced into wedges
2 garlic cloves or 1 tsp garlic powder
¼ c olive oil
¼ c water
½ c toasted hazelnuts
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili flakes
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
¼ c chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Cut the bell pepper in half, remove the seeds and place, open side down on a greased sheet pan. Add onion wedges, drizzle with olive oil and roast until tender, approximately 30 minutes.
3. Place the onion and bell pepper into a food processor or commercial blender along with the remaining ingredients (except parsley). Pulse until combined.
4. To serve, place your mixture into a small bowl and garnish with parsley and a pinch of chopped hazelnuts.

For a lighter dipping sauce option that is milder in flavor, consider a yogurt mint sauce. Jump to Recipe

Yogurt Mint Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

1 c Greek yogurt
1/8 c fresh mint, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp EVOO
Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Combine yogurt with chopped mint in a small bowl.
2. Add the minced garlic, ¼ tsp salt and black pepper.
3. Swirl in 1 tsp EVOO.
4. Garnish with fresh mint. Serve immediately.

With our tips for creating a delicious grilled vegetable platter, along with some fun dipping sauce recipes, you are ready to entertain family, friends or to simply enjoy a simple and healthy meal at home. With ready to grill vegetables, cut down on your kitchen preparation time and enjoy more time with those around you. You can find Cece’s® Grillerz at your local grocer, in the refrigerated vegetable case.

For more appetizer or side dish recipes, don’t miss these posts:

Create Authentic Green Olive Dip

Summer Nicoise Salad Recipe