Grilled Rainbow Vegetable Medley Packets
Elevate your grilling game with these delightful Grilled Rainbow Vegetable Medley Packets! This vibrant combination of fresh corn, colorful bell peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes is perfectly seasoned to bring out the natural flavors of each ingredient. The grilling process enhances the sweetness of the vegetables while the butter (or olive oil) adds a rich, savory touch. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, these packets can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Just toss them on the grill, and in 15-20 minutes, you'll have a wholesome, delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh corn
2 cups (cut/shaved from the cob)
red sweet bell pepper
1 (cut into strips)
green bell pepper
1 (cut into strips)
onion
1 small (sliced)
cherry tomatoes
8-10 (cut in halves)
zucchini
2 medium (cut into 1-inch pieces (optional))
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
dried basil
1/4 teaspoon
lemon pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
to taste
butter
2 tablespoons (divided (or to taste))
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh corn, red and green bell peppers, sliced onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and optional zucchini.
2
Add the chopped parsley, dried basil, lemon pepper, and salt to the vegetables. Toss everything well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3
Lay out two sheets of heavy-duty foil, each measuring 12x12 inches. Evenly distribute the vegetable mixture onto the center of each foil sheet.
4
Dot each vegetable mound with 1 tablespoon of butter. If desired, you can add a bit more for extra richness.
5
Carefully bring the ends of the foil together and twist to seal securely, creating a packet. For ventilation, you can poke a few small holes in the top, but this is not necessary.
6
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the foil packets directly on the grill grates.
7
Grill the packets for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through. You can check for doneness by carefully opening a packet (beware of the hot steam!).
8
Once cooked, remove the packets from the grill and serve hot. Enjoy this delicious medley of grilled vegetables!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Rainbow Vegetable Medley Packets?
They are a vibrant mix of fresh corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini seasoned and cooked inside foil packets on the grill.
How long does it take to grill the vegetable packets?
The packets should be grilled for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
What grill temperature is recommended?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat for the best results.
Can I prepare these vegetable packets in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the packets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to grill.
How do I seal the foil packets?
Bring the ends of the heavy-duty foil together over the vegetables and twist them securely to create a sealed packet.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The medley includes fresh corn, red and green bell peppers, onion, cherry tomatoes, and optional zucchini.
Is the zucchini required?
No, the zucchini is listed as an optional ingredient in this recipe.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, olive oil can be used as a substitute for butter to add a different flavor profile or for a vegan option.
Is this Grilled Rainbow Vegetable Medley gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
How should I prepare the fresh corn?
The corn should be cut or shaved directly from the cob before being added to the mixing bowl.
How should the bell peppers be cut?
Both the red and green bell peppers should be cut into strips.
How many foil packets does this recipe make?
The recipe instructions describe creating two foil packets by dividing the vegetable mixture onto two sheets of foil.
What seasonings are used in the medley?
The vegetables are seasoned with fresh parsley, dried basil, lemon pepper, and salt.
Do I need to poke holes in the foil for ventilation?
Poking small holes in the top is optional and not strictly necessary for the vegetables to cook properly.
Can these be cooked in an oven?
While the recipe is designed for the grill, you can bake the foil packets in a preheated oven at 400°F for a similar amount of time.
How do I check if the vegetables are done?
Carefully open one packet to check for tenderness, being very cautious of the hot steam that will escape.
What size foil sheets should I use?
The recipe recommends using two sheets of heavy-duty foil, each measuring 12x12 inches.
Can I use dried parsley if I don't have fresh?
Yes, but use about one-third the amount of dried parsley as you would fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is heavy-duty foil necessary?
Heavy-duty foil is recommended because it is less likely to tear on the grill grates when moving the packets.
What type of onion works best?
A small sliced onion is called for; yellow, white, or red onions all work well depending on your preference.
Can I add other vegetables to the packets?
Yes, you can customize the packets with other vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this a good side dish for a barbecue?
Absolutely, it is an ideal side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and other barbecue favorites.
How do I store leftover grilled vegetables?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn can be used if fresh is unavailable, though fresh corn shaved from the cob offers the best texture for grilling.
What does the lemon pepper add to the dish?
Lemon pepper provides a bright, citrusy zing and a mild peppery bite that complements the sweetness of the corn and peppers.
How should I handle the packets after grilling?
Use tongs to remove the packets from the grill and let them sit for a minute before opening to avoid steam burns.
Is there a lot of prep work involved?
The prep mainly involves chopping and slicing the vegetables, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
Can I grill these on a charcoal grill?
Yes, these packets cook perfectly on both gas and charcoal grills over medium-high heat.
Does the butter melt into the vegetables?
Yes, as the packets heat up, the butter melts and coats the vegetables, adding a rich and savory finish.