Name: Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 yellow bell peppers (seeded and chopped into squares); 4 medium zucchini (sliced into thick rounds); Olive oil for light brushing; 2 orange bell peppers (seeded and chopped into squares); Balsamic vinegar for drizzling at the table; 4 medium purple-red onions (cut into wedges); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 green bell peppers (seeded and chopped into squares); 2 red bell peppers (seeded and chopped into squares); Salt (to taste); 3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped); 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (finely minced); 5 cloves garlic (finely minced); Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste); ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro (finely chopped); ½ teaspoon lemon zest

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Picture this: It’s a warm afternoon. You’re gathering with loved ones for a cookout. The scent of grilled vegetables fills the air. What pairs perfectly with those colorful vegetable skewers? Here’s the inside scoop: grilled chicken or fish makes a great match, too. A fresh salad on the side is always a hit. Consider a tangy coleslaw or creamy potato salad. And don’t forget the dips! Hummus or tzatziki can take this meal to another level.

With that said, let’s dive deeper into a fun and tasty adventure that revolves around grilled vegetable skewers.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: The Ultimate Summer Dish

When summer rolls around, grilling takes center stage. This dish, grilled vegetable skewers, is an easy choice. They are colorful, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Using fresh vegetables brings out their natural sweetness. You won’t even miss the meat!

I remember the first time I tried making these skewers. It was a casual barbecue, and I wanted something vibrant and healthy to balance out the burgers. The vegetables grilled to perfection, soaking up the flavors of olive oil and herbs. My guests couldn’t get enough!

What Are Grilled Vegetable Skewers?

Grilled vegetable skewers are a delightful combination of different veggies, often marinated or brushed with olive oil, herbs, and spices. These skewers are threaded with colorful vegetables and then grilled until they’re tender. The process caramelizes their natural sugars, making every bite a burst of flavor.

Using a variety of vegetables ensures a colorful presentation. Plus, you can easily customize the flavors based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Why This Recipe Works

Several factors make this recipe stand out. First, the vegetables are versatile. Whether you’re a fan of zucchini or prefer bell peppers, you can mix and match.

Second, grilling brings out a distinct smoky flavor. This simple cooking method enhances the taste of the vegetables in ways that boiling or steaming cannot. It’s like magic!

Lastly, the accompanying garlic herb sauce elevates the skewers even further. This sauce is a game changer. With olive oil, fresh herbs, and garlic, it brings a zesty kick to the veggies.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish

To whip up these delicious skewers, gather the following ingredients:

For the Vegetable Skewers:

2 yellow bell peppers, seeded and chopped into squares
4 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
Olive oil for light brushing
2 orange bell peppers, seeded and chopped into squares
Balsamic vinegar for drizzling at the table
4 medium purple-red onions, cut into wedges
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 green bell peppers, seeded and chopped into squares
2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped into squares

For the Garlic Herb Sauce:

Salt, to taste
3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely minced
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
½ teaspoon lemon zest

How to Make Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s jump into how to make these delicious skewers.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing and chopping your vegetables into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly on the grill. Aim for bite-sized squares for bell peppers and thick rounds for zucchini.

Step 2: Soak Wooden Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Toss with Olive Oil and Oregano

In a large bowl, toss the prepared vegetables with olive oil and dried oregano. Be generous with the oil—it helps with grilling and adds flavor.

Step 4: Thread the Vegetables onto Skewers

Now it’s time for the fun part! Thread the vegetables onto the skewers, alternating colors for a beautiful presentation. Aim for a mix of textures and colors.

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

Before you start grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill not only prevents sticking but also gives those beautiful grill marks.

Step 6: Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and close the lid. Grill for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally. You want them to be tender with a few charred spots.

Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Herb Sauce

While the skewers are grilling, make the garlic herb sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, rosemary, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, cilantro, and lemon zest.

Step 8: Serve and Drizzle

Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill. Drizzle the garlic herb sauce generously over the top. You can also pass around extra balsamic vinegar for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Cut Even Pieces: Ensure all vegetables are cut uniformly. This guarantees even cooking.
Don’t Crowd the Skewers: Leave some space between veggies on the skewer. This allows heat to circulate and promotes even grilling.
Experiment with Marinades: While olive oil and oregano work well, you can jazz things up with soy sauce, lemon juice, or even a bit of honey for a sweet touch.
Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cubes of tofu or shrimp alongside your veggies on the skewers.
Switch It Up: Feel free to play around with seasonal vegetables. Asparagus, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes can be fantastic additions!

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is simple. Place the skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Enjoy them within three days for best flavor. Reheat on the grill or in a skillet to bring back some of that grilled goodness.

Nutrition Information

Grilled vegetable skewers are not just tasty; they’re good for you, too! Here’s a quick overview of what you’re getting per serving (assuming about 2 skewers with varied veggies):

Calories: ~150
Total Fat: 10g (mostly from olive oil)
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 3g

Packed with vitamins and minerals, these skewers offer a fantastic way to increase your vegetable intake while providing a hearty dose of fiber.

How Would I Recommend Serving Grilled Vegetable Skewers?

You might wonder how to serve these flavorful skewers. Here are four tasty suggestions:

Pair with Grilled Chicken: Serve these skewers alongside grilled chicken for a complete meal. Consider marinating the chicken in a similar herb blend for a harmonious flavor profile.
Incorporate into a Salad: Chop the grilled vegetables and toss them into a fresh salad. A bed of mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes provides a perfect canvas. Don’t forget the dressing!
Wrap it Up: Use these skewers as filling for wraps or sandwiches. Spread some garlic herb sauce on a flatbread and layer with skewered veggies. It’s an easy lunch option!
Perfect for Picnics: Take these skewers to your next picnic. They’re great served cold or at room temperature, making them an ideal make-ahead choice.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?

If you find yourself missing some ingredients, no worries. Here are a few alternatives:

Veggie Substitutes: Use mushrooms or asparagus if zucchini is unavailable. Both grill beautifully and absorb flavors well.
Herb Swap: If fresh herbs are out of reach, use dried herbs. Just remember, dried herbs are more concentrated, so a smaller amount (about a third) will suffice.
Oil Options: Grapeseed or avocado oil can replace olive oil. They have high smoke points and work well on the grill.
Vinegar Alternative: If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, try red wine vinegar or lemon juice for a different acidity. They’ll still lend a delicious tang!

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Elaine Gordon

Picture this: It’s a warm afternoon. You’re gathering with loved ones for a cookout. The scent of grilled vegetables fills the air.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

Grill
Bowl

Ingredients

For the Vegetable Skewers:

2 yellow bell peppers seeded and chopped into squares
4 medium zucchini sliced into thick rounds
Olive oil for light brushing
2 orange bell peppers seeded and chopped into squares
Balsamic vinegar for drizzling at the table
4 medium purple-red onions cut into wedges
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 green bell peppers seeded and chopped into squares
2 red bell peppers seeded and chopped into squares

For the Garlic Herb Sauce:

Salt to taste
3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely minced
5 cloves garlic finely minced
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely chopped
½ teaspoon lemon zest