Marinated Grilled Veggie Skewers

Name: Marinated Grilled Veggie Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds; 1 small red onion, cut into wedges; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme); Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fresh & Light

I absolutely love making Marinated Grilled Veggie Skewers during the warm months when fresh vegetables are in abundance. The vibrant colors and flavors really shine with the right marinade. I usually prepare an array of bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions, all soaked in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. This simple yet delectable dish not only elevates any barbecue but also provides a healthy option that everyone appreciates. Trust me, once you try these skewers, they will become a seasonal favorite in your culinary toolkit!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:22:28.083Z

When I first experimented with marinating vegetables for grilling, I was amazed by how the flavors transformed during the cooking process. The olive oil not only prevents sticking on the grill, but it also helps enhance the natural sweetness of the veggies. I encourage everyone to let them soak up the marinade for at least an hour if possible—this makes a significant difference in taste!

One of my favorite combinations is cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red onions because they provide a balance of sweetness and texture. Plus, they look stunning on the grill! Each skewