Nothing says summer quite like colorful, juicy grilled veggies on a skewer. This Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe brings together a delightful mix of fresh corn, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, red onion, and bell pepper, all kissed with smoky char and a simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s a vibrant, healthy dish perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even a fun appetizer. Once you try these skewers, you’ll wonder why you ever overlooked grilled vegetables as a star on your plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the crunch of corn to the tender bite of mushrooms—creating a balance of taste, texture, and color that’s irresistible. These straightforward ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver maximum flavor.
- Corn on the cob: Fresh and sweet, it adds a satisfying crunch and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Zucchini: Adds gentle moisture and a mild, fresh flavor that pairs well with stronger veggies.
- Yellow summer squash: Its soft flesh and subtle sweetness complement the medley perfectly.
- Red bell pepper: Bright and slightly smoky after grilling, it brings vibrant color and sweetness.
- Red onion: Adds a touch of sharpness that mellows with grilling, giving depth to the mix.
- Brown mushrooms: Their earthy flavor and meaty texture make the skewers hearty and satisfying.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Binds the flavors together, helps veggies grill evenly, and adds richness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Lends a subtle heat and seasoning to finish the dish.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Grill and Skewers
Start by heating your grill to a medium temperature between 350°F and 450°F with clean grates ready for those beautiful grill marks. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes so they don’t catch fire while grilling. Metal skewers are a great fuss-free alternative and require no prep.
Step 2: Chop and Thread the Vegetables
Cut all your veggies into bite-sized chunks or half-inch slices to ensure they cook evenly. Then, alternate threading each vegetable onto your skewers, creating a colorful, appetizing pattern that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. A diverse veggie lineup on every skewer guarantees a burst of flavors in every bite.
Step 3: Season and Oil the Skewers
Once the veggies are threaded, drizzle them generously with extra virgin olive oil. This not only adds richness but prevents sticking on the grill. Finally, sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over each skewer to bring out their natural, vibrant flavors.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the grill and cover with the lid to create that perfect smoky heat environment. Turn your skewers every 3 to 5 minutes so all sides get lightly charred and the vegetables become tender without losing their structure. This step is the key to transforming simple raw veggies into a grilled masterpiece.
How to Serve Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your skewers with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil adds a burst of color and a fresh contrast to the smoky, savory vegetables. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice right before serving can brighten the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
These skewers shine alongside a variety of sides—think fluffy couscous, herbed rice, or a cool yogurt-based dip like tzatziki. They also pair wonderfully with grilled meats or seafood, making them perfect for any barbecue spread or casual dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the skewers laid over a bed of leafy greens or colorful quinoa salad. Alternatively, slice off the grilled veggies and toss them into a warm pita with hummus for an inviting Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled vegetable skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They remain flavorful and can be enjoyed cold in salads or quickly reheated for a warm meal.
Freezing
While freezing can slightly affect the texture, you can freeze the grilled vegetables by removing them from skewers first, placing in freezer bags, and storing for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover skewers gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to maintain their texture without drying out. You can also quickly warm them on a hot grill or in a skillet, which helps refresh that grilled char flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables for this Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in bell peppers of different colors, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, or even asparagus. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even grilling.
Should I peel the vegetables before grilling?
Generally, there’s no need to peel vegetables like zucchini or squash as their skins become tender and flavorful when grilled. However, be sure to remove the husk from the corn and any tough skins from onions if preferred.
How do I keep the vegetables from sticking to the grill?
Oiling the veggies with olive oil before grilling is essential. Also, make sure your grill grates are clean and well-heated, and avoid moving the skewers too often once placed down to allow the natural sear to release the vegetables easily.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers a few hours before grilling and keep them covered in the fridge. Just wait until just before cooking to oil and season them for the freshest taste.
What if I don’t have skewers?
If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the vegetables loose in a grill basket or thread them onto sturdy rosemary sprigs for an aromatic alternative. Either way, the delicious grilled flavor will shine through.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe is a perfect introduction to grilling for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant food with minimal fuss. It’s simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Next time you fire up your grill, give these skewers a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy veggies!
PrintGrilled Vegetable Skewers Recipe
A colorful and healthy recipe featuring a variety of fresh vegetables threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. These grilled vegetable skewers are seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, making them a perfect side dish for summer barbecues or a light vegetarian meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 ear corn, husk removed
- 1 zucchini
- 1 yellow summer squash
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and cored
- 1/2 red onion
- 8 brown mushrooms
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the grill: Clean the grill grates thoroughly and preheat the grill to medium heat, approximately between 350°F and 450°F. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers require no preparation.
- Prepare the vegetables: Cut all vegetables into uniform 1/2 inch slices or chunks to ensure even cooking. This includes slicing the corn, zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, red onion, and cleaning the mushrooms.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the vegetable pieces onto the skewers, alternating different types to create a colorful arrangement. Continue until the skewer is filled but not overcrowded.
- Season: Drizzle the skewered vegetables evenly with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the vegetables for seasoning.
- Grill the skewers: Place the vegetable skewers on the preheated grill with the lid closed. Cook until the vegetables are tender and have light char marks, turning the skewers every 3 to 5 minutes to cook evenly on all sides. This process usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve them warm or at room temperature as a delicious side dish or a light meal.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers before grilling helps prevent them from burning.
- Cuts should be uniform in size for even cooking.
- These skewers can be served as a vegetarian main dish or side.
- Feel free to add your favorite marinade or herbs for additional flavor.
- For an indoor option, these vegetables can be cooked on a grill pan or broiled in the oven.
