When I posed a question on my Facebook page yesterday, the responses I received shocked the heck out of me. My question was, "I'm planning to do plenty of grilling this summer. What type of recipes would you like to see? Chicken, vegetarian, beef, appetizers...?" Of the 17 people who responded, 12 requested vegetarian or grilled vegetable options above anything else. That's more than two-thirds (yep, I'm doing my best to keep up with my second-grader's math curriculum). I'll admit that I got a little warm and fuzzy when I saw this - not just because I love grilling up mushrooms and other vegetables, but for other reasons, too.
When I made the decision to eat more healthfully and exercise more, resulting in a weight loss of nearly 30 pounds (I've dropped a few more pounds since my weight loss post), I knew that working in more vegetarian meals and eating lean protein and fiber-rich foods (such as beans) would help reach my goal. The cleaner I ate, and the less saturated fats and sugar I consumed, the better I felt. In fact, my energy levels spiked and I found myself craving activity rather than treats. Believe me, it was an unfamiliar sensation, but one I gladly embraced.
Hearing that there are so many people wishing to eat healthfully, whether that means vegetarian or not, inspires me to hold true to this path. So, when I fire up my grill over the next months, I'll be thinking "healthy". Yes, there will be chicken and some beef, but I'm excited to delve into some serious vegetarian grilling.
These grilled mushrooms can be served as an appetizer or side dish. Simply brush the mushrooms with olive oil and grill them until tender. As for the sauce...well, I guarantee you'll be addicted. It turns out that any leftover sauce is the perfect smoky accompaniment to scrambled eggs.
The recipe:
If you are using bamboo skewers, first soak them in water for 30 minutes so that they don't burn on the grill.
The dipping sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt and chives until thoroughly combined.
The mushrooms:
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Thread the mushrooms onto 4 skewers and place them on a baking sheet. Brush the mushrooms with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook until the mushrooms are tender, but still moist, about 4 minutes per side.
Remove the mushrooms from the skewers and serve with the dipping sauce.
Printable Recipe
Grilled Mushrooms with Smoked Paprika & Chive Dipping Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
The Dipping Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon minced chives
The Mushrooms:
- 24 baby bella or crimini mushrooms, stems removed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- If you are using bamboo skewers, first soak them in water for 30 minutes so that they don't burn on the grill.
The dipping sauce:
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt and chives until thoroughly combined.
The mushrooms:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Thread the mushrooms onto 4 skewers and place them on a baking sheet.
- Brush the mushrooms with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook until the mushrooms are tender, but still moist, about 4 minutes per side.
- Remove the mushrooms from the skewers and serve with the dipping sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
KalynsKitchen
I am surprised but happy to hear the answers to that question!
melissa@IWasBornToCook
It all looks delicious but I'm especially loving that sauce!
Paula- bell'alimento
Firing up the grill right now ; )
Rachel Cooks
Love, love, love this recipe! I don't know if I replied to your question on FB, but I'm glad you're featuring veggies. And mushrooms are my fave.
averagebetty
Grilling mushrooms turns them into something sublime - I see a mushroom "burger" with your dipping sauce as the condiment too 🙂 YUM (and you go, girl!!)
xoxo
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Grilled veggies are my fave and I love the sound of that chive dipping sauce - delish!
Stephanie
Ooh, love the dipping sauce recipe. Thanks!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme
I never met a mushroom I didn't like. And grilling makes them even better! Brings out all that wonderful earthy, meaty quality of them that I like so much. Fabulous recipe, Dara.
Casey
Thank you for adding the vegetarian grilling options. I am not a full vegetarian, but I do try to eat many vegetarian meals. I look forward to your summer of grilling and posting. Take Care and thanks for the ideas!
Swathi
Beautiful, I love mushrooms, this clicks makes me even more, delicious dipping sauce.