Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe

Juicy Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe: Summer on a Stick

Summer barbecues come alive with these mouthwatering grilled veggie skewers that promise a burst of color and flavor.

Colorful vegetables dance on wooden sticks, ready to charm your taste buds.

Mediterranean herbs and a zesty marinade elevate these skewers from ordinary to extraordinary.

Fresh produce meets smoky grill marks in a delightful culinary adventure.

Each skewer tells a story of vibrant ingredients carefully selected and lovingly prepared.

Quick and easy to assemble, you can create these delectable bites in minutes.

Fire up the grill and let these veggie skewers become the star of your next outdoor feast.

Quick Advice for Grilled Veggie Skewers

  • Choose Uniform Vegetable Sizes: Cut all vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
  • Enhance Marinating Time: Let vegetables soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the produce.
  • Prevent Wooden Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading vegetables to stop them from catching fire during grilling.
  • Select Sturdy Vegetables: Use firm vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and red onions that hold their shape well on the grill and caramelize beautifully.
  • Adjust Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 400-450°F to achieve perfect char marks without scorching the vegetables, rotating skewers every 3-4 minutes for even cooking.

Grilled Veggie Skewers Keep Well with These Tips

  • Store leftover grilled veggie skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain vegetable texture.
  • Skip microwave reheating to prevent vegetables from becoming mushy and losing their delicious grilled flavor and crisp edges.
  • Remove vegetables from skewers before storing to save space and make reheating more even and efficient.

Side Picks with Grilled Veggie Skewers

  • Crisp Greek Assyrtiko complements the grilled vegetables' herbal notes and bright acidity, cutting through the olive oil's richness.
  • Creamy yogurt-based sauce adds cool contrast to the charred vegetables, enhancing the marinade's garlicky Mediterranean profile.
  • Light, herb-infused quinoa creates a protein-packed accompaniment that absorbs the skewers' grilled marinade and provides textural balance.
  • Spanish-style roasted red pepper sauce brings deep, sweet-smoky complexity that highlights the grilled vegetables' caramelized edges.

Fun Versions of Veggie Skewers to Try

  • Mediterranean Herb Skewers: Replace oregano with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Vegan Protein Power Skewers: Add marinated tofu or tempeh cubes between vegetables to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal.
  • Gluten-Free Spicy Option: Swap balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar and add smoked paprika and red pepper flakes for extra kick while maintaining gluten-free requirements.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace starchy vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers with low-carb options like cauliflower florets, mushrooms, and asparagus spears for a keto-friendly version.

Questions on Grilled Veggie Skewers Answered

  • Can I use frozen vegetables for these skewers?

Fresh vegetables work best for grilling. Frozen veggies release too much water and won’t achieve the desired char and texture. Stick to fresh, crisp vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions for the best results.

  • How do I prevent my wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading vegetables. This prevents them from catching fire during grilling. Alternatively, you can use metal skewers which are reusable and don’t require pre-soaking.

  • What are the best vegetables for grilling skewers?

Zucchini, bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and eggplant work perfectly. Choose vegetables that hold their shape and have similar cooking times. Cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even grilling.

  • Can I prepare these skewers in advance?

You can cut and marinate vegetables up to 1 hour before grilling. Assemble the skewers right before cooking to prevent vegetables from becoming too soggy. Keep marinated vegetables refrigerated until you’re ready to grill.

Grilled Veggie Skewers Full of Color

  • Simple and Delicious Veggie Skewers
  • Minimal chopping and marinating time makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous summer gatherings.
  • Mix and match seasonal vegetables to create endless flavor combinations that suit your taste and what's fresh at the market.
  • Colorful skewers look stunning on the plate, making them ideal for dinner parties, potlucks, and backyard barbecues.
  • Packed with nutrients, low in calories, and completely customizable for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters looking for a tasty side dish or light main course.

Fresh Items for Grilled Veggie Skewers

Main Vegetables:
  • Zucchini: Sweet summer squash with mild flavor, perfect for soaking up marinade.
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful and crisp vegetable that adds vibrant visual appeal and sweetness.
  • Red Onion: Sharp flavor that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, adding depth.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy burst of freshness that complements grilled vegetables.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps vegetables cook evenly and prevents sticking to the grill.
  • Balsamic Vinegar, Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and helps tenderize vegetables.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor to the marinade.
  • Oregano: Classic herb that brings Mediterranean-style seasoning.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall vegetable flavor.
Optional Garnish Ingredients:
  • Fresh Herbs: Adds fresh, bright finishing touch to the grilled skewers.
  • Chimichurri Sauce: Optional zesty sauce for extra flavor boost.

How to Make Grilled Veggie Skewers Shine

Step 1: Chop Colorful Produce

Slice zucchini, bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes into uniform chunks. Ensure pieces are roughly similar in size to guarantee even cooking and beautiful presentation.

Step 2: Whip Up Flavor Explosion

Combine ingredients for marinade:
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Aged balsamic vinegar
  • Crushed garlic cloves
  • Dried oregano
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh cracked black pepper

Whisk ingredients until well blended and fragrant.

Step 3: Infuse Vegetables with Deliciousness

Pour marinade over chopped vegetables. Gently toss to coat every piece thoroughly. Allow vegetables to soak up flavors for 20-30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 4: Assemble Gorgeous Kabobs

Slide vegetable pieces onto wooden or metal skewers. Mix and match colors and textures for stunning visual appeal. Leave tiny spaces between pieces to ensure proper grilling.

Step 5: Fire Up The Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Clean grates and lightly oil to prevent sticking. Arrange kabobs carefully across heated surface.

Step 6: Grill To Perfection

Cook kabobs for 10-12 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes. Watch for beautiful char marks and tender vegetable texture. Remove when edges are slightly crispy and vegetables are softened.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer hot kabobs to serving platter. Optional garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately alongside your favorite grilled protein or summer side dishes.

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Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe

Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling summer flavors dance through these Mediterranean-inspired grilled veggie skewers, bringing colorful zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant together in a delightful culinary celebration. Quick and simple preparation makes these skewers perfect for backyard gatherings where you’ll savor each herb-infused, charred bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 zucchini, sliced into ½-inch (1.27 centimeters) rounds
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) mushrooms (button or cremini), whole or halved
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) cherry tomatoes

Seasoning and Flavoring:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Skewers:

  • Metal or soaked wooden skewers

Instructions

  1. Carefully select a colorful array of fresh vegetables, ensuring they are thoroughly rinsed and meticulously chopped into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and appealing presentation.
  2. Craft a vibrant marinade by vigorously whisking together fragrant olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, aromatic oregano, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
  3. Generously coat the vegetable medley in the prepared marinade, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for a minimum of 15 minutes, or up to an hour for a more profound taste profile.
  4. Carefully thread the marinated vegetables onto sturdy skewers, artfully alternating colors and varieties to create a visually stunning and appetizing arrangement.
  5. Ignite the grill to a medium-high temperature, creating the perfect environment for caramelization and flavor development.
  6. Position the vegetable skewers on the preheated grill, rotating periodically to ensure even charring and thorough cooking until the vegetables reach a tender, slightly crisp consistency, typically requiring 10-12 minutes.
  7. Transfer the beautifully grilled skewers to a serving platter, enhancing their appearance with an optional drizzle of additional dressing, a vibrant chimichurri sauce, or a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Choose sturdy vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions that hold up well to high heat and maintain their texture.
  • Create uniform vegetable sizes to guarantee consistent grilling and prevent some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
  • Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or basil to customize the marinade’s flavor profile and match personal taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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