Grilled Garden Medley with Savory Blue Cheese Butter
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this delightful Grilled Garden Medley topped with a rich blue cheese butter. Perfect for a hearty lunch or a light snack, this recipe features a colorful assortment of grilled vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, and eggplants, all enhanced by a creamy blue cheese blend. The savory blue cheese butter adds a luxurious finish to the medley, making every bite a satisfying experience. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on a quiet afternoon, this dish will surely become a favorite addition to your culinary repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
blue cheese
3/4 cup (crumbled)
unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (softened)
fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (roasted and mashed)
vegetables
2 lbs (peeled, trimmed, and sliced (asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, eggplant))
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the crumbled blue cheese, softened unsalted butter, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the vegetables.
2
In a separate blender, combine the olive oil, freshly chopped basil, and roasted garlic cloves. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3
Toss the sliced vegetables in the basil and garlic mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Season the vegetables lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors. Allow them to marinate for 20 minutes.
4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, arrange the marinated vegetables on the grill grate, ensuring they do not overcrowd the grill. Grill each side for approximately 4 minutes, or until they develop beautiful grill marks and are tender yet retain a slight crunch.
5
Transfer the grilled vegetables to a serving dish and generously top with the prepared blue cheese butter. Serve warm, allowing the butter to gently melt over the vegetables for a rich flavor experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grilled Garden Medley with Savory Blue Cheese Butter?
It is a vibrant summer dish featuring grilled vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, squash, and eggplant, finished with a rich, creamy blue cheese and butter blend.
What vegetables are included in this medley?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of assorted vegetables including asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, and eggplant.
How do I make the Savory Blue Cheese Butter?
Thoroughly blend 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
What is in the marinade for the vegetables?
The marinade is a blend of 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, and 3 roasted and mashed garlic cloves.
How long should the vegetables marinate?
After tossing the sliced vegetables in the basil and garlic mixture, allow them to marinate for 20 minutes.
What temperature should I set my grill to?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before arranging the vegetables on the grate.
How long do the vegetables need to cook on the grill?
Grill each side for approximately 4 minutes, or until the vegetables have grill marks and are tender but still slightly crunchy.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian summer recipe.
Can I make the blue cheese butter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the butter blend and refrigerate it covered with plastic wrap to allow the flavors to meld.
How much blue cheese is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
What kind of butter should I use?
Use 6 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter.
How many garlic cloves are used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 3 garlic cloves that have been roasted and mashed.
When should I add the blue cheese butter to the vegetables?
Add the butter immediately after transferring the hot grilled vegetables to a serving dish so it can gently melt over them.
Should the lemon juice be fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What herb is used in the vegetable seasoning?
Fresh basil is used, specifically 1 tablespoon of chopped leaves.
How should the vegetables be prepared before grilling?
Vegetables should be peeled, trimmed, and sliced before being tossed in the marinade.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The serving count is not specified, but the recipe uses 2 lbs of vegetables, which is typical for a side dish for 4-6 people.
Is this dish suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a hearty lunch or a light snack.
What is the total weight of the vegetables needed?
The recipe requires a total of 2 lbs of assorted vegetables.
Do I need to peel the carrots and eggplant?
The ingredients list suggests the vegetables should be peeled, trimmed, and sliced.
Should I season the vegetables with salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season them lightly after coating them in the oil mixture and also season the butter blend to taste.
Is this a Mediterranean recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a Mediterranean and healthy lunch option.
What tools do I need for the marinade?
You will need a blender to combine the olive oil, basil, and roasted garlic.
Can I use black pepper in the butter?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper is recommended for seasoning the blue cheese butter.
How do I ensure the vegetables don't steam on the grill?
Arrange the vegetables on the grill grate ensuring they do not overcrowd the grill.
Is olive oil the only fat used for grilling?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil are used to coat the vegetables during the marinating process.
What gives the butter its savory flavor?
The combination of crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper provides the savory profile.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It is served warm to allow the blue cheese butter to melt over the grilled vegetables.
What kind of pepper is best for this recipe?
Freshly ground black pepper is suggested for the best flavor enhancement.
Can I substitute any of the vegetables?
While the recipe specifies asparagus, zucchini, squash, carrots, and eggplant, you can likely use any firm garden vegetables suitable for grilling.