These easy grilled vegetable skewers are colorful, tasty, and perfect for any barbecue! Just toss your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms on a stick and grill them up.
It’s so fun to make these together with friends or family. Everyone can pick their favorite veggies for the grill! I love a little extra seasoning on mine for that added kick! 🌽🍆
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Zucchini brings a lovely texture to the skewers. If you’re not a fan, yellow squash works as a great substitute. Both have a mild flavor and grill well!
Bell Pepper: Red or yellow bell peppers add sweetness and color. You can swap them for green peppers if you prefer a bit more crunch and bite.
Red Onion: For a milder taste, try using sweet onions like Vidalia. They grill beautifully and add sweetness without being overpowering.
Potato: Instead of potatoes, you could use sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist. Just remember that they may need a little more pre-cooking time to soften up.
Mushrooms: Button mushrooms are great, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like portobello or shiitake for different flavors. Just make sure they’re firm and fresh.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to, but avocado oil is also a fantastic option for high heat grilling.
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling vegetables can be tricky if they’re not prepared well. To get that perfect char and tenderness, here are some key tips:
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Aim for all pieces to be similar in thickness.
- Preheat the grill! A hot grill helps to sear the vegetables quickly and lock in flavors.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave some space between the pieces for better heat circulation.
- Brush veggies with oil before grilling, as this helps prevent sticking. Tossing them in oil also adds flavor.
- Turn the skewers occasionally for even charring, about every 3-5 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the potatoes; they might need par-cooking (boiling for a few minutes) before skewering to ensure they cook through on the grill.
How to Make Easy Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, whole
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to grill them. Just a little bit of chopping, seasoning, and grilling, and you’ll have a tasty dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important for getting those lovely grill marks on your veggies and achieving the perfect tenderness.
2. Mixing the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, bell pepper squares, onion wedges, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and potato cubes. This colorful mix will make for a beautiful presentation!
3. Seasoning the Veggies:
Next, drizzle the olive oil over the mixed vegetables. Then, sprinkle them with dried oregano, garlic powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the veggies are evenly coated—with your hands or a spoon—this helps the flavors blend beautifully!
4. Threading the Skewers:
Now it’s time to skewer! Take your prepared skewers and thread the vegetables on, alternating between different types to make it visually appealing. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; it’s better to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grilling the Skewers:
Carefully place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so that all the sides get that nice char. You’ll know they’re done when the veggies are tender and have lovely grill marks!
6. Serving and Enjoying:
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm as a delightful side dish or a tasty appetizer. Enjoy your delicious grilled vegetable skewers!
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with your favorite vegetables. Some great alternatives include asparagus, eggplant, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
How Do I Prevent Wooden Skewers from Burning?
If you’re using bamboo skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling is key. This helps to prevent them from burning on the grill. Another option is to use metal skewers, which can withstand the heat without any soaking needed!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the skewers in advance! Assemble them, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Vegetable Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy them in salads or wraps as well!
