Go for grilled veggies!

Tired of salads this time of year?  While the grill is still hot from your favorite BBQ, why not try grilling your vegetables?  From asparagus to zucchini, summer is a great time to toss onions, peppers, or even fresh beets on the grill.  Afraid of losing your veggies to the gas or charcoal?  Pick up a vegetable grill basket at Target or other big box store for $20.00 and you’re all set.The benefit of grilling is not just in the taste.  Most of us don’t eat enough veggies to begin with, so this is a great way to work them in.  Grilled vegetables retain most of their nutrients because they’re not lost in water from steaming or boiling.  In addition, you can try lots of funky marinades or glazes for vegetables to spice up your palate.Below are a few ideas:1.  Lemon asparagus.  Wash fresh asparagus and cut the tips off.  Brush with a blend of 1 Tbsp. olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon.  After brushing, sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper on the asparagus.  Grill for 2 minutes, then flip and grill the other sides for 2 minutes.2.  Grilled tomatoes.  Slice 2 fresh tomatoes and place them on a grill basket.  Blend 1 Tbsp. olive oil, 1 Tbsp. balsamic or red wine vinegar, 1 clove garlic and 1 Tbsp fresh basil (or ½ Tbsp. dried basil).  Brush tomatoes with the marinade and grill for 2 minutes on each side. Salt and pepper to taste.3.  Rosemary squash.  Slice up 2 yellow or green zucchinis and set aside.  Mix together 1 Tbsp. olive oil, ¼ cup white wine, ½  tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. dried Rosemary.  Place the zucchini in the vegetable basket, then baste with the Rosemary marinade. Grill for 2 minutes, then flip and grill the other sides for 2 minutes.4.  Sesame green beans.  Clean and trim 1 pound of fresh green beans and set aside.  Wisk together 1 Tbsp. sesame oil, 1 clove garlic, 1 Tbsp soy sauce and 1 Tbsp. white vinegar together.  Place the green beans in the vegetable grill basket and brush them with the sesame marinade.  Grill the beans for ~4 minutes.5.  Maple wasabi beets.  Clean and slice fresh beets and set aside.  Mix together 2 Tbsp. maple syrup, 2 Tbsp canola oil and 1 tsp. wasabi.  Place the beets in a vegetable grill pan, then brush them with the marinade.  Grill for 3-4 minutes/side.