Grilled veggie skewers are a colorful and tasty way to enjoy your favorite vegetables! Just pile them on a stick, add a bit of seasoning, and toss them on the grill for a smoky flavor.
It’s amazing how the veggies get all charred and delicious! I usually make extra because they disappear so fast. Serve these on a summer night, and everyone will be happy! 🌽🥕
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini & Yellow Squash: Both add great texture and flavor. If you can’t find them, try using eggplant or bell peppers instead. I often pick colorful veggies for a vibrant plate!
Red Bell Pepper: This adds sweetness. You can use green bell peppers for a slightly more bitter taste or even cherry peppers for a spicy kick.
Red Onion: It brings sweetness and a hint of sharpness. If you want a less intense flavor, try using sweet onions like Vidalia or shallots.
Cherry Tomatoes: They burst with flavor! If out of season, grape tomatoes work well too.
Button Mushrooms: These add Earthy flavors. You could swap in portobello mushrooms for a meatier texture, or use any other mushrooms you like.
Potatoes: These are hearty and satisfying. Sweet potatoes make for a delightful twist, or you could leave them out altogether for a lighter option.
Olive Oil: This enhances flavors and prevents sticking. Avocado oil or melted coconut oil can serve as good alternatives.
Dried Oregano: If you don’t have oregano, you can use Italian seasoning or thyme for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Ensure Evenly Cooked Vegetables on Skewers?
Getting perfectly cooked veggies can be tricky. Here are some tips:
- **Cut Vegetables Evenly**: Aim for similar sizes to ensure they cook at the same rate. Try to cut the zucchini, squash, and potatoes into similar-sized pieces.
- **Thread with Care**: Alternate hard veggies like potatoes with softer ones like tomatoes and zucchini. This way, they heat up evenly.
- **Powder Distribution**: Toss the vegetables in oil and spices well before threading. It allows flavors to penetrate and ensures that salt is even throughout!
- **Grill Temperature**: Keep that grill at medium-high heat. It helps achieve nice grill marks without burning.
- **Turning Skewers**: Remember to turn them often while grilling. It prevents sticking and encourages even cooking!
How to Make Easy Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup button mushrooms, cleaned
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep the vegetables and about 10-15 minutes to grill them. In total, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to get your delicious skewers ready and served!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This step is important so that your vegetables cook evenly and get those nice grill marks!
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, onion wedges, cherry tomatoes, cleaned mushrooms, and potato chunks. These colorful veggies will make your skewers delicious and appealing!
3. Season the Veggies:
Drizzle the olive oil over the colorful mix of vegetables. Then, sprinkle in the dried oregano, garlic powder, and some salt and pepper for seasoning. Toss everything together gently until the vegetables are well-coated with the oil and seasonings. This will add wonderful flavor while they grill!
4. Thread on Skewers:
Take your skewers and start threading the vegetables onto them. You can alternate between different types of veggies for a fun look! If you’re using wooden skewers, remember they should be soaked in water for 30 minutes before this step to prevent burning on the grill.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Once your grill is hot, place the vegetable skewers on it. Close the grill lid and cook them for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get lovely grill marks!
6. Cool and Serve:
After grilling, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Let them cool slightly before serving. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish or on their own, these delightful skewers are sure to impress!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your easy grilled vegetable skewers warm, and savor the fresh flavors! Happy grilling!
Can I Substitute Any Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Options like bell peppers, eggplant, asparagus, or even zucchini can be added or replaced. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the vegetable. Try to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
How Do I Know When the Skewers Are Done Cooking?
The skewers are done when the vegetables are tender and have nice grill marks. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes on medium-high heat. You can check for doneness by piercing the potatoes or other dense veggies with a fork; they should be soft but not falling apart.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prep the skewers in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh. When ready to cook, you can toss them straight on the grill!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Skewers?
To store leftover grilled vegetable skewers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a grill pan over low heat until warmed through. They also make a great addition to salads or grain bowls!
