Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe

Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
  • 2 medium zucchinis, cut into 1-inch slices
  • 2 medium yellow squash, cut into 1-inch slices
  • pound whole fresh mushrooms
  • 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
  • 12 cherry tomatoes
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 8 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes
  • cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoons dried basil
  • teaspoon dried oregano
  • teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
  3. Alternately thread pineapple chunks, zucchini slices, yellow squash slices, mushrooms, onion chunks, tomatoes, and bell pepper chunks onto skewers.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Brush some of this mixture over the vegetables on the skewers.
  5. Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook until vegetables are tender and lightly charred, turning occasionally. Baste with the remaining olive oil mixture during grilling. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes.
  6. Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove from the grill and serve immediately.
  7. Enjoy your grilled veggie and pineapple skewers!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 406
  • Total Fat: 19g (25% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 3g (14% DV)
  • Sodium: 316mg (14% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60g (22% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 9g (34% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 41g
  • Protein: 7g (14% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 247mg (275% DV)
  • Calcium: 100mg (8% DV)
  • Iron: 3mg (16% DV)
  • Potassium: 1300mg (28% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Grilled Veggie Skewers are a popular and healthy side dish that offers a wonderful combination of colorful vegetables grilled to perfection. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, adding a smoky flavor to fresh veggies. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as a main course for vegetarians, grilled veggie skewers are a delightful treat for all.

Origin and History

The concept of cooking food on skewers dates back thousands of years and is found in various cultures across the globe. The grilled vegetable skewer, however, likely has its roots in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, where grilling vegetables over an open flame is a common method of preparation. The practice of threading vegetables onto skewers allows for even cooking, enhancing the flavors while making the meal easy to serve and eat. In recent years, grilled veggie skewers have become a favorite in many parts of the world, particularly in vegetarian and plant-based diets.

Regional Variations

Grilled veggie skewers are not confined to one particular region; they can be found in many different forms across the globe. In Mediterranean cuisine, for example, vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes are often grilled and seasoned with herbs like oregano and basil. In the Middle East, skewers known as "shashlik" or "kebabs" often feature vegetables such as onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers, sometimes marinated in yogurt or olive oil. In the United States, especially in summer, these skewers are a popular choice for BBQs, often served alongside grilled meats, or as a standalone vegetarian option. The versatility of this dish means it adapts well to different types of vegetables and seasonings, depending on local preferences.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Grilled veggie skewers are similar to other grilled vegetable dishes like vegetable kabobs or roasted vegetable platters. However, what sets skewers apart is the way the vegetables are threaded onto sticks, allowing for easier handling and presentation. While vegetable kabobs often focus on a mixture of vegetables and sometimes include meats or tofu, grilled veggie skewers are usually exclusively made with vegetables. The skewers also tend to be brushed with oil or marinades throughout the grilling process, which helps create a crispy, caramelized exterior that enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

Where They Are Served

Grilled veggie skewers are commonly served at barbecues, picnics, and outdoor gatherings, especially in the summertime. They are also popular in vegetarian and vegan restaurants as a healthy and flavorful alternative to meat-based skewers. In addition, they are often featured as a side dish at family meals, complemented by grilled meats or rice. In many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants, veggie skewers are a staple, often served with pita bread, hummus, and tzatziki sauce. Whether at a casual cookout or a more formal gathering, grilled veggie skewers always make a vibrant and tasty addition to the meal.

Interesting Facts

  • Grilled veggie skewers are a great source of vitamins and minerals, providing essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
  • The combination of grilled vegetables, especially when marinated, allows the natural sugars in the vegetables to caramelize, creating a deep, sweet flavor.
  • Skewering vegetables helps to ensure that they cook evenly and allows for easy flipping on the grill, which is ideal for beginners and seasoned chefs alike.
  • Vegetable skewers can be customized with various marinades, making them an incredibly versatile dish. Ingredients like garlic, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or even fruit can be added for extra depth of flavor.
  • In some cultures, grilled vegetable skewers are considered a celebratory dish, often featured at festive meals and outdoor celebrations.

FAQ about Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the veggie skewers a day in advance. Simply assemble the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's recommended to brush them with the marinade just before grilling to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Leftover grilled veggie skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. To reheat, simply place them on a grill or in a skillet for a few minutes until warmed through.

Yes, you can use wooden skewers, but you must soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Bamboo skewers are generally more resistant to heat, but soaking any wooden skewers will help.

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Common alternatives include asparagus, eggplant, or sweet potatoes. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose.

Yes, you can customize the marinade to your taste. For a different flavor, try adding balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or garlic. You can also switch the herbs such as using thyme or rosemary instead of basil and oregano.

To avoid overcooking or burning, make sure to turn the skewers regularly while grilling. Also, keep an eye on the grill temperature; medium heat is ideal. If some vegetables cook faster than others, you can remove them early and continue cooking the rest.

Yes, you can cook the veggie skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.

Grilled Veggie Skewers pair well with a variety of main dishes. Serve them with grilled chicken, steak, or even over a bed of quinoa or rice for a complete meal. They also make a great side for barbecues or picnics.

The total cooking time for the skewers is approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your vegetable chunks and the heat of your grill. Be sure to turn the skewers occasionally for even cooking.

Yes, you can use a grill pan to cook the skewers if you're unable to grill outdoors. Heat the grill pan over medium heat and cook the skewers, turning occasionally until the vegetables are tender and charred.

