10ounceskaleloosely chopped or torn // ~6 cups as original recipe is written
CHICKPEAS
1 15-ouncecan chickpeasrinsed, drained and thoroughly dried
1 1/2Tbspoliveavocado or grape seed, oil
2 1/2 – 3Tbsptandoori masala spice blend
DRESSING
1head garlic
1/4cuptahini
2Tbspolive oil + more for roasting garlic
2mediumlemons*juiced
1-2Tbspmaple syrupor honey if not vegan
1pincheach salt + pepper
Hot waterto thin
Instructions
Peel apart garlic cloves but leave the skin on.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C).
Add drained chickpeas to a mixing bowl and toss with oil and seasonings.
Add garlic cloves and seasoned chickpeas to a baking sheet.
Drizzle garlic with a bit of olive or grape seed oil.
Bake for 20-23 or until the chickpeas are slightly crispy and golden brown and the garlic is fragrant and slightly browned.
Remove from oven and set aside.
Squeeze garlic out of skins / peel away skins and add to a mixing bowl.
Add all remaining dressing ingredients and whisk vigorously to combine, smashing the garlic with the whisk.
Taste and adjust seasonings as desired, adding more lemon for brightness and maple syrup for sweetness.
Set aside.
Add kale to a large mixing bowl.
Before adding dressing, add 1 Tbsp each lemon juice and olive oil (amount as original recipe is written // alter is adjusting batch size) to the kale and massage with hands to soften the texture and lessen bitterness.
Then add as much dressing as desired (some may be leftover) and mix with a spoon.
Top with chickpeas and serve.
Best when fresh, though leftovers keep in the fridge for up to a few days.
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat, add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, water, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili and simmer until it thickens a bit, about 5 minutes.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Tip:For a thicker dipping sauce, use only ¼ cup water. Experiment with the peanut butter to hoisin sauce ratio to achieve your preferred flavor.Wine Advice:(Wine pairing is typically not applicable for a dressing, but consider a light, slightly sweet white wine like Gewürztraminer if serving with a dish.)
Boil the corn for 3, then remove and allow to cool slightly so that they can be handled.
Cut kernels off the cob into a large bowl.
Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together butter, lime juice, chili powder, and chopped cilantro.
Pour the chili lime mixture over the corn and mix to coat.
Add the crumbled queso fresco and stir.
Season with salt to taste.
Serve at room temperature.
Refrigerate leftovers.
Notes & Wine Advice
*Queso fresco is a soft, mild, creamy Mexican cheese that can be crumbled easily. I found it at my local grocery store the cheese section, but if you cannot find it feta would be a good substitution.
23-ounce packages of ramen noodles*, crumbled (you will not use the seasoning packet)
1cupshelled and cooked edamame
1avocadopeeled, pitted and diced
1mangopeeled, pitted, and julienned (or diced)
1/2cupthinly-sliced almonds
1/2cupthinly-sliced green onionsscallions
Asian honey vinaigrettesee ingredients below
ASIAN HONEY VINAIGRETTE
1/2cupavocado oilor vegetable oil, or any cooking oil
1/4cuphoneyor your desired sweetener
1/4cuprice vinegar
2teaspoonssoy sauce
1/4teaspoontoasted sesame oil
pinchof salt and black pepper
Instructions
TO MAKE THE SALAD:
Heat oven to 425°F.
Spread the crumbled ramen noodles and sliced almonds out on a baking sheet, and stir a bit to combine.
Bake for about 5, or until the almonds and noodles are slightly toasted and golden.
Remove baking sheet, and give the mixture a good stir to toss.
Then return it to the oven and toast for an additional 3.
Keep a very close eye on the mixture so that it does not burn.
Remove and set aside.
Add ingredients (including the vinaigrette) together in a large bowl, and toss until combined.
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
(This salad is much better eaten the first day, as the noodles lose their “crunch” the longer it sits, and the avocado may brown a bit. Still, it’s perfectly edible and enjoyable even after a few days!)
Summer veggie medley combines smoky grilled vegetables, fresh basil, tangy lemon dressing, and creamy Gorgonzola into a colorful salad packed with vibrant summer flavor. The vegetables develop beautiful charred edges on the grill while staying tender and juicy inside. Combined with sweet corn, fresh tomatoes, and rich cheese, this salad feels fresh, hearty, and ideal for outdoor dining.
What makes this grilled vegetable salad especially memorable is the contrast between smoky vegetables and creamy Gorgonzola. The lemon dressing brightens the vegetables while basil adds fresh herbal flavor throughout the dish. Together, the ingredients create a balance of richness, acidity, sweetness, and smoky depth.
Why summer veggie medley is perfect for grilling
The popularity of summer veggie medley recipes continues to grow because grilling transforms simple vegetables into something rich, smoky, and deeply flavorful. High grill heat caramelizes the natural sugars inside the vegetables while preserving freshness and texture. The result feels satisfying enough for a main vegetarian dish while also working beautifully as a side.
Another reason this grilled vegetable recipe works so well is its flexibility. Zucchini, asparagus, eggplant, peppers, onions, squash, and corn all absorb smoky grilled flavor naturally. This makes the salad easy to adapt depending on seasonal produce or personal preference.
Fresh vegetables and creamy cheese create balance
The creamy Gorgonzola adds richness that balances the smoky grilled vegetables beautifully. Sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and tender squash bring freshness while the lemon dressing keeps the salad bright and lively. Basil also adds fresh herbal notes that complement the charred vegetables naturally.
If you enjoy colorful barbecue side dishes, you may also like our BBQ Aardappelpakketjes, another flavorful grilled recipe perfect for summer gatherings and outdoor meals.
Texture is one of the highlights of this summer salad. The vegetables stay tender while the grilled edges become slightly crisp and smoky. Crumbled Gorgonzola melts slightly into the warm vegetables, creating creamy bites throughout the salad.
The lemon dressing gives this summer veggie medley additional brightness and balance. Dijon mustard, lemon juice, herb-infused oil, and black pepper create a light dressing that enhances the vegetables without overpowering their natural flavor.
This grilled vegetable recipe also works wonderfully for entertaining because many of the vegetables can be prepared ahead of time. Once grilled, the salad comes together quickly and can be served warm or at room temperature during barbecues and outdoor dinners.
Proper food handling remains important whenever preparing fresh vegetables and dairy products. Vegetables should be washed carefully before grilling and cheese stored properly before serving. For additional kitchen safety and food preparation guidance, visit the FDA.
Ultimately, summer veggie medley delivers smoky grilled flavor, fresh seasonal vegetables, creamy cheese, and bright citrus dressing in a colorful dish perfect for barbecues, picnics, and relaxed summer meals.
prevents your screen from turning off”
Charred Summer Veggie Medley with Gorgonzola
Grilled summer vegetables with lemon dressing, fresh basil, and creamy Gorgonzola cheese.
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