Here’s How to Make the Best Grilled Fruit

Something amazing happens when fruit hits the grill. As the natural sugars caramelize against the searing heat of the flame, the flavor of the fruit transforms into something sweet, smoky, and juicy—depending on the fruit you choose.

When selecting your fruit, you’ll want to pick varieties that are firm enough to tolerate the heat, such as peaches, melon, watermelon, pineapples, pears, tomatoes (yes, a fruit), figs, and plums. Try to cut the fruit into big chunks or thick slices so that they don’t break or fall through the grates.

Before adding anything to grill make sure the temperature has reached a medium-high heat, as this will help prevent the fruit from sticking. And regarding to the age-old question of whether to oil up your fruit before putting it on the grill, consider the final dish or application; if you’re making a sweet-and-savory salsa then a bit of oil is welcome, but if you’re making a dessert or cocktail, feel free to leave out the oil.

This Monday, fire up the grill and start adding flame to fruit with our list of Meatless Monday grilled fruit recipes.

Grilled Avocado with Salsa

There’s nothing easier than a grilled avocado appetizer. Just brush the avocado with some lime juice and give it a good sear on the grill for a dramatic presentation.

Grilled Cantaloupe Pasta Salad

Usher in the summer season by making this grilled cantaloupe pasta salad from Meatless Monday blogger Robin Asbell. The crunch of sliced red cabbage and the pop of freshness from slivered basil make this a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at.

Grilled Figs with Balsamic Glaze

There’s something about the look and texture of a grilled fig that screams elegance. Against All Grain’s recipe for grilled figs with a balsamic glaze accentuates the best qualities of the fig by pairing its subtle sweetness with a drizzle of tart balsamic vinegar. Omit the goat cheese and swap the honey for agave to make a totally plant-based version of this recipe.

Grilled Peaches

Peaches stand up really well to the heat of the grill, making them a terrific option for a summer-time dessert. This recipe for grilled peaches from Love and Lemons is simple to execute and sure to impress.

Grilled Pineapple Watermelon Salad

This yummy grilled pineapple watermelon salad uses lemon basil vinaigrette as a marinade for the usually cool watermelon, pineapples, and tomatoes. Crunchy greens provide a hearty bed for the smoky-sweet fruit.

Grilled Watermelon Pineapple Teriyaki Burger

A harmony of salty, savory, and sweet, this recipe for grilled watermelon pineapple teriyaki burger is sure to impress. Using a plant-based burger patty captures the char of the grill and pairs beautifully with the caramelized fruit.

Honey Lime Grilled Fruit Skewers

Using skewers is a great way to get a combination of tinier pieces of fruit on to the grill. They’re also easier to eat. These honey lime grilled fruit skewers from Love and Zest are bursting with flavor and are the perfect way to cap a summer evening.

Pesto Pasta Salad with Grilled Grape Tomatoes

After a few minutes on a hot grill grape tomatoes become even more juicy and sweet. Fold them into this recipe for plant-based pesto pasta salad, and you an appetizer worthy of any picnic lunch.

Click here for more Meatless Monday recipes. When posting pictures of recipes to your social media network, tag @MeatlessMonday use #MeatlessMonday to show the plant-based community your creation.