These Easy Grilled Vegetable Skewers are colorful and full of flavor! Using fresh veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, they make a tasty addition to any meal.
Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies, and it’s super fun to eat! I love to serve them with a dip, but they’re just as good on their own. Who doesn’t love a little veggie party? 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This veggie adds a nice texture. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too, and it tastes just as good.
Bell Pepper: Any color pepper is perfect! If you’re looking for a milder flavor, try using a green bell pepper. For heat, go for jalapeños or spicy peppers.
Red Onion: Sweet onions are a nice replacement if red onions aren’t available. They provide a milder flavor when grilled.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with flavor. If you don’t have them, you can use regular tomatoes cut into chunks, but keep an eye on cooking time!
Button Mushrooms: Feel free to substitute with other mushrooms like cremini or portobello for a deeper flavor.
Potato: You can omit it for a lighter version or use sweet potatoes for a different taste profile. They add a subtle sweetness when grilled.
Olive Oil: I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its flavor, but vegetable oil or avocado oil are good substitutes as well.
How Do I Prepare My Skewers to Prevent Burning?
If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them is essential. This step helps prevent them from catching fire on the grill. Just follow these tips:
- Soak the skewers in water for about 30 minutes before threading the vegetables.
- Make sure they’re fully submerged; you might want to weigh them down with a plate.
- If using metal skewers, there’s no need to soak them!
What’s the Best Way to Thread the Skewers?
Threading your veggies can be fun! Here are a few tips to make sure everything cooks evenly:
- Alternate the vegetables for variety. This not only looks pretty but helps them cook uniformly.
- Leave a little space between each piece; this lets the heat flow and ensures even cooking.
- Try to keep similar cooking times together. For instance, thread the potatoes closer to the ends since they take longer to cook.
With these ingredients and techniques, your grilled vegetable skewers will be a hit at any cookout! Enjoy!
How to Make Easy Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped into squares
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup button mushrooms, whole
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 10-15 minutes for grilling. Plus, if you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. All in all, you’ll have delicious grilled vegetable skewers ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s important to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps keep them from burning on the grill. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced zucchini, chopped bell pepper, onion wedges, cherry tomatoes, whole mushrooms, and cubed potatoes. Make sure everything is cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
3. Season the Veggies:
Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables. Then sprinkle the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently until all the veggies are well coated in the oil and seasoning. This will add flavor to your skewers!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While you’re seasoning the veggies, it’s a good time to preheat your grill. Set it to medium-high heat so that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook.
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Now, take your soaked skewers and carefully thread the vegetables onto them. You can alternate different types of vegetables for an appealing look and variety in every bite. Just make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even grilling.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally. Keep an eye on them until the vegetables are tender and have that nice charred look. This adds a lovely smoky flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the skewers are done, carefully remove them from the grill. Serve them hot as a delicious side dish or with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your tasty grilled vegetable skewers!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in These Skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables with your favorites such as eggplant, asparagus, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, especially for denser veggies like potatoes—consider pre-cooking them slightly if using cubed potatoes to ensure everything grills evenly.
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you’re out of olive oil, you can use any other cooking oil you prefer, like avocado oil or canola oil. Just make sure it has a high smoke point. For a flavor boost, try using sesame oil or infused oils; just use less since they can be more potent in flavor.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover grilled vegetable skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for a minute or two or quickly warm them up on a skillet over low heat.
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. This is a great option if you’re unable to grill!
