Elegant ideas for the grill

Hotdogs and hamburgers may be barbecue staples, but sometimes you want something a little more sophisticated for the grill. A couple of elegant dishes can take a casual gathering to the next level.

Here are six recipe ideas to upgrade your next outdoor gathering:

Grilled Potato Salad with White Balsamic Dressing (shown above)

A light take on the traditional potato salad! Grilled, seasoned potatoes get some Mediterranean flare with a white balsamic vinaigrette

6 Ontario Yukon gold potatoes (about 2-1/4 lbs/1.25 kg), scrubbed
2 red peppers, quartered
2 tbsp (25 mL) extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper

White Balsamic Dressing:

1/4 cup (50 mL) extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp (25 mL) white balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp (25 mL) finely chopped sundried tomatoes in oil, drained
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup (75 mL) halved pitted Kalamata olives
2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp (15 mL) capers

Cut potatoes into 8 wedges each and place in large bowl with red peppers. Add oil, basil, rosemary, salt and pepper and toss to coat well.

Place potato wedges and pepper on greased grill over medium high heat and grill about 20 minutes, turning once or until golden and tender. Remove from grill and thinly slice red peppers; return to bowl with potato wedges.

Dressing:

Whisk together oil, vinegar, tomatoes and garlic. Pour over grilled potatoes and peppers. Add olives, basil and capers and toss gently to combine.

Serve warm or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature and toss well before serving.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Tip: You can substitute 1 jar (340 mL) roasted red peppers, drained and sliced for the 2 red peppers.

Source: ontariopotatoes.ca via NewsCanada.com.

Next elegant barbecue recipe idea: Grilled Vegetable Napoleons.