Nothing beats the smoky, spicy, and vibrant flavors of a classic Nando’s-inspired dish—especially when it’s packed with colorful, chargrilled vegetables. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to add a wholesome twist to your meals, this Chargrilled Veg Nando’s Recipe delivers an explosion of flavor with every bite.
The combination of perfectly grilled peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and corn, all marinated in a zesty peri-peri sauce, creates a mouthwatering dish that’s both healthy and indulgent.
This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s simple to make, uses fresh ingredients, and brings the iconic Nando’s peri-peri magic right into your kitchen.
Ready to impress your friends and family with a fiery, colorful plate? Let’s dive into this flavorful adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chargrilled veg Nando’s recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold, spicy flavors of peri-peri without relying on meat. It’s:
- Healthy and nutritious—packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Customizable—you can swap or add your favorite veggies to suit your taste.
- Easy and quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- Vegan-friendly—no dairy or animal products needed, but you can add cheese if desired.
- Full of smoky, spicy flavor—thanks to that signature peri-peri marinade and grilling technique.
Ingredients
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into thick strips
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into thick strips
- 1 medium courgette (zucchini), sliced lengthwise
- 200g button mushrooms, cleaned and halved if large
- 2 ears of corn, cut into halves or thirds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the peri-peri marinade:
- 3 tbsp peri-peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to your preferred heat level)
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Brush for basting
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Tongs or spatula
- Serving platter or plates
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the peri-peri sauce, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, dried oregano, olive oil, and chili flakes. Whisk well to form a smooth, flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the vegetables: Add the cut bell peppers, courgette slices, mushrooms, and corn pieces into the bowl. Toss them gently but thoroughly to make sure each piece is well coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill: Get your grill or grill pan hot over medium-high heat. Brush the grates or pan with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the vegetables: Place the marinated vegetables on the grill. Cook the peppers and courgette for about 4-5 minutes per side, until you see beautiful char marks and the veggies soften. Grill the mushrooms and corn, turning frequently, for about 8-10 minutes or until tender and nicely charred.
- Baste with extra marinade: While grilling, brush the vegetables occasionally with any leftover marinade to keep them moist and packed with flavor.
- Season and serve: Remove the grilled veggies from the heat. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle with a little extra lemon juice if desired.
Tips & Variations
Tip: To make your own peri-peri sauce, blend red chilies, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, vinegar, and olive oil for an authentic homemade touch!
- Swap bell peppers for chargrilled cherry tomatoes or asparagus for added variety.
- Add sliced red onions to the marinade for a sweet, smoky bite.
- For an extra protein boost, toss in some grilled halloumi or tofu slices.
- Use a charcoal grill for a deeper smoky flavor that mimics the original Nando’s experience.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili flakes or omit them entirely.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Protein | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Vitamin C | 80% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This chargrilled veg Nando’s recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside fluffy couscous or fragrant basmati rice to soak up the spicy juices.
For a lighter option, toss the veggies over a bed of fresh mixed greens or quinoa salad.
Don’t forget to add a dollop of cooling garlic aioli or vegan yogurt dip to balance the heat. For a heartier meal, add some grilled flatbread or pita on the side.
You can also explore other delicious recipes like our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula or complement your meal with a refreshing Huckleberry Margarita.
Conclusion
Our chargrilled veg Nando’s recipe is a delightful way to bring the iconic peri-peri flavor into your home kitchen with a healthy and colorful twist. The smoky char from the grill combined with the bold, spicy marinade creates a dish that’s both satisfying and full of personality.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe offers a crowd-pleasing option that’s easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable.
Give this recipe a try next time you crave something fiery and fresh, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite vegetables or dips. For more exciting culinary ideas, check out our Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or treat yourself with our Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe.
Happy grilling!
📖 Recipe Card: Chargrilled Veg Nandos
Description: A flavorful and smoky chargrilled vegetable dish inspired by Nando's. Perfect as a side or a main for a healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 200g button mushrooms, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Nando's peri-peri marinade
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss all vegetables with olive oil, peri-peri marinade, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Place vegetables on the grill and chargrill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Remove from grill and transfer to a serving dish.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 18 g
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