Summer BBQ inspiration: fruit & vegetables in the lead
7 August 2025
Barbecuing has long since ceased to be all about meat. More and more people are discovering the versatility of vegetables and fruit on the grill. With the right preparation, they take on an intense, full flavour and add colour and variety to your plate. This blog is full of inspiration and popular recipes that are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. From colourful vegetable skewers to tropical desserts, these favourites will take your summer BBQ to the next level.
Vegetable skewers
A classic that never gets boring and brings a colourful feast to the table. Think juicy aubergine, sweet tomato, crunchy corn, aromatic fennel, fresh paprika, tender courgette and cauliflower florets. The variation in texture and flavour makes every bite interesting. Ideal as a side dish and always a success with both adults and children.
Tip: marinate the vegetables a few hours in advance in olive oil, lemon juice and fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary. This way, the flavours soak in deeply and caramelise beautifully on the grill. Serve as a side dish with grilled bread or a fresh salad.
Grilled vegetables 'à la plancha'
For those who love convenience and flavour, this dish is a winner. Courgette, carrot, pepper, spring onion and asparagus are coated in fragrant garlic-thyme oil and then grilled briefly but vigorously on the BBQ or plancha. This allows them to retain their bite but still develop that typical smoky barbecue flavour.
Extra tip: add a creamy garlic-yoghurt sauce by mixing yoghurt with chopped garlic, a dash of lemon juice and some pepper. This fresh sauce contrasts wonderfully with the warm, spicy vegetables. Perfect as a side dish with both vegetarian and meat dishes.
Summer vegetables with parsley sauce
Summer vegetables with parsley is a tasty main dish for BBQ. Peppers, courgettes and aubergines are roasted in an aluminium dish until they are soft and fragrant. This gives the vegetables a subtle sweetness and preserves their juiciness. With this comes a creamy parsley sauce, made of yoghurt, garlic, olives and lots of fresh parsley.
Tip: prepare the sauce in advance to allow the flavours to soak in. Serve this dish with a piece of fresh bread to dip in the delicious sauce. This is a dish that not only looks great, but is also packed with vitamins.
Pineapple parcels with ginger and lime
A tropical BBQ dessert that is both fresh and sweet. Pineapple is cut into small pieces and mixed with lime zest, lime juice and a touch of fresh ginger. The pieces then go into an aluminium foil packet that is placed directly on the grill. Within five minutes, you have a delicious hot dessert where the pineapple releases its sugars and takes on a slightly caramelised flavour.
Extra tip: serve with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for a luxurious finish to your BBQ. The contrast between hot and cold makes this dessert extra special.
Spicy plantain with chilli lime
A surprising finale to your barbecue that everyone will want to taste. Plantains are sliced diagonally into thick slices and drizzled with lime juice and a spicy chilli sauce. On the grill, they turn golden brown and take on a soft, almost creamy interior. The combination of sweet and spicy makes for a unique taste experience.
Tip: serve the plantain as a hot snack or as a dessert with a lick of Greek yoghurt or a little honey. This balances the spiciness even better with the sweetness of the banana.
