If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious dish that brings out the best flavors of summer vegetables, look no further than this Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe. It’s an easy way to transform simple garden-fresh produce into a colorful, smoky, and satisfying side that everyone will love. Perfect for backyard barbecues, weekday dinners, or even a light lunch, these skewers combine crispy-grilled textures with fragrant herbs and a bright touch of lemon that makes every bite sing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh vegetables and a few pantry spices, you’ll create a dish bursting with color, texture, and flavor. Each ingredient plays its part, whether it’s the tender zucchini rounds or the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes.
- Zucchini, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds: Adds a mild, fresh flavor and holds up beautifully on the grill without falling apart.
- Yellow squash, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds: Introduces a subtle sweetness and lovely golden color to the skewers.
- Cherry tomatoes: Provide juicy pops of acidity and vibrant red tones that contrast with the other veggies.
- Red onion, quartered: Brings a gentle pungency that softens and caramelizes as it grills.
- Orange bell pepper, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces: Adds crunch, sweetness, and a bright citrus hue.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the vegetables grill evenly and locks in moisture while adding richness.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances natural flavors and balances sweetness and acidity.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Introduces earthy, peppery herbal notes.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle aromatic depth without overpowering the veggies.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a slight lemony, minty background flavor that complements the skewers.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Delivers a final zing of brightness to brighten all the grilled goodness.
- Optional: finely chopped parsley (1 tablespoon): For a fresh, green pop of color and herbaceous lift at the end.
How to Make Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by getting your grill or grill pan nice and hot at medium-high heat. This ensures your vegetables develop those beautiful char marks without sticking, which adds flavor and an appealing texture. A hot grill is key to perfect grilling every time.
Step 2: Toss Vegetables with Seasonings
Combine the zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and orange bell pepper in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Toss everything gently until all pieces are evenly coated in that flavorful mixture. This step layers in the seasoning that makes the Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Thread the Vegetables Onto Skewers
Carefully thread the seasoned vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and shapes for a visually appealing presentation. This also helps the vegetables cook evenly and makes turning on the grill easier, resulting in perfectly charred, tender bites.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers to Perfection
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until you see grill marks forming. Flip the skewers and continue grilling for another 3 to 5 minutes until the veggies are nicely charred and tender. Remove them right away to prevent overcooking and place on a plate or cutting board to cool for a couple of minutes.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Remove the vegetables from the skewers and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top—it adds a refreshing brightness that elevates the smoky flavors. If you love fresh herbs, sprinkle finely chopped parsley for that extra burst of color and freshness.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve these vibrant grilled vegetables right away for the best taste and texture. They’re perfect warm off the grill, juicy, and packed with mouthwatering flavors from the char and seasoning.
How to Serve Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil instantly brightens the plate. You can also add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese to introduce a little tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the grilled veggies.
Side Dishes
These grilled vegetable skewers are a star side dish for any meal. Pair them with grilled meats, fish, or even tofu for a complete plate. They also shine alongside fluffy couscous, herbed rice, or crisp green salads for a balanced, colorful feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the vegetables directly on the skewers for a fun, casual picnic vibe. Alternatively, lay the grilled veggies out on a long platter garnished with fresh lemon wedges and herbs—this makes a gorgeous centerpiece for your dining table. You can even toss the grilled pieces into salads, pasta, or grain bowls for extra texture and smoky flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making a quick and healthy snack or addition to meals throughout the week.
Freezing
While the texture of grilled veggies can change slightly after freezing, you can freeze leftover skewers if needed. Wrap them tightly in foil or place in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Use within 2 months for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the vegetables in a hot oven or under the broiler for a few minutes to revive those amazing grill flavors and charred edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them from getting mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables for the grilled skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in mushrooms, asparagus, cherry peppers, or eggplant. Just keep them cut to similar sizes so they cook evenly alongside the zucchini and squash.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading vegetables helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
You can broil the skewers in your oven or cook the veggies in a hot stovetop skillet for a similar effect, though you won’t get the exact charred flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free when made with fresh vegetables and basic seasonings.
How do I keep cherry tomatoes from falling off the skewers?
Thread cherry tomatoes between sturdier vegetables like bell peppers or onion pieces to help keep them securely in place during grilling.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe is such a joyful and simple way to celebrate fresh veggies. It brings vibrant colors, smoky flavors, and wonderful textures to your plate with minimal effort. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to side dishes, perfect for any occasion. Happy grilling!
Print
Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and healthy recipe for grilled vegetable skewers featuring zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and orange bell pepper, seasoned with herbs and lemon juice. Perfect as a flavorful side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 red onion, quartered
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
Seasonings and Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Optional – 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough to sear the vegetables and create grill marks.
- Prepare vegetables and season: In a large mixing bowl, toss the zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and orange bell pepper with olive oil, kosher salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and dried thyme until evenly coated.
- Skewer the vegetables: Thread the seasoned vegetables onto skewers, alternating types to combine flavors and colors attractively.
- Grill the skewers: Place the vegetable skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until grill lines and some char form. Flip the skewers and grill for another 3 to 5 minutes until vegetables are tender and nicely charred. Remove from the grill and allow to rest for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Finish with lemon and parsley: Remove the vegetables from the skewers and drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Sprinkle with optional finely chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve the grilled vegetable medley immediately as a delicious and colorful side dish.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Vegetables can be cut into uniform sizes to ensure even grilling.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more herbs or salt if desired.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop.
- For additional flavor, marinate vegetables in the olive oil and herbs mixture for 15-30 minutes before grilling.
