Elevate your grilling game with this elegant and flavorful veggie tower recipe. Grilled to perfection, these vegetable stacks are layered with fresh mozzarella cheese and drizzled with a deliciously tangy balsamic marinade. This dish is not only visually impressive, but it also offers a great way to enjoy a variety of seasonal vegetables. Ideal for a classy barbecue or an upscale cookout!
Photos of Grilled Veggie Towers with Mozzarella Recipe
The ingredients for this recipe are mainly fresh vegetables which are usually readily available in most supermarkets. However, white balsamic vinegar might not be an everyday household item. It's a kind of balsamic vinegar that has been cooked at a low temperature to prevent caramelization, giving it a golden color. Also, you may need to look for fresh basil, as it is not always available in smaller grocery stores. Make sure to get a good quality mozzarella cheese for the best flavors.
Ingredients for Grilled Veggie Towers with Mozzarella
Eggplant: A meaty vegetable with a unique texture and taste that becomes incredibly tender when grilled.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
Zucchini: A mild vegetable that absorbs the flavors of the marinade and grills beautifully.
Yellow squash: Similar to zucchini in texture and flavor, yellow squash adds a vibrant color contrast.
Red bell peppers: They turn sweet and slightly smoky when grilled.
Mozzarella cheese: Creamy and soft, it will add a lovely, rich layer to your vegetable stack.
Basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves will provide an aromatic touch to your dish.
Chiffonade leaf: This refers to the technique of rolling up leaves and slicing them into thin strips. In this recipe, it's used for garnish.
White balsamic vinegar: This will make your marinade tangy and slightly sweet.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness to the marinade.
Dijon mustard: Gives the marinade a little bit of heat and complexity.
Honey: A touch of honey will balance out the tanginess of the vinegar and mustard.
Oregano: This herb will add a Mediterranean touch to your marinade.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds a slight heat and depth of flavor.
One reader, Buiron Cobb says:
This grilled veggie towers with mozzarella recipe is a game-changer! The balsamic marinade adds a burst of flavor to the veggies, and the melted mozzarella takes it to another level. It's a delightful and healthy dish that's perfect for summer grilling. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Grilled Veggie Towers with Mozzarella
How to grill the vegetables: Grilling the vegetables until they are browned and soft will enhance their flavors and add a smoky touch to the dish.
How to assemble the towers: Assembling the towers requires stacking the grilled vegetables and mozzarella cheese in a specific order to create visually appealing and delicious towers.
How To Make Grilled Veggie Towers with Mozzarella
Impress your guests with grilled veggie towers made with grilled eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and red onion, all topped with mozzarella!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 9ozeggplant,(1 small eggplant)
- 1red onion,large, sliced into 6 slices
- 10ozzucchini,(1 large zucchini)
- 10ozyellow squash,large
- 3red bell peppers
- 6ozmozarella cheese,fresh, cut into 1oz thin slices
- 4basil leaves,large, optional
- 1chiffonade leaf,to garnish, optional
For Balsamic Marinade:
- ¼cupwhite balsamic vinegar
- ¼cupextra-virgin olive oil
- ¼cupwater
- 1tbspdijon mustard
- 1tbsphoney
- ½tsporegano
- 4basil leaves
- ¼tspkosher salt,coarse
- ¼tspground black pepper
Instructions
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Wash and cut the ends of the vegetables.
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Cut the eggplant and red onion into 6 slices. Cut the zucchini and squash into ½-inch thick slices on the bias (diagonally). Cut the red pepper in half and remove innards. Cut in half once again.
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Place all the ingredients of the marinade into a blender or place them into a container, and use an emulsion blender until all ingredients are blended until smooth.
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Combine the vegetables and marinade in a deep bowl or large plastic bag. Allow to sit for at least 1 to 2 hours.
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When ready to grill, remove the vegetables from the marinade with tongs and place the vegetables directly on grill. Discard excess marinade.
