Grilled Broccoli and Vidalia Onion with Pine Nuts & Parmesan: A Perfect Summer Side

As the weather warms and the days stretch longer, my mind invariably drifts to one of my favorite seasonal activities: grilling. I wasn’t just casually mentioning my readiness to fire up the grill again; I was making a declaration. Lately, all I can think about are exciting new recipes specifically designed for the grill. The allure of preparing dinner outdoors, away from a hot stove in the kitchen, is simply irresistible this time of year. There’s something truly magical about stepping outside, breathing in the fresh (even if it’s hot) air, and enjoying the company of my kids as they play in the yard, all while I sip on a refreshing iced adult beverage. It’s a stark contrast to being confined indoors, and frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way – at least until the peak of summer heat hits in August!

Even my furry family member, Amber, shares in the grilling excitement. Just look at that smile! She loves when I’m out in the yard, making delicious food, probably hoping a little something might accidentally fall her way. Her cheerful demeanor adds to the relaxed, happy atmosphere that grilling brings to our home.

This particular Grilled Broccoli and Vidalia Onion recipe emerged from a wonderfully inspiring collaboration. It was born from the mission of my incredible friends at Produce For Kids, whose goal is to encourage families to fill their shopping carts with more wholesome fruits and vegetables throughout the spring and summer months. What makes their initiative even more remarkable is that these healthy purchases directly benefit Feeding America, a national organization dedicated to fighting hunger across the country. A campaign that promotes healthy eating habits for families while simultaneously supporting those in need is truly a win-win situation, wouldn’t you agree? It’s a fantastic way to make a difference with every trip to the grocery store, fostering both personal wellness and community support.

In our household, you can almost always find sweet Vidalia onions when they are in season. They are, without a doubt, my absolute favorite type of onion. Their mild sweetness and delicate flavor make them incredibly versatile, perfect for caramelizing, salads, or, as in this recipe, grilling. And then there’s broccoli – we are a family of enthusiastic broccoli lovers. This nutrient-rich vegetable makes a weekly appearance on our grocery list, and we enjoy it in countless ways. While I typically gravitate towards roasting my broccoli, I must confess that grilling it comes in a very close second, perhaps even a tie for first. The grill imparts a unique smoky char and a beautiful tender-crisp texture that roasting just can’t replicate. It transforms the humble broccoli into something extraordinary, with a depth of flavor that’s both savory and subtly sweet.

To achieve that perfect grilled texture, especially for smaller vegetables like broccoli florets and onion slices, a good grill basket is indispensable. I recently picked up an inexpensive wire grill basket, which works perfectly well for the job. However, for those looking for a more robust and long-lasting option, I’ve used and personally prefer baskets similar to this one (affiliate link). A sturdy grill basket ensures that your vegetables get that wonderful smoky char without falling through the grates, making grilling a breeze and cleanup much simpler. If you don’t have a basket, a simple foil packet can also work in a pinch, though you might miss out on some of that direct flame flavor.

It’s my firm belief that almost any vegetable reaches new heights of deliciousness when it’s cooked on the grill. The intense heat, the smoky flavor, and the slight char truly enhance their natural sweetness and texture. But what truly elevates grilled vegetables from good to absolutely amazing are the right toppings. In this recipe, the combination of crunchy, toasted pine nuts and an abundance of freshly grated Parmesan cheese creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Pine nuts add a delicate, buttery richness and a satisfying crunch, complementing the tender-crisp vegetables beautifully. To toast them, simply toss them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and lightly golden – but watch them closely, as they can burn quickly!

Now, let’s talk about the Parmesan cheese. For the ultimate experience, I cannot recommend a microplane zester (affiliate link) enough, especially for grating hard cheeses like Parmesan. The difference it makes is truly remarkable. Instead of dense, clumpy shreds, cheese grated through a microplane emerges as light, airy, almost ethereal flakes – like delicate pillows of snow falling onto your food. This fine texture allows the Parmesan to melt subtly, distributing its salty, umami-rich flavor more evenly across every bite. It transforms not just the taste but also the entire dining experience, making every dish feel more luxurious and delicious. Trust me on this one; once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s a game-changer for cheese lovers!

This grilled broccoli and Vidalia onion recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any weeknight dinner or a fantastic side for your next BBQ. Its vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and healthy ingredients are sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy the best of summer grilling!

If you reside in the Southern United States, there’s a very good chance that Publix is your go-to grocery store. It certainly is for me! My local Publix is conveniently located just around the corner, and despite my best efforts to stick to a single weekly shopping trip, I often find myself there two or even three times a week. This month, there’s an even more compelling reason to frequent Publix. Publix and Produce For Kids have joined forces with a selection of reputable brands to launch a fantastic campaign aimed at raising funds and providing crucial support for Feeding America. Feeding America, as you may know, operates an extensive network of food banks across the nation, all singularly focused on combating hunger and food insecurity within local communities.

What makes this initiative particularly special is the direct impact it has. Both the fresh broccoli and the sweet Vidalia onions used in this very recipe were purchases made in support of the Produce For Kids and Publix Feeding America campaign. Knowing this adds an extra layer of satisfaction to preparing and enjoying this meal. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that a simple act like buying specific produce at my local grocery store will contribute to helping feed people in need right here in the Orlando area, channeling support through our dedicated local food bank, Second Harvest of Central Florida. This partnership exemplifies how everyday consumer choices can create a ripple effect of positive change, directly impacting lives and strengthening communities.

It’s incredibly easy for you to join in and help support Feeding America too! By simply purchasing products from the participating brands listed below during your next shopping trip to your local Publix, you’ll be contributing to this vital cause. Look for the Produce For Kids signage in stores to identify eligible items. Every purchase makes a difference, turning your grocery list into a powerful tool for good.

For more innovative and delicious meal ideas using these campaign-participating products, be sure to explore the comprehensive Produce For Kids recipe section! They offer a wealth of inspiration for incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your family’s diet.

(Disclosure: I am proud to have partnered with Produce For Kids to help share important details about their exciting spring/summer campaign. This initiative aims to raise vital funds for Feeding America through eligible purchases made from participating brands at Publix. Produce For Kids is a reputable non-profit organization that I collaborate with on a regular basis throughout the year, and I have received compensation for my time and efforts in promoting this impactful campaign.)

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