These easy grilled vegetable skewers are colorful and tasty! Packed with fresh veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, they make a perfect side dish or snack.
Throw them on the grill and watch them sizzle! I always end up eating more than I planned. Who can resist those yummy, charred edges? 😋
I love making these skewers for summer BBQs. Just mix your favorite veggies, add some seasoning, and grill away—so simple and delicious every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini & Yellow Squash: These veggies bring a lovely texture. You can swap them for eggplant or asparagus if you prefer. Both will add different flavors and still grill well!
Bell Pepper: Any color works, but I love using red for its sweetness! If you can’t find any, try using snap peas or even chunks of pineapple for a fruity twist.
Red Onion: The onion adds depth with a mild sweetness. If you want something less potent, use shallots, or for a sharper bite, try a yellow onion.
Potatoes: These give heartiness to your skewers. You could exchange them for sweet potatoes or even cooked baby potatoes to save some cooking time!
Cherry Tomatoes: They pop with flavor! Substitute with grape tomatoes or, for a change, use fresh diced peppers if you’re avoiding nightshades.
Olive Oil: The oil helps veggies brown and adds flavor. Avocado oil makes a great substitute if you want something with a higher smoke point.
How Can I Ensure My Skewers Don’t Stick or Burn on the Grill?
One hassle with grilling skewers is sticking or burning. So, here’s a simple fix. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from catching fire and keeps your veggies safe!
- Choose a bowl deep enough for the skewers to be fully submerged.
- This soaking time is crucial; it allows the wood to absorb water.
- If you’re using metal skewers, you don’t need to soak them, but make sure they’re clean to avoid any off-flavors.
How to Make Easy Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Vegetables:
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks (any color)
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz mushrooms, whole
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
For Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes for grilling. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them for at least 30 minutes before grilling. So, in total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 5 minutes to get these delicious skewers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Skewers (if needed):
If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. Prepare the Grill:
While the skewers soak, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will make sure your vegetables cook evenly and get that nice grilled flavor!
3. Mix the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper chunks, red onion wedges, cherry tomatoes, whole mushrooms, and potato cubes. This colorful mix is not only tasty but also looks beautiful!
4. Season the Veggies:
Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with the dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together gently so that all the vegetables are coated well with the oil and seasonings.
5. Skewer the Veggies:
Now, take your soaked skewers (or metal ones) and start threading the vegetables onto them. Alternate between different types of veggies for a vibrant and appealing look!
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the prepared skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want the vegetables to be tender and have those lovely charred marks!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Serve them warm as a side dish or as a healthy vegetarian main dish. Enjoy the delicious flavors of your easy grilled vegetable skewers!
Can I Substitute Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out any vegetables you don’t have on hand. Zucchini and squash can be replaced with eggplant or asparagus. You can also use any color of bell pepper and try different mushrooms like portobello or shiitake for variety.
How Do I Prepare Skewers for Grilling?
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling. This helps prevent them from burning. If you’re using metal skewers, there’s no need to soak them—just get ready to thread your veggies!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the skewers a few hours ahead of time! Just assemble them and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. If you want to marinate the vegetables for extra flavor, mix them with olive oil and herbs, then let them sit in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Skewers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or toss them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.