These easy grilled vegetable skewers are colorful and delicious! Packed with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, they’re perfect for any meal.
I love how quick they are to make—just chop, skewer, and grill! Great for a summer BBQ, and who doesn’t want to eat their veggies with a bit of grill magic? 🌽🍆
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Both add great texture and a mild flavor. If you can’t find these, try eggplant or asparagus as alternatives for a similar effect.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper gives a wonderful sweetness. If you’re looking for a kick, opt for a jalapeño or leave it out entirely for a different flavor.
Mushrooms: I love using cremini for their robust flavor, but any mushrooms will do. You could even use tofu for a meatier bite if you’re vegan.
Potatoes: They add heartiness to the skewers. Sweet potatoes are a great swap, or you can use chunks of any firm vegetable like carrots or parsnips.
Seasonings: Olive oil and oregano are fantastic, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or basil, and add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
Why Do I Need to Soak Wooden Skewers?
Soaking wooden skewers is key to prevent them from burning on the grill. It’s an easy step, and here’s how to do it:
- Submerge the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them.
- This creates a barrier against direct heat, letting you grill without worry.
- Make sure to pat them dry before threading on vegetables—it helps with easy handling.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Vegetables?
Grilling veggies might seem simple, but a few tips can help you nail it:
- Cut the vegetables into even sizes so they cook at the same rate. Think uniform chunks!
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave some space between the veggie pieces for even grilling.
- As you grill, turn the skewers every few minutes. This helps achieve nice grill marks and avoids burning.
How to Make 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 bite-sized pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup mushrooms (white or cremini)
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to grill. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them for 30 minutes beforehand! All in all, you’ll be enjoying delicious grilled vegetable skewers in just over an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak Your Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning while grilling. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step and move right on!
2. Prepare the Grill:
Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This should take just a few minutes—enough time to get everything else ready!
3. Mix the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and potato cubes. This colorful mix will give your skewers a fantastic look and taste.
4. Season the Veggies:
Drizzle the olive oil over your vegetables and add the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until all the veggies are well coated. Don’t be shy; get in there with your hands if it helps!
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Now, it’s time to thread the vegetables onto the skewers! Alternate the types of vegetables as you go for a fun and colorful presentation. Make sure not to pack them too tightly; they need a little space to cook evenly.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Carefully place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’re looking for those nice grill marks and for the veggies to become tender but not mushy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your skewers are done, remove them from the grill and let them cool slightly. If you like, you can garnish with extra herbs for a pop of freshness. Serve them warm and enjoy your delicious grilled vegetable skewers!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or even asparagus. Just try to keep the cooking times similar, so everything cooks evenly. If you’re using vegetables that cook quicker, like zucchini or mushrooms, consider cutting larger veggies into smaller pieces to balance the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Vegetable Skewers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat them, a quick way is to toss them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them!
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and have some nice browning. This is a great option if grilling isn’t available!
What Can I Serve with Grilled Vegetable Skewers?
These skewers pair perfectly with grilled meats, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You could also serve them alongside dips like hummus or tzatziki for a delicious, light meal. Enjoy!
