Grilled Veggie Skewers

Short Description

These Grilled Veggie Skewers are colorful, flavorful, and perfect for a light summer meal or a stunning side dish at a barbecue. With a mix of peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions, they’re marinated in a tangy herby dressing and grilled until tender and slightly charred for maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh, vibrant, and filled with seasonal vegetables, offering a healthy and satisfying option.

• Delicious marinade enhances vegetables with savory and aromatic notes.

• Versatile—easy to customize with your favorite veggies or your available harvest.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bell peppers (red, yellow, green), cut into chunks

• Zucchini, sliced thick

• Mushrooms (e.g. cremini or button)

• Red onion, cut into wedges

• Cherry tomatoes (optional for color and freshness)

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

• Garlic, minced

• Dried or fresh herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or basil)

• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the vegetables: wash, dry, and cut them into evenly sized pieces for even grilling.

2. In a bowl or shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

3. Add the prepared vegetables to the marinade, stirring gently to coat evenly. Let them sit for 15–30 minutes.

4. Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.

5. Thread the marinated vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and textures for visual appeal.

6. Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

7. Remove from grill and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: approximately 4 servings (based on about 3–4 skewers per person)

• Timing:

  • Preparation and marinating: 20–30 minutes

  • Grilling: 10–15 minutes

  • Total time: approximately 30–45 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Incorporate chunks of tofu, halloumi cheese, or chicken if not keeping vegetarian.

• Different Veggies: Use eggplant, broccoli florets, asparagus, or corn kernels to diversify flavors.

• Flavor Twist: Try a balsamic glaze or a spicy marinade with chili flakes or sriracha for a bold kick.

• Herb Variation: Swap dried herbs for fresh basil or cilantro for a bright finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 5–8 minutes until warmed through, or reheat briefly on the grill for a minute or two per side.

FAQs

What vegetables work best on skewers?

Use firm, sturdy vegetables that grill well—bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, red onion—anything that won’t fall apart.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. You can prep and marinate the veggies several hours in advance. Keep them in the fridge until ready to grill.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers?

Yes. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.

Can I grill these in the oven?

Absolutely. You can broil them on high for 8–12 minutes, turning halfway, or roast at 425 °F (220 °C) until tender.

What’s the best way to prevent vegetables sticking to the grill?

Oil the grill grates lightly and ensure the grill is properly preheated. Brushed-on marinade helps, too.

How do I make them vegan?

This recipe is inherently vegan when using plant-based oil and no cheese or animal-based components.

Can I use metal skewers instead?

Yes—metal skewers are reusable, won’t burn, and conduct heat, which helps cook from the inside out.

How do I keep cherry tomatoes from bursting?

Choose firm tomatoes and skewer them gently. You can also set them on alternate parts of the skewer to reduce heat exposure.

How do I know when they’re done?

Vegetables should be tender when pierced with a fork, with a bit of char on the edges for flavor.

Can I add a finishing touch before serving?

Yes—finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Conclusion

These Grilled Veggie Skewers are a delightful, healthful, and versatile choice for any gathering or weekday meal. Easy to customize, quick to prepare, and packed with bright flavors—once you try them, they’ll become a go-to favorite. Enjoy!

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