These Easy Grilled Vegetable Skewers are a colorful and tasty treat! Packed with fresh veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, they are super simple to make.
You won’t believe how much flavor grilling gives them! I love popping them on the barbecue for a fun side dish at picnics or backyard parties. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in those veggies! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Both are mild vegetables that get wonderfully tender on the grill. If you can’t find them, consider using eggplant or even asparagus as tasty alternatives.
Red Bell Pepper: This pepper adds sweetness and color. If you want a different flavor, you can swap it for green peppers, which are less sweet, or use cubed tomatoes for variety.
Potatoes: Potatoes add heartiness to the skewers. You can replace them with sweet potatoes for a sweeter touch or even use firm tofu for a protein boost!
Mushrooms: I love using button mushrooms, but cremini or portobello also work well. If you’re avoiding mushrooms, you can completely skip them or replace them with chunks of zucchini or other veggies.
Olive Oil and Seasonings: Olive oil is your go-to for flavor and grilling. If you’re out, avocado oil or melted coconut oil are good options. For seasonings, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the flavor.
How Can I Make Perfect Skewers WithoutThem Falling Apart?
Assembling your skewers requires a little care to ensure the veggies stay put. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning. Metal skewers don’t need this step.
- Alternate ingredients when threading them onto skewers. For instance, put a potato cube, then a cherry tomato, followed by bell pepper, and so on. This keeps them balanced and colorful.
- Don’t crowd the skewers. Leave a little space between pieces to help them cook evenly and get those beautiful grill marks.
Taking these steps will ensure your skewers look great and taste delicious when grilled! Enjoy grilling!
Easy Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz mushrooms, whole or halved
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 10-15 minutes for grilling, plus an extra 30 minutes if you’re using wooden skewers to soak. Overall, you should set aside about 1 hour to get everything ready and grilled to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning while grilling. If you have metal skewers, you can skip this step and move on to prepping the vegetables!
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
Grab a large bowl and toss in the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, chopped bell pepper, onion wedges, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and potato cubes. These vibrant veggies will make your skewers colorful and delicious!
3. Season the Vegetables:
Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together until all the veggies are coated in oil and seasonings. This step is key for flavor!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Now it’s time to start threading! Take the seasoned vegetables and potato cubes and carefully thread them onto the skewers. Alternate between different types of vegetables for a pretty and colorful presentation. Fill each skewer but don’t crowd them too tightly, so they grill evenly.
5. Preheat the Grill:
Turn on your grill and set it to medium-high heat. Give it a few minutes to warm up nicely—it should be hot but not too hot, so the veggies get perfectly grilled.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally to get those beautiful grill marks on all sides. The veggies should become tender and have a nice char.
7. Serve:
Once they’re grilled to perfection, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Let them cool for a minute or two. Enjoy these Easy Grilled Vegetable Skewers warm as a tasty side dish or a light meal all on their own. They’re perfect for summer barbecues!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any of your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, asparagus, or even eggplant. Just ensure they have similar cooking times to achieve consistent doneness. For denser veggies like carrots or butternut squash, consider pre-cooking them for a bit before adding to skewers.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or heat them gently on a skillet for that grilled flavor.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the skewers in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill them. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. It’s a great time-saver for BBQs!
What Can I Serve with Grilled Vegetable Skewers?
These skewers are versatile! Serve them alongside grilled meats, on a bed of rice or quinoa, or toss them into a fresh salad for added texture and flavor. They also pair wonderfully with dips like tzatziki or hummus.
