Vibrant Veggies With Caper Butter Recipe

Sizzling Grilled Veggies With Caper Butter Recipe for Summer Fun

Sautéed vegetables shine when drizzled with a zesty caper butter that instantly elevates every bite.

Crisp seasonal produce meets rich, tangy sauce in this simple yet sophisticated side dish.

Bright colors and bold flavors dance across the plate, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Fresh vegetables absorb the buttery, briny notes of capers, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Each forkful delivers a punch of nutrition and mouthwatering complexity.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, transforming ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary accompaniment.

Let this caper butter vegetable medley become your new go-to recipe for impressive, flavorful dining.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

Grilled Veggie Ingredients For Caper Butter Magic

For Grilling Base:
  • Olive Oil: Helps vegetables cook evenly and prevents sticking to grill grates.
  • Salt: Enhances natural vegetable flavors and helps create delicious caramelization.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complements vegetable sweetness.
For Vegetable Selection:
  • Assorted Summer Vegetables: Provides colorful, fresh texture and varied nutrition.
  • Zucchini: Mild flavor that absorbs seasonings beautifully.
  • Bell Peppers: Adds vibrant color and sweet roasted notes.
  • Eggplant: Creates rich, meaty texture when grilled.
For Caper Butter Finishing:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates silky, rich coating that melts luxuriously over warm vegetables.
  • Capers: Introduces tangy, briny punch to brighten the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh herbal brightness and beautiful green color.
  • Lemon Zest: Provides intense citrus aroma without excessive acidity.
  • Lemon Juice: Cuts through richness and adds zesty complexity.
  • Fresh Black Pepper: Gives final sparkling heat and depth to butter sauce.

Tools To Grill Veggies With Caper Butter

  • Grill: Essential for creating those perfect char marks and smoky flavor.
  • Grill basket: Helps prevent small veggies from falling through grates.
  • Small mixing bowl: Needed for preparing caper butter.
  • Cutting board: For slicing vegetables and chopping herbs.
  • Sharp knife: To cleanly slice vegetables and chop parsley.
  • Spatula or tongs: For safely turning and moving vegetables on the grill.
  • Serving platter: To arrange and present grilled vegetables.
  • Zester or grater: For creating lemon zest.
  • Spoon: To mix and dollop caper butter.

Steps To Make Veggies With Caper Butter

  • Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to a sizzling medium-high heat. Give the grates a quick brush of oil or slide a grill basket in place to prevent sticking.

  • Dress the Veggie Squad

Massage your sliced vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper for a flavor boost.

  • Char Those Beauties

Toss veggies onto the grill, working in batches. Let them sizzle and dance for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop gorgeous grill marks and turn tender.

  • Whip Up Zesty Caper Butter

In a small bowl, blend softened butter with chopped capers, bright lemon zest, a splash of lemon juice, fresh parsley, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until smooth and irresistible.

  • Serve with Flair

While the veggies are still warm, generously dollop the caper butter on top. Watch it melt into delicious pools, then serve immediately. Enjoy hot or at room temperature for maximum flavor.

Tips For Flavorful Veggies With Caper Sauce

  • Grill Mastery Techniques: Use high-quality olive oil and ensure even coating on vegetables for perfect caramelization and char marks.
  • No-Fail Veggie Selection: Choose firm vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus that hold up well to high grilling temperatures without falling apart.
  • Low-Carb and Keto Friendly: Replace regular butter with grass-fed butter or ghee to increase healthy fat content and maintain ketogenic diet compatibility.
  • Vegan Transformation: Swap dairy butter with plant-based butter alternatives or olive oil mixed with nutritional yeast for a similar rich, savory flavor profile that mimics traditional caper butter.
  • Herb Swap Magic: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives instead of parsley to create unique flavor variations that complement the caper and lemon notes in the butter.

Ways To Serve Grilled Veggies With Butter

  • Rustic Garden Party Feast: Arrange grilled veggies on a large wooden board with scattered fresh herbs, creating a vibrant centerpiece that invites guests to dig in.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Pair the grilled vegetables with warm pita bread, hummus, and tzatziki, transforming the dish into a stunning appetizer platter perfect for sharing.
  • Protein Companion Plate: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or lamb to create a complete meal where the caper butter adds a zesty, rich complement to the protein's flavor.
  • Cozy Brunch Sidekick: Incorporate the grilled veggies into a weekend breakfast by nestling them next to scrambled eggs or adding them to a frittata for a gourmet morning touch.

Keep Grilled Veggies With Caper Butter Fresh

  • Veggie Grill Meal Magic: Storage & Enjoyment Guide
  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover grilled vegetables in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The capers and butter add extra flavor as they cool, making next-day meals even more delicious.
  • Quick Meal Transformation: Chop cold grilled veggies into salads, wrap them in tortillas, or toss with pasta for instant lunch upgrades. The caper butter works brilliantly as a flavor booster.
  • Freezer-Friendly Trick: Spread vegetables on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags. Caper butter can be rolled into a log, wrapped tightly, and frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating Pro Tip: Warm grilled vegetables gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to maintain their charred texture. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy results and preserve the delightful grilled crispness.
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Vibrant Veggies With Caper Butter Recipe

Vibrant Veggies With Caper Butter Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Grilled Veggies with Caper Butter blends Mediterranean charm with summer’s fresh produce. Zesty herb-infused butter melts over charred vegetables, creating a simple yet elegant side dish perfect for sharing with friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into 0.25 in (0.64 cm) rounds
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced
  • 1 small eggplant, sliced into rounds
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 4 tbsps (56 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) capers, drained and roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) lemon zest
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat, ensuring an even cooking surface lightly oiled to prevent vegetable adherence.
  2. Vegetable Preparation: Slice vegetables uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and visual appeal, creating elegant, symmetrical cuts.
  3. Seasoning Process: Thoroughly coat vegetable slices with olive oil, then generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to amplify natural flavors.
  4. Grilling Technique: Strategically place vegetables on the grill, avoiding overcrowding to promote proper charring and prevent steaming, rotating midway to achieve distinctive crosshatch marks.
  5. Flavor Enhancement: Craft a luxurious caper butter by whipping softened butter and incorporating briny capers, fragrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a hint of black pepper.
  6. Finishing Touch: Once grilled vegetables are transferred to a serving platter, generously spread the herbaceous caper butter while still warm, allowing it to melt and infuse the produce with rich, zesty undertones.
  7. Serving Suggestion: Present the dish immediately, offering the option of warm or room temperature service to showcase the butter’s sumptuous texture and the vegetables’ robust grilled essence.

Notes

  • Slice with Precision: Cut vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and professional presentation, preventing undercooked or burnt sections.
  • Oil Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a high smoke point to enhance flavor and prevent burning during high-heat grilling.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high grill heat between 400-450°F for perfect caramelization without scorching vegetables’ delicate surfaces.
  • Butter Brilliance: Let caper butter reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, even incorporation of ingredients and optimal melting texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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