Fire up your grill and get ready for a burst of summer flavor with these vibrant Grilled Veggie Skewers! Juicy bell peppers, tender zucchini, and sweet red onion are charred to perfection, then finished with a zesty garlic herb sauce for a dish that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rainbow on a Plate: The mix of colorful bell peppers and fresh zucchini makes these Grilled Veggie Skewers just as beautiful to serve as they are fun to eat.
- Big Flavor, Simple Steps: With just a handful of ingredients and a homemade garlic herb sauce, you get smoky, caramelized veggies bursting with freshness.
- Super Versatile: Serve them as a main course, a crowd-pleasing side, or even as meal prep for weekday lunches—these skewers fit any table or gathering.
- Naturally Healthy: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and heart-healthy olive oil, this feel-good recipe is a delicious way to eat your veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Grilled Veggie Skewers comes from a simple lineup of farm-fresh produce, vibrant herbs, and a splash of olive oil. Each ingredient brings its own punch of flavor and color, working together to create something truly unforgettable.
- Red Onions: Their natural sweetness intensifies on the grill, adding depth and a hint of smokiness to every bite.
- Zucchini: These soak up all the garlicky-herb goodness and stay tender without getting mushy.
- Red, Orange, Yellow & Green Bell Peppers: Each color adds a splash of vibrancy and a subtle variation in sweetness and crunch.
- Olive Oil: Brushed onto the veggies and used in the sauce, it helps everything caramelize and keeps the skewers juicy.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A finishing drizzle blends tang and sweetness, elevating the grilled flavors.
- Fresh Garlic: The heart and soul of the sauce, lending robust aroma and flavor.
- Fresh Parsley & Cilantro: These herbs bring garden-fresh brightness to the sauce.
- Fresh Rosemary: Just a bit infuses the skewers with cozy, savory undertones.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For perfectly seasoned veggies, never skip the classics!
Variations
The beauty of Grilled Veggie Skewers is how easy they are to personalize! Whether you’re working with what’s in the fridge, catering to dietary needs, or just following a craving, there’s a variation for everyone.
- Add More Veggies: Thread on mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant for extra flavor, color, and variety.
- Change the Herbs: Swap in basil, thyme, or fresh oregano for a different aromatic twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika to the garlic herb sauce for a subtle kick.
- Go Vegan or Dairy-Free: These skewers are naturally vegan, but for even more flavor, try serving them with a dollop of dairy-free tzatziki or tahini sauce.
- Add Protein: Pair your skewers with marinated tofu, halloumi, or even grilled shrimp for a heartier meal.
How to Make Grilled Veggie Skewers
Step 1: Soak Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15–30 minutes. This simple step prevents them from burning on the grill, so don’t skip it! Lay them in a shallow dish and let them soak while you prep the veggies.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
Peel the red onions and slice them in half, then cut each half into thirds like pizza slices—this gives you six chunky pieces from each onion. Remove the seeds from all the bell peppers and chop them into bite-sized 1-inch squares. Slice the zucchini into thick rounds, perfect for threading onto skewers and staying juicy while grilling.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a good whisk—this sauce is destined to infuse everything with bold, herby aroma. Set it aside so the flavors can mingle while you assemble your skewers.
Step 4: Thread and Brush
Assemble your Grilled Veggie Skewers by alternating red onion, colorful bell peppers, and zucchini on each stick. Not only does this look gorgeous, but it also ensures a balanced bite every time. Lightly brush the assembled skewers with olive oil—all those veggies are about to become perfectly caramelized and charred.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Once hot, arrange the skewers across the grates. Grill for 5–8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the veggies are tender and beautifully browned along the edges. Grilling time may vary based on the size of your veggies and heat intensity—so keep an eye out for those irresistible grill marks!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once off the grill, immediately brush the hot skewers with your garlic herb sauce and finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Serve while they’re still warm, and get ready for everyone to fight over the last skewer.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Veggie Skewers
- Skewer Placement: Place heartier veggies like onion pieces on the ends—they’ll hold everything in place and grill up extra-robust.
