by HCSG Contributor

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Elevate Your BBQ with Fresh Fruits and Veggies

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With Summer dwindling, it’s a great time to make the most of grilled meals by incorporating fruits and vegetables in the menu. Use these simple tips from HCSG Registered Dietitian, Madison Carter, MS, RDN, LDN, for adding fresh fruits and veggies to your next BBQ.

A carton of a dozen brown eggs.
Slide 1
Use Seasonal Fruits & Veggies

Eggs contain proteins and nutrients that are great for senior health. Egg whites contain a protein that the body can easily absorb. Egg yolks contain nutrients such as choline, which helps with the brain and cognitive thinking, and lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote vision health.

Eggs contain proteins and nutrients that are great for senior health. Egg whites contain a protein that the body can easily absorb. Egg yolks contain nutrients such as choline, which helps with the brain and cognitive thinking, and lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote vision health.

For the best taste, choose fruits and veggies that are in season. This ensures that you're working with the freshest ingredients and bringing out the natural sweetness and appeal of the seasonal gems.

Slide 2
Prep The Grill

Before adding your fruits or veggies, give the grill grates or produce a gentle brush with a light coat of oil. This step helps prevent them from sticking to the grill and gives them grill marks, making them look and taste amazing.

Slide 3
Size Matters For Even Cooking

Achieving that perfect balance of smoky goodness and tenderness means considering the size and thickness of your fruits and vegetables. Opt for thin slices or smaller pieces to ensure a quicker and more uniform cooking process.

Slide 3
Use A Grill Basket

Investing in a quality grill basket can be a game-changer when grilling fruits and veggies. This versatile tool offers a practical solution to prevent delicate pieces from falling through the grates, making your grilling experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Slide 3
Tailor Cooking Times

Different fruits and veggies need varying times to cook. Softer vegetables like asparagus, eggplant, mushrooms, and peppers take less time. Heartier options such as carrots, potatoes, butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts take more time.

Slide 3
Don’t Skip Fruits

Don't only grill savory veggies — try grilling fruits for dessert. Grilled fruits like bananas, pineapple, and peaches caramelize while getting a light, smoky flavor.

Slide 3
Bonus Tip:

Get more tips to elevate your daily nutrition by visiting the Nutrition section of the Healthcare Services Group Blog.

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Using the tips for your BBQ? View the full list of tips below.

Use Seasonal Fruits & Veggies

For the best taste, choose fruits and veggies that are in season. This ensures that you’re working with the freshest ingredients and bringing out the natural sweetness and appeal of the seasonal gems.

Prep The Grill

Before adding your fruits or veggies, give the grill grates or produce a gentle brush with a light coat of oil. This step helps prevent them from sticking to the grill and gives them grill marks, making them look and taste amazing.

Size Matters For Even Cooking

Achieving that perfect balance of smoky goodness and tenderness means considering the size and thickness of your fruits and vegetables. Opt for thin slices or smaller pieces to ensure a quicker and more uniform cooking process.

Use A Grill Basket

Investing in a quality grill basket can be a game-changer when grilling fruits and veggies. This versatile tool offers a practical solution to prevent delicate pieces from falling through the grates, making your grilling experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Tailor Cooking Times

Different fruits and veggies need varying times to cook. Softer vegetables like asparagus, eggplant, mushrooms, and peppers take less time. Heartier options such as carrots, potatoes, butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts take more time.

Don’t Skip Fruits

Don’t only grill savory veggies — try grilling fruits for dessert. Grilled fruits like bananas, pineapple, and peaches caramelize while getting a light, smoky flavor.

Madison Carter MS, RD, LDN | madison.carter@hcsgcorp.com

“I enjoy being an RD in long-term care because I love being able to visit with and help residents with nutrition. Getting to know the residents and their relationships with food and being able to help them with my knowledge is very exciting and rewarding.”

Madison joined the HCSG team in 2021. Originally from Dallas, TX, she received her Bachelor’s in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University and a Master’s in Dietetics from East Tennessee State University. Madison plans to continue her studies by pursuing certification in Gerontological Nutrition. Outside work, she enjoys crafty hobbies and spending time with friends and family.

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