If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, tasty way to enjoy fresh vegetables and a hint of sweet pineapple, you absolutely must try this Grilled Veggie Skewers with Pineapple and Fresh Vegetables Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of charred veggies, juicy fruit, and Mediterranean-inspired herbs that come together to create a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or just craving something light and refreshing, these skewers offer a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe’s beauty lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering perfect flavor, texture, and a burst of color on your plate. Fresh vegetables paired with sweet pineapple and aromatic herbs make these skewers pop with every bite.
- Fresh pineapple: Adds a delightful sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill, balancing the savory vegetables.
- Zucchini: Its firm texture grills nicely without falling apart and brings a subtle earthiness.
- Yellow squash: Adds a sunny color and tender bite, complementing zucchini’s flavor.
- Whole fresh mushrooms: Their meaty texture soaks up the herb oil perfectly for a flavor boost.
- Red onion: Provides a mild sharpness and a touch of color once grilled.
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst with sweetness and juiciness as they cook.
- Red bell pepper: Its crispness and vibrant red hue brighten the skewers.
- Bamboo skewers: Essential for threading everything together, soak them beforehand to avoid burning.
- Olive oil: A rich, fruity base for the herb marinade, helping vegetables grill evenly.
- Dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery note that enhances the veggies.
- Dried oregano: Brings a warm, aromatic depth that complements the grill flavors.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the sweetness and herbs.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Grilled Veggie Skewers with Pineapple and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Grab all the fresh vegetables and pineapple, wash and cut them into similar sized chunks – about 1-inch pieces are perfect. This ensures even cooking on the grill and makes threading onto skewers easy and enjoyable.
Step 2: Get Your Skewers Ready
Make sure to soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning under the heat. While they soak, preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to keep everything from sticking.
Step 3: Thread the Skewers
Alternate the pineapple chunks, zucchini slices, yellow squash rounds, mushrooms, red onion pieces, cherry tomatoes, and red bell pepper pieces on each skewer. This mix creates a beautiful pattern of colors and ensures every bite is exciting.
Step 4: Mix the Herb Oil
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This herb oil not only adds incredible flavor to the veggies and fruit but also helps them develop a luscious char on the grill.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Brush the skewers generously with the herb oil mix, then place them on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with more herb oil to keep the veggies moist and flavorful. The goal is tender vegetables with light char marks and caramelized pineapple pieces.
How to Serve Grilled Veggie Skewers with Pineapple and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro to add an extra fresh note. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving brightens the flavors beautifully. For some heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with fluffy couscous, a chilled quinoa salad, or even a creamy hummus dip. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish to complement the freshness of the veggies and pineapple.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the skewers on a vibrant platter lined with leafy greens for a festive touch. You can also remove the veggies from the skewers and toss them with cooked grains or salad greens for an easy, no-fuss bowl. Another fun idea is to offer small bowls of sauces like tzatziki, chimichurri, or a yogurt-mint dip to customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled veggie skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well and make for quick reheat meals or cold salad additions.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetable texture and pineapple, freezing is not ideal for these skewers. The produce may become mushy once thawed, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place skewers back on a preheated grill or a grill pan for a few minutes to revive the beautiful char and warmth. Alternatively, a quick broil in the oven works well to keep the outside slightly crisp while warming the veggies through.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Grilled Veggie Skewers with Pineapple and Fresh Vegetables Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorites like zucchini, asparagus, cherry peppers, or even eggplant. Just cut everything into similar sizes for even grilling.
Do I need to soak bamboo skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from catching fire or burning on the grill. About 20 minutes of soaking in water is usually enough.
Can I prepare these skewers indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or broil them in the oven. Keep an eye so they get charred but don’t burn.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! The Grilled Veggie Skewers with Pineapple and Fresh Vegetables Recipe is naturally vegan and packed with wholesome goodness.
How do I prevent the veggies from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oiling the grill grates before cooking and brushing the skewers with olive oil helps prevent sticking. Also, avoid moving the skewers too often early in cooking to allow a nice sear to form.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Veggie Skewers with Pineapple and Fresh Vegetables Recipe is such a joyful way to celebrate fresh, healthy ingredients with minimal fuss. It brings out the best of each vegetable and pineapple chunk with the magic of the grill and herbs, perfect for summer cookouts or a simple weeknight meal. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
PrintGrilled Veggie Skewers with Pineapple and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
These vibrant and flavorful grilled veggie skewers combine fresh zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, mushrooms, pineapple, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, marinated in a fragrant olive oil and herb mixture. Perfect as a light summer main dish or a colorful side, they offer a deliciously charred and tender bite that brightens any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10-15 mins
- Total Time: 20-25 mins
- Yield: 8 veggie skewers (serves 4)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into 1-inch slices
- 2 medium yellow squash, cut into 1-inch slices
- ½ pound whole fresh mushrooms
- 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks
Other
- 8 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes
Marinade
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the fresh vegetables and pineapple, cutting them into chunks and slices as specified to ensure even cooking and ease of threading onto skewers.
- Preheat Grill: Heat an outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking and facilitate even charring.
- Assemble Skewers: Alternately thread pineapple chunks, zucchini slices, yellow squash slices, whole mushrooms, red onion chunks, cherry tomatoes, and red bell pepper chunks onto the soaked bamboo skewers to create colorful and balanced veggie kabobs.
- Make Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper to create an aromatic herb marinade.
- Brush and Season: Brush some of the olive oil herb mixture over the assembled veggie skewers to enhance flavor and help vegetables char nicely.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste the vegetables regularly with the remaining marinade to keep them moist and flavorful until tender and lightly charred.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the grilled veggie skewers immediately for a deliciously fresh and healthy meal.
Notes
- Soaking bamboo skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on seasonality or preference.
- Serve with a side of your favorite grain or protein for a complete meal.
- Grilled pineapple adds a sweet contrast to the savory vegetables.
- Adjust salt and herbs to taste in the marinade.