With perfectly crisp Mini Sweet Peppers from Melissa's Produce, we grilled the whole bag of fruits whole giving us lovely roasted peppers to have on hand for picnic appetizers, tossed into salads, or simply eating out of hand. Dipped into a Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette, these little guys are simply irresistible!
These mini peppers contain just a few seeds near the stem, so grilling whole leaves the stem attached and provides a sort of "handle" to pick up to eat. If you decide you want them in a salad, simply cut off the stem and slice.
1 package multicolored mini sweet peppers (we love the ones from Melissa's Produce)
2 Tbs good quality olive oil
1 Tbs good quality balsamic vineagar
1 tsp dijon (I use Maile)
1 clove garlic, diced
salt and pepper as desired
Wash peppers and place on a towel to dry, then place peppers into a zip top bag.
In a small bowl add the oil, vineagar, dijon and garlic. Whisk to combine.
Pour the vinaigrette over the peppers in the bag and seal. Move the peppers around the bag by gently squeezing to coat evenly with the dressing.
Allow peppers to sit for a few minutes while the grill gets hot.
Remove the peppers from the bag and place onto the hot grill. Reduce the heat to medium and cover. Grill for about 3 minutes, then turn the peppers, checking to see they have some nice sear marks before turning. If they don't have grill marks yet, give them a few more minutes.
Once flipped, grill until the peppers are soft (but before they turn mushy!) and have grill marks on both sides. Remove from the grill and place on a plate.
Peppers are ready to eat immediately, or alternatively may be allowed to cool to room temp, or even chilled for a later use.
I love to have the peppers on hand for snacking, but they may also be chopped and tossed into salads, eggs or used on sandwiches.
To use as an appetizer, make more of the balsamic vinaigrette from above (adjust balsamic measurement to your taste). Arrange peppers on a plate and drizzle dressing over the peppers before serving. I like these best at room temp.
