The Best Dips And Sauces To Pair With Grilled Veggies

The natural sweetness and smoky essence of grilled veggies are enough to put a smile on anyone's face, but pairing them with the perfect sauce takes them to an entirely new level. We aren't talking about ranch dressing here. When pairing a sauce with grilled vegetables, you want it to complement the produce without overpowering it.

We reached out to an expert and asked what kind of dips and sauces are best for elevating grilled veggies. Silvio Correa, personal chef and catering director at Tropicali Brazilian Kitchen in Southern California, has been cooking mouthwatering BBQ for decades. When asked about matching grilled produce with sauces, he states, "Grilled potatoes and vegetables pair perfectly with a variety of sauces."

Correa has a few suggestions for sauces that can enhance impeccably charred veggies. One in particular is a classic counterpart to flank steak. "I'm a big fan of chimichurri," he says, "It's fresh, garlicky, and has a nice acidity that complements the smoky flavor from the grill." While chimichurri is an exceptional choice for some plant-based sides, others might welcome something creamier.

To pair the perfect sauce with grilled vegetables, you need to consider the various elements of the veg and what may elevate it. For example, take potatoes. If you don't skimp on the foil when grilling potatoes, they come out tender and flavorful, but a chimichurri sauce wouldn't be rich enough to stand up to their starchy composition. Listing optimal dips to pair with grilled veggies, chef Silvio Correa explains, "Aioli is another great option, especially with potatoes. [It] adds a rich, creamy element."

There are countless varieties of aioli that can be made in minutes. From a classic garlic aioli to a more adventurous mango habanero, only your imagination can hold you back from creating the ideal creamy sauce. Pairing — or marinating — vegetables with something bold can add a depth of flavor that will add a "wow" factor to your vibrant sides.

While chimichurri and aioli sauces make delicious pairings for grilled veggies, sometimes venturing towards lesser-recognized additions can surprise you. Whether you want to go bold with spice or keep it mellow, experimenting with various pairings can pay off when you find the perfect match. "For something a little different, try a yogurt-based sauce with herbs and lemon — or even a spicy Brazilian chili sauce for a little heat," Silvio Correa says.

If you've ever wondered if you should marinate vegetables before grilling them, the answer is a resounding yes! It isn't required by any means, but it can turn enjoying grilled veggies into a whole different experience. Marinating chicken in mayo locks in flavor and keeps the poultry moist, but you should be seasoning your proteins and vegetables differently, and mayo alone won't do the trick for produce. The herbaceous yogurt-based dip Correa mentions could be an exceptional marinade, and the Brazilian chili sauce would liven up the produce and highlight the smoky flavor it takes on from the grill.