- Uniform Cuts: Try to cut all your vegetables into similarly sized pieces for even grilling and that perfect smoky char.
- Sauce Timing: Brush the garlic herb sauce on hot-off-the-grill skewers so the heat releases the best flavors from the fresh herbs.
- Make-Ahead Prep: Chop all your veggies the night before and store in an airtight container in the fridge for an effortless BBQ day.
How to Serve Grilled Veggie Skewers
Garnishes
Grilled Veggie Skewers are already bursting with color, but a sprinkling of fresh chopped herbs—think parsley or basil—or a shower of toasted sesame seeds adds that little extra sparkle. Even a final grating of lemon zest just before serving will make the flavors pop!
Side Dishes
Pair your veggie skewers with fluffy couscous, creamy hummus, or a big Mediterranean quinoa salad to make it a meal. They also shine next to grilled proteins like tofu, chicken, or shrimp—perfect for a summer barbecue spread that everyone can dig into.
Creative Ways to Present
Spread the skewers on a rustic wooden platter with a bowl of garlic herb sauce for dipping. For a party, try threading mini skewers for appetizer bites, or deconstruct them into a bountiful grilled veggie platter—garnish with edible flowers and lemon wedges for an extra wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grilled Veggie Skewers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When cool, gently slide the veggies off the skewers and refrigerate—making them easy to toss onto salads or grain bowls later.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze grilled veggies for a quick meal starter. Just remove them from the skewers, pop into freezer bags, and freeze for up to two months. Thawed grilled veggies work best reheated in a skillet or added to soups and casseroles for extra flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover veggies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or quickly sauté in a nonstick skillet for the best texture. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven or skillet method keeps them from getting soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make Grilled Veggie Skewers without an outdoor grill?
Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even broil the skewers in your oven. Just keep an eye on them, turn often, and you’ll get those delicious charred edges without firing up the barbecue.
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Which vegetables work best for Grilled Veggie Skewers?
Firm, quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes are all excellent choices. Avoid vegetables that are too soft or too dense, which may cook unevenly on the grill.
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How do I keep veggies from spinning on the skewers?
Try using flat skewers instead of round ones, or thread two skewers through each set of vegetables. This stabilizes them and makes turning much easier while grilling.
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Can I assemble Grilled Veggie Skewers in advance?
Yes! You can prep and assemble the skewers (without the sauce) up to a day ahead—just cover tightly and refrigerate. Add the garlic herb sauce after grilling for the freshest flavor.
Final Thoughts
Ready to bring the colors and flavors of summer straight to your table? Give these Grilled Veggie Skewers a try—even the pickiest eaters will go back for seconds. Bright, fresh, and utterly satisfying, there’s nothing like gathering around the grill and sharing a platter of these smoky, saucy veggies with people you love.
Print
Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Veggie Skewers are a colorful and flavorful addition to any barbecue or gathering. Fresh vegetables are marinated in a garlic herb sauce, grilled to perfection, and served with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Skewers
- 4 medium red onion
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 red bell pepper
- 2 orange bell pepper
- 2 yellow bell pepper
- 2 green bell pepper
- olive oil, for brushing
- Balsamic vinegar, for serving
For the Garlic Herb Sauce
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 3 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
- salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers: Soak approximately 8-12 wooden skewers in water for at least 15-30 minutes.
- Prepare vegetables: Prepare the vegetables for the skewers by slicing onions, bell peppers, and zucchini into appropriate sizes.
- Make Garlic Herb Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Skewer vegetables: Thread vegetables onto skewers, alternating between onion, zucchini, and bell peppers. Brush with olive oil.
- Grill: Preheat grill, then grill skewers for 5-8 minutes per side until vegetables are tender.
- Finish: Brush with garlic herb sauce and drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them for at least 15-30 minutes before use.
- Prep vegetables the night before for quicker assembly on the day of grilling.
- Place sturdier vegetables on the ends of the skewers to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 324 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 26mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
