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Easy Flavor-Packed Grilled Vegetable Skewers

easy flavor-packed grilled vegetable skewers - featured image

These grilled vegetable skewers are quick, easy, and packed with smoky, zesty flavors perfect for summer BBQs. Featuring fresh veggies marinated in a tangy herb blend and grilled to tender-crisp perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into thick rounds (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cremini mushrooms, stems trimmed
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • About 12 cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked wooden skewers if using)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly. Cut bell peppers into 1.5-inch chunks, slice zucchini and squash into thick rounds about 1/2 inch thick, trim mushroom stems, and wedge the red onion. Leave cherry tomatoes whole if using.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Add all cut vegetables to the marinade bowl. Toss gently to coat evenly. Let the veggies sit for 15-20 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes to avoid sogginess.
  4. Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and shapes for even cooking and presentation. Leave a little space between pieces.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash.
  6. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes to get char marks and cook evenly. Move skewers to cooler spots if pieces start to burn.
  7. Check doneness by piercing vegetables with a fork; they should be tender but not mushy.
  8. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for a couple of minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Turn skewers frequently for even cooking and avoid flare-ups by moving skewers to indirect heat if needed. Do not marinate vegetables longer than 30 minutes to prevent sogginess, especially zucchini. For stovetop cooking, use a preheated grill pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled vegetable skewers, summer BBQ, easy vegetable recipe, vegan skewers, gluten-free skewers, healthy grilling, vegetable marinade