Grilled Veggies with Caper Butter

Grilled Veggies with Caper Butter is a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish that elevates simple grilled vegetables with a rich, tangy caper-infused butter. The smoky char from the grill pairs perfectly with the briny pop of capers and the smooth, savory depth of butter. It’s an elegant yet easy dish that turns any grilled meal into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings out the best in fresh, seasonal vegetables by enhancing their natural flavors with a bold and buttery caper sauce. It’s incredibly versatile—you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand—and it’s quick to prepare. The caper butter adds a unique twist that’s both sophisticated and approachable, making it perfect for backyard cookouts or gourmet-inspired dinners alike.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Zucchini, sliced lengthwise
• Bell peppers, quartered
• Red onion, cut into thick wedges
• Asparagus, trimmed
• Eggplant, sliced into rounds
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

For the caper butter:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Capers, drained and chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon zest
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Grill vegetables in batches for 3–5 minutes per side, or until tender and charred with grill marks. Remove and arrange on a serving platter.
4. While the vegetables grill, make the caper butter. In a bowl, combine softened butter, chopped capers, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. While the vegetables are still warm, dollop or spread the caper butter over the top. It will melt slightly, coating the veggies with flavor.
6. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Add Cheese: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or crumbled feta before serving.
• Herb Swap: Use dill, basil, or thyme in the caper butter for different herbal notes.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for mild heat.
• Citrus Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the veggies before serving.
• Roasting Option: Roast the vegetables in a 425°F oven for 20–25 minutes if grilling isn’t available.

storage/reheating

Store leftover grilled veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Oven: Warm at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until heated through.
• Skillet: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of oil or extra butter.
• Microwave: Reheat for 1–2 minutes, though this may soften the veggies more.

The caper butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for 1 month.

FAQs

What vegetables work best for this recipe?

Zucchini, bell peppers, onions, asparagus, eggplant, and mushrooms are all great choices. Use whatever is fresh and seasonal.

Can I use store-bought caper butter?

Yes, but homemade is easy and tastes fresher. You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge.

What are capers?

Capers are the small flower buds of the caper bush, pickled in brine. They add a salty, tangy burst of flavor.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.

Is this dish vegetarian or vegan?

It’s vegetarian as written. Use vegan butter to make it fully plant-based.

How far ahead can I prep the vegetables?

You can cut and oil the vegetables up to a day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to grill.

Can I make this indoors?

Yes, use a grill pan or roast the veggies in the oven if an outdoor grill isn’t available.

Do I need to peel the vegetables?

Nope! Just wash them well and trim as needed. Most vegetables keep better texture and flavor with the skins on.

What should I serve this with?

These veggies pair beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or served over grains like couscous or quinoa.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Grilled vegetables don’t freeze well due to texture changes, but the caper butter can be frozen separately.

Conclusion

Grilled Veggies with Caper Butter is a fresh, flavorful, and visually stunning side that brings gourmet flair to any meal. Whether you’re grilling for guests or adding variety to your weeknight menu, this easy dish is sure to impress. With tender vegetables and rich, zesty butter, it’s a recipe you’ll return to all season long.

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