Some common foods you might never have thought of grilling become suddenly new and exciting when they meet the open fire. So go a little wild and fire up these fresh foods to add a tasty, healthy, unexpected twist to your summer cookouts.
Lettuce- Heartier varieties like Romaine, Iceberg and Napa Cabbage retain their crispness, but soften and char just enough to become luxurious when grilled. Try this recipe for Grilled Napa Cabbage Wedges with Carrot-Ginger Dressing. This may be your first time grilling lettuce, but I’ll bet it won’t be your last.
Avocado- Halve and pit the avocado, but don’t peel it. Cut the avocado in quarters, brush with oil and lime juice and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Grill the quarters on their flesh sides until grill marks are formed, 5-7 minutes total. It makes a luxurious accompaniment for grilled chicken or fish.
Scallions – Grilling brings out the natural sugars in the scallions, giving them a succulent sweetness and tempting char. They are a stunning and tasty accompaniment for grilled salmon.
Watermelon- Slice watermelon into 1-inch thick wedges, brush lightly with oil and grill over a medium-high heat until grill marks are formed, 2-3 minutes per side. It’s delicious just like that or with a sprinkle of Feta cheese, or a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar.
Peaches- Fresh ripe peaches are perfect eaten just as they are, but grilling them gives them a whole new dimension, concentrating the fruit’s flavor and imparting a lovely caramelized essence. They can be served as a savory side for grilled meat or poultry, or they can go sweet as in this recipe for Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream
