When we think of cookouts and BBQs, we typically imagine hamburgers, hot dogs, and maybe a brisket or prime rib if you're feeling fancy. However, grills and smokers can be used for many recipes that feature more than just meat. For the vegetarians at the BBQ or the meat-lovers looking for a balanced meal, making veggie-packed recipes on the grill is the perfect solution.
Whether you're grilling up some baby back ribs or some juicy, crispy chicken wings, it's never a bad thing to have a side dish or appetizer featuring some tasty, nutrition-packed veggies. Plus, plenty of veggie grill recipes are downright delicious, featuring the perfect combination of the natural flavor of the vegetables plus the smoky flavor of the grill. Nothing is more summery or festive than a plate of ribs with a smoky salad on the side.
This list of recipes offers a range of veggie options, some including meat and some fully vegetarian. You can bring your spaghetti and meatballs to a new level with smoked spaghetti sauce, or enjoy hummus like you never have before with its smoky twist.
Pellet grills are ideal for cooking at a low, consistent temperature for long periods of time. This results in a subtle smoky flavor that's hard to achieve with other grills. Although this type of grill is perfect for meat dishes, it's also an excellent choice when it comes to veggies and sides.
These 10 recipes are the perfect way to use your pellet grill and switch it up from your go-to meat-centric meals, bringing a new pop of flavor (and healthiness) to the barbecue. Tweak them however you like, trying out different wood chips and adding new veggies to the mix as you perfect these veggie-packed pellet grill recipes.
1. Pellet Grill Summer Vegetables with Burrata
Whenever I see the word "burrata" on the menu, I know I'm in for a treat. This creamy, delicious cheese brings any dish to a new level, and these grilled veggies are no exception. This recipe combines eggplant, zucchini, squash, tomatoes and mushrooms for the perfect veggie medley, along with burrata cheese and a homemade vinaigrette. Enjoy alongside pork shoulder, chicken, beef brisket or salmon for a balanced meal.
Get the recipe at My Recipes.
2. Smoked Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad
Brussels sprouts have made it so far from being the sad veggie you pushed around your plate as a kid. When you know how to cook them, they add an undeniably delicious flavor to any meal. This recipe features shaved Brussels sprouts, which are combined with goat cheese, sweet potatoes, parsnips and shallots. This wood-fired salad is ideal for a pellet smoker or grill and will be the perfect appetizer for your main.
Get the recipe at Traeger.
3. Smoked Hummus With Roasted Vegetables
When it comes to smoked dishes, your grill or smoker is far more versatile than you realize. In this Traeger recipe, you'll smoke the hummus and then grill the veggies for a summery, smoky dip. Add your own twist by trying out different veggies or adding ingredients to your hummus like jalapeño peppers, roasted red peppers, or extra seasonings like cumin, coriander and paprika.
Get the recipe at Traeger.
4. Easy Grilled Chicken and Vegetables
If you're looking for a veggie-packed pellet grill recipe but wouldn't be mad about some protein, this recipe's for you. Grilled chicken and veggies have always been the perfect combo, and the meal is even better when made over a pellet grill. This recipes contains chicken breasts, bell peppers, broccolini, asparagus, and zucchini, along with a homemade marinade full of seasonings and flavor.
Get the recipe at Simply Delicious Food.
5. Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Another veggie side that's ideal for a cookout is grilled sweet potatoes. The naturally sweet flavor is the perfect accompaniment for a burger or steak, and nothing tastes more summery. This recipe is simple and to the point, seasoning the potatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper. When it comes to sweet potatoes, that's really all you need! Enjoy with a plate of mac n cheese and a burger.
Get the recipe here.
6. Smoked Salsa
As someone who loves my food as spicy as can be, I know a good salsa when I see it. My favorite salsas have always been the ones with smoky tomato flavor and a kick, so a grill-smoked salsa is right up my alley. To make this pellet grill recipe, you'll smoke the tomatoes on the grill and then combine them with cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice and cumin in a food processor. This results in an addicting dip that'll be gone within the hour.
Get the recipe at Cook What You Love.
7. Grilled Carrots
Sometimes the most simple recipes are the most delicious. As tasty as a complicated salad full of chopped veggies and covered in dressing is, it's hard to beat the flavor of freshly grilled carrots seasoned with lemon, honey, cumin and salt and pepper. Add the cilantro on top and you have a refreshing, nutritious side to eat with your ribs or chicken wings.
Get the recipe here.
8. Traeger Baked Potato
We know this might be a stretch when making list of veggie-packed recipes, but potatoes are vegetables too, right? Baked potatoes are a go-to when making simple but delicious comfort food, and you can personalize them to fit your preferences. You only need a potato, olive oil and seasoning for this recipe, but feel free to add cheese to make it cheesy or some roasted veggies for extra flavor. Enjoy it as a side for smoked pulled pork or grilled chicken.
Get the recipe at Primal Pioneer.
9. Smoked Spaghetti Sauce
Another smoked sauce option is smoked spaghetti sauce. This unique spin on spaghetti sauce will make your pasta dish stand out from the rest, adding a summery, smoky flavor to the meal. The sauce contains tomatoes, beef, Italian sausage, tomato paste and sauce, and plenty of seasoning. Enjoy it with spaghetti and meatballs or put into a baked pasta dish.
Get the recipe at Girls Can Grill.
10. BBQ Chicken Bowls with Grilled Veggies & Sweet Potatoes
Another tasty chicken option ,these BBQ Chicken Bowls are packed full of grilled veggies and yummy flavors. You'll make your own smoky, spicy dry rub with ingredients like brown sugar, garlic powder and cayenne, which you'll flavor the chicken with. Enjoy the chicken and veggies over rice, quinoa, or greens, and add in some hot sauce or cheese for extra flavor. This is the perfect summertime meal or easy weeknight treat.
Get the recipe at Plays Well With Butter.