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Place the red peppers, skins down, on the grill first since they will need the longest cooking time (about 6 minutes on each side, or until the skin is slightly charred.)
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Grill the additional vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and soft. Remove from grill and set aside.
To Assemble:
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Using a small tin, begin to create your tower of vegetables.
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Begin with the largest vegetable at the bottom. That will most likely be the eggplant, then the onion, red pepper, zucchini, and then the squash.
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Place a piece of basil in between any of the vegetables.
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Top the tower with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Place back on grill and cover grill, and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
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Garnish with basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 281.16kcal
- Fat: 19.16g
- Saturated Fat: 6.83g
- Trans Fat: 0.33g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.52g
- Carbohydrates: 19.79g
- Fiber: 4.24g
- Sugar: 10.64g
- Protein: 9.20g
- Cholesterol: 28.92mg
- Sodium: 302.08mg
- Calcium: 235.38mg
- Potassium: 584.22mg
- Iron: 1.19mg
- Vitamin A: 183.62µg
- Vitamin C: 92.26mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Grilled Veggie Towers with Mozzarella
When grilling vegetables, it's important to keep in mind that each type of vegetable has its own cooking time due to their different densities and water content. For example, red peppers require a longer grilling time compared to zucchini or squash. Therefore, it's best to start grilling the vegetables that take the longest to cook first, and then gradually add the others. This ensures that all your vegetables will be perfectly cooked at the same time. Also, remember to cut your vegetables into even sizes to ensure uniform cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Grilled Veggie Towers
Prep ahead: Chop and marinate the vegetables the night before to save time on the day of grilling.
Use a grill basket: Grill the vegetables in a grill basket to cook them all at once, saving time and ensuring even cooking.
High heat: Preheat the grill to high heat to cook the vegetables quickly and efficiently.
Thin slices: Cut the vegetables into thin slices to reduce grilling time and ensure they cook evenly.
Multi-task: While the vegetables are marinating, prepare the balsamic marinade and set up the grill to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Veggie Towers with Mozzarella Recipe
eggplant - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and a rich, earthy flavor that can stand up well to grilling, making them a great substitute for eggplant in this recipe.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other vegetables in the grilled towers.
yellow squash - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus can provide a similar tender-crisp texture and a slightly nutty flavor, adding a delicious twist to the grilled veggie towers.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with smoked gouda cheese: Smoked gouda cheese can add a rich, smoky flavor to the dish, enhancing the grilled vegetables with its creamy texture and depth of taste.
white balsamic vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that can work well in the balsamic marinade, adding a different dimension to the dish.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard can offer a similar tangy and slightly spicy flavor, adding a delightful texture with the whole mustard seeds.
basil leaves - Substitute with mint leaves: Mint leaves can bring a refreshing and aromatic flavor to the dish, complementing the grilled vegetables and adding a unique twist to the recipe.
Plating Ideas for Grilled Veggie Towers with Mozzarella
Elevate the tower: Carefully stack the grilled vegetables and mozzarella to create a visually stunning tower that showcases the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Garnish with basil chiffonade: Sprinkle a delicate chiffonade of fresh basil over the grilled veggie towers to add a pop of color and a hint of aromatic freshness.
Drizzle with balsamic reduction: Create an artistic drizzle of balsamic reduction on the plate to add a touch of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Arrange on a white rectangular plate: Present the grilled veggie towers with mozzarella on a sleek, white rectangular plate to provide a clean and sophisticated backdrop for the vibrant colors of the dish.
Add a touch of microgreens: Artfully place a few microgreens around the base of the grilled veggie towers to add a subtle hint of earthy flavor and a visually appealing element to the presentation.
Use a circular mold for plating: Place a circular mold on the plate and carefully arrange the grilled veggie towers within the mold to create a perfectly shaped presentation that highlights the layers of vegetables and cheese.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers as a delicate and visually striking garnish to add a touch of elegance and a subtle floral note to the presentation of the grilled veggie towers with mozzarella.
