Sliders with Grilled Vegetables

Name: Sliders with Grilled Vegetables
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 sliders
Ingredients: 4 slider buns; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 red onion, sliced; 1 eggplant, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; Salt and pepper, to taste; Lettuce leaves; Tomato slices; Avocado slices; Your favorite sauce (like aioli or mustard)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making sliders with grilled vegetables because they never fail to impress my guests. The combination of smoky, charred veggies between soft buns creates a flavor explosion that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a casual gathering, these sliders are a hit. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite sauces and toppings, making them suitable for any preference. Join me in this delicious adventure that brings vibrant veggies to the forefront of your next meal!

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-05T22:52:12.255Z

When I first thought of making sliders with grilled vegetables, I wanted to create a dish that was both colorful and bursting with flavor. After experimenting with various combinations, I found that marinating the vegetables in balsamic vinegar not only enhances their taste but also adds a delightful tanginess that balances beautifully with the richness of the sliders. Each bite is a celebration of textures and tastes!

Through trial and error, I discovered that grilling the vegetables at a high temperature gives them those perfect char marks and caramelized sweetness. I love switching up the toppings; sometimes I add homemade aioli, while other times I opt for a spicy mustard. The versatility of these sliders never ceases to amaze me!

        Why You Will Love These Sliders
        Delicious smoky flavor from freshly grilled vegetables
Versatile for various toppings and sauces
Simple and quick to prepare for any occasion

      

Perfecting the Grill Marks

Achieving those beautiful grill marks on your vegetables is not only aesthetically pleasing but also adds a lovely smoky flavor. To get the best results, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat, about 400°F to 450°F. Once at the right temperature, place the marinated veggies directly on the grill and avoid moving them too soon. Let them sit for 5-7 minutes on each side, flipping only when they easily release from the grill. This technique also helps caramelize the natural sugars in the vegetables, enhancing their sweetness.

If you're grilling in smaller batches or want to avoid any risk of vegetables falling through the grill grates, consider using a grill basket. It allows for even cooking while maintaining those coveted grill marks. Just keep an eye on the veggies, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, and remove them once they are tender and have nice charring. This ensures a perfectly grilled flavor in every bite!

Customization and Toppings

One of the best aspects of these sliders is their versatility. Feel free to mix and match your favorite grilled vegetables according to the season or your personal preferences. Try adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or sweet corn for a slight crunch. You can also substitute any of the vegetables with hearty options such as portobello mushrooms or butternut squash, which hold up well on the grill.

When it comes to toppings, consider creating a flavor profile that complements the smoky vegetables. A dollop of creamy avocado or a sprinkle of feta cheese can elevate your sliders. For an added kick, consider a spicy aioli or homemade pesto. Don't hesitate to layer the toppings, too; for instance, a bed of lettuce not only adds crunch but also freshness that balances the grilled flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These sliders can be prepared in advance, making them a great option for meal prepping. You can grill the vegetables a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should keep well for about 3-4 days. Just make sure they are cooled completely before storing, as residual heat can create moisture inside the container, leading to soggy veggies.

If you're planning on serving these sliders at a gathering, consider assembling them just before serving to maintain the bun's softness. However, if you have leftover assembled sliders, wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge. You can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, keeping the buns from getting too soggy in the process.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for making sliders with grilled vegetables.

For the Sliders

4 slider buns
1 zucchini, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 eggplant, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings

Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Avocado slices
Your favorite sauce (like aioli or mustard)

Prepare these ingredients before cooking to streamline the process.

Instructions

Let's start grilling those beautiful vegetables for our sliders.

Marinate the Vegetables

In a bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and eggplant. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Grill the Vegetables

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated vegetables for about 5-7 minutes per side or until they are tender and have nice grill marks.

Assemble the Sliders

Slice the slider buns in half and lightly toast them on the grill. Layer grilled vegetables on the bottom half of each bun, add your favorite toppings, and cover with the top half of the bun.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the sliders warm with extra sauces on the side. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfaction of a homemade meal!

Enjoy your delicious sliders with grilled vegetables!

Pro Tips

Feel free to mix and match vegetables according to your preference. Adding a slice of cheese on the sliders before grilling can also be a great addition for a richer flavor.

Ingredient Roles

In this slider recipe, each vegetable plays a crucial role in contributing to the overall flavor and texture. For instance, zucchini adds moisture, while bell peppers contribute a sweet crunch. Red onions introduce a sharpness that balances the richness of the grilled eggplant. Using a variety of colors not only sustains a pleasing visual appeal but also ensures a range of nutrients and flavors.

Balsamic vinegar is an essential marinade component that heightens the grilled veggies' flavor, creating a beautiful glaze as it caramelizes on the grill. If you prefer a tangier profile, feel free to substitute balsamic vinegar with a splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar. Both alternatives will offer a different, yet delightful, flavor twist to your sliders.

Troubleshooting Grilling Issues

While grilling, a common issue you might face is vegetables sticking to the grill. To prevent this, always ensure your grill is adequately preheated. Additionally, you can brush the grill grates with a bit of oil before placing the veggies on. If they do stick, gently use a spatula to release them from the surface; forcing them off can cause them to tear apart.

Another challenge might be uneven cooking if the veggies are cut inconsistently. Aim for similar sizes when slicing (about 1/4 inch thick works great) to ensure they cook evenly. If you notice that some are finished before others, simply remove them and keep the rest grilling; at this point, you can also lower the heat slightly to avoid burning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can grill the vegetables a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the sliders.

→ What kind of sauce goes best with these sliders?

I recommend aioli or a tangy mustard as they complement the grilled vegetables beautifully.

→ Can I substitute the vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you like; mushrooms, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes can also be fantastic options.

→ Are these sliders vegetarian?

Yes, these sliders are completely vegetarian and make for a healthy meal option.