Comments

George Williams

09/03/2023 06:55:07 PM

Excellent and healthy option! My husband usually avoids veggies, but he absolutely loved them when grilled. I decided to enhance the flavors with fresh garlic and a touch of lemon juice. I skipped the pineapple as I wasn't sure about the combination with basil and oregano. Perfect side dish for grilled chicken!

Patrick Williams

01/17/2024 08:55:01 AM

Excellent foundational recipe with clear instructions. Unfortunately, my personal dislike for pineapple prevented me from following the original recipe exactly, but I substituted with all other vegetables. On my second attempt, I incorporated recommendations from another reviewer by pre-cutting the vegetables, incorporating balsamic vinegar and a clove of fresh minced garlic into the dressing, marinating the mixture before skewering and cooking. The end result was a delightful blend of flavors that were both subtle and impressive.

Timothy Mitchell

11/21/2024 10:33:38 PM

My entire family tried vegetables for the first time and everyone loved them, even my husband and my three boys who usually don't like veggies. My husband even asked for me to make them again. I made some changes: I coated the veggies in olive oil and salt only, skewered each type separately (mushrooms on one skewer, peppers on another), and basted them every five minutes with the marinade for about 20 minutes. It was a success! Thank you for the amazing recipe. We served them with steak.

Brandon Rivera

06/27/2024 10:57:06 PM

I am thrilled to share that my family tried vegetables together for the very first time, and it was a resounding success! Even my husband, who typically avoids veggies, and my three picky boys enjoyed them. My husband even requested that I make them again. Here's what I did differently: I coated the vegetables in just olive oil and salt, skewered each type separately (mushrooms on one skewer, peppers on another, etc.), and then basted them every five minutes with the olive oil marinade for about 20 minutes. The result was fantastic! Thank you for helping me make this delicious meal a hit. We paired the veggies with steak, and it was a perfect combination.

Cynthia Hernandez

04/05/2025 10:14:21 PM

My dad and I had a fantastic time making these skewers for our Sunday grill out! I put my own spin on the recipe by adding garlic and balsamic vinegar after reading some other reviews. I also included pineapple juice in the sauce, and canned pineapple worked just as well. Even my picky little brothers enjoyed the skewers - each person at the table had at least two! Overall, a great recipe, but I deducted one star because the tweaks suggested by others really made it shine.

Joyce Carter

01/11/2023 04:03:46 PM

We really liked this recipe. I made some adjustments by including garlic powder and white balsamic vinegar. Instead of basting the vegetables while grilling, I coated them with the sauce and let them marinate in the fridge for a couple of hours before cooking, and it turned out great.

Stephen Davis

01/24/2024 02:28:39 PM

This recipe is my ultimate choice for grilled vegetable skewers. I like to marinate the vegetables before grilling and then thread each one onto its own skewer – I'm not sure if that makes a difference, but the end result is always fantastic. These skewers turn out delicious and are always a hit!

Kelly Nelson

06/19/2024 04:36:07 AM

Great experience! I decided to skip the pineapple and followed the advice of others by mixing all the remaining ingredients in a bowl and letting it chill in the fridge before grilling.

Sharon Collins

04/07/2025 02:55:36 PM

My husband loved this dish! I'm usually not a fan of cooked vegetables, but even I thought they were delicious. I followed some advice from other reviews and just marinated the veggies before grilling, and it worked perfectly. The dish looked beautiful and tasted amazing!

Emily Allen

10/10/2023 01:35:21 AM

Not a fan of pineapple.

Emily Campbell

08/12/2022 10:04:01 AM

Simple and enjoyable to create. #bondingwithfiance #festiverecipe.

John Williams

11/27/2022 01:33:12 AM

Thanksgiving vegetable dish is quick and easy! Thank you for making my holiday cooking a breeze 😊 Happy Thanksgiving!

Michelle Smith

07/24/2024 02:58:07 PM

Wonderful recipe! I utilized a flavorful robust Italian dressing/marinade, and the kabobs came out absolutely fantastic.

Catherine Clark

09/07/2024 01:24:58 AM

I followed the advice in the comments and added a bit of garlic and balsamic vinegar. The result was simply fantastic – a big hit with everyone.

Frank Nguyen

04/20/2024 08:55:39 AM

The recipe recommends using bamboo skewers, but in the video, metal skewers are used instead, as they can withstand higher heat compared to bamboo skewers. Remember to soak the bamboo skewers well before using them, or there may be flaming skewers to deal with.

Patricia Johnson

07/29/2024 03:48:40 AM

Rewritten review: I absolutely loved this recipe! Instead of grilling, I decided to bake the dish on a sheet in the oven at 350 degrees. I flipped the food halfway through the baking process and then broiled it for an additional 3 minutes. My daughter-in-law was so impressed that she asked for the recipe herself, and she too was blown away by the delicious outcome. She mentioned that using the oven instead of traditional skewers on the grill was a complete game changer.

Maria Martinez

01/30/2024 02:20:43 AM

This marinade recipe is my favorite for veggie kabobs, whether I'm grilling them or using the air fryer. It's incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Gregory Gonzalez

11/09/2023 10:19:56 PM

Easy peasy.....the most effective way to get kids to eat anything is to serve it on a stick! The flavors are a perfect match for adults as well. This will definitely become a summer favorite.