Every season brings on a new cooking method for the kitchen, and summertime is grilling season! This grilled polenta with fresh tomato relish captures summer with a smoky polenta wedges, and a garden-fresh relish!
I kept this recipe simple, so that it could be adapted to any situation. You can serve this recipe as an appetizer or side, or add some protein to make it whole meal!
I have served this grilled polenta with grilled shrimp kebabs, for a pescetarian meal, and with white beans for a vegan meal.
If you want to try the vegan meal option, use these two steps. Mix the white beans into the relish and add an extra splash of white wine vinegar to carry the acidity of the tomatoes further!
Variations to the Grilled Polenta with Fresh Tomato Relish recipe:
- I found a grill pan easier to get grill marks than a charcoal grill, but really enjoyed the smoky flavor the charcoal added.
- Try using any herb you have on hand in the relish. Basil or parsley would both work.
- Already have dry polenta? Cook it up, and spread onto a plate to cool and harden. Cut into wedges and proceed with the recipe.
Grilled Polenta with Fresh Tomato Relish
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
This grilled polenta with fresh tomato relish captures summer with a smoky polenta slices, and garden-fresh relish! Serve it as an appetizer or side!
Author: Alison's Allspice
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 12 appetizers or 4 sides
Ingredients
- 18 oz roll of cooked polenta
- canola oil, for the grill
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ¼ cup minced cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 3 turns on a grinder, each: sea salt and black pepper
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Slice polenta into 12½ inch slices and brush both sides of the slices with a splash of canola oil to keep them from sticking to the grill.
- Preheat grill on high until hot. Place oiled polenta slices on grill and cook 3-5 minutes per side or until dark grill mark appear.
- Meanwhile, mix together tomato, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, sea salt, and pepper to make the relish.
- Serve polenta slices with a dollop of relish and a pinch of shaved Parmesan, if using.
Oh, my. I’m embarrassed to say I had never used the rolls of polenta before today, but Santa brought me a grill pan for being so good this last year, so I made this dish, and–no kidding–it was so delicious, you just wish it had occurred to you to double the recipe. I used it for a vegetarian main course, and it was a big hit! Thanks for posting it. It’s definitely going into my favorite-recipe folder!
I love this! Thank you Miss Havisham for letting us all know how much you loved the recipe! Have a happy new year!
Such a fun grilled recipe!
Thanks Chelsey!
Yum! Adding this to my list of things I want to grill!
Awesome! I hope you love the recipe!
Love this summer dish! And gorgeous presentation.
So kind! Thank you Jenny!
Thanks for reminding me of how much I love polenta!
It’s so good isn’t it! I hope you try the recipe Lin!
Love the idea of grilling polenta cakes!
Yes, they are so good on the grill!
I love polenta, but I’ve never had it grilled. Great recipe for the summer. Thanks for sharing at FF!
Thanks Lizet! You should totally try it grilled, it adds just a hint of smokey flavor!
Looks delish!!
Thanks Sylvia!
Yum! I love polenta on the grill!
Me too 🙂 Thanks Cara!