Accent with a drizzle of herb-infused oil: Finish the dish with a drizzle of herb-infused oil around the plate to add a burst of flavor and a glossy sheen that enhances the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Grilled Veggie Towers
- Let the grilled veggie towers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the veggie towers, it's best to freeze them before adding the mozzarella cheese. Place the cooled towers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Once frozen, wrap each tower individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label the container with the date and contents.
- Frozen veggie towers will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat, place the frozen towers on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Add the mozzarella cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt it.
- Alternatively, you can thaw the towers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them in the oven or on the grill. Add the cheese just before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Veggie Towers
To reheat leftover grilled veggie towers in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the towers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and the mozzarella is melted.
For a quicker reheating method, use the microwave. Place the veggie towers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the towers are heated through and the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overheat, as the vegetables may become soggy.
If you have a toaster oven, you can also use it to reheat the grilled veggie towers. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the towers on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the towers are warmed through and the mozzarella is melted.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the veggie towers on a grill pan or outdoor grill. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium heat and lightly brush the towers with olive oil. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the vegetables are heated through and the cheese is melted. This method will give the towers a nice char and smoky flavor.
If you want to freshen up the leftover grilled veggie towers, try adding some fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before reheating. This will add a burst of flavor and make the towers taste like they were just made.
Interesting Trivia About Grilled Veggie Towers with Mozzarella
Grilling vegetables not only enhances their flavor but also retains more nutrients compared to boiling or frying. This method helps to preserve the vitamins and minerals present in the vegetables, making it a healthier option. Additionally, the balsamic marinade used in this recipe adds a tangy and sweet flavor to the vegetables, enhancing their taste. Grilled vegetables are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal, and they can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish.
Is Making Grilled Veggie Towers at Home Cost-Effective?
This grilled veggie towers with mozzarella recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients are affordable and readily available. The vegetables can be purchased in bulk for a reasonable price, and the addition of mozzarella cheese and balsamic marinade does not significantly increase the overall cost. The dish is not only budget-friendly but also nutritious and delicious, making it a great option for families looking to save money without compromising on flavor and quality. I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability and taste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20.
Is This Grilled Veggie Tower Recipe Healthy?
The grilled veggie towers with mozzarella recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish. Here's why:
- The recipe is primarily composed of vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell peppers, which are all low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- The marinade uses white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs, which are healthier alternatives to high-calorie, sugary sauces.
- Mozzarella cheese is used in moderation, providing a good source of protein and calcium without overwhelming the dish with saturated fat.
However, there are a few ways to make this recipe even healthier:
- Use a reduced-fat mozzarella cheese or a plant-based alternative to lower the saturated fat content.
- Increase the variety of vegetables used in the towers, such as adding mushrooms, tomatoes, or spinach, to boost the nutrient profile.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade to add flavor without relying on salt or sugar.
- Serve the veggie towers alongside a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to create a balanced meal.
- Opt for whole grain bread or a leafy green salad as a side dish to increase the fiber content of the overall meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Grilled Veggie Tower Recipe
This recipe for grilled veggie towers with mozzarella is a delightful and visually stunning dish. The balsamic marinade infuses the vegetables with a wonderful depth of flavor, and grilling them adds a smoky char that enhances their natural sweetness. The assembly of the towers with layers of mozzarella and basil creates a beautiful presentation that is sure to impress. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a standout option for a summer gathering or a special dinner. It's a perfect way to showcase the bounty of the season in a delicious and elegant manner.
Enhance Your Grilled Veggie Towers with Mozzarella Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Grilled Veggie Towers with Mozzarella Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh vegetables and creamy mozzarella cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The balsamic marinade infuses the vegetables with a rich, tangy essence, enhancing their natural sweetness. The careful grilling process ensures that each vegetable retains its distinct taste and tenderness. With the addition of fragrant basil leaves, this dish promises a burst of aromatic freshness. The tower presentation adds an element of elegance, making it a visually stunning and appetizing choice for any occasion. Trust in the quality and balance of this recipe for a delightful culinary experience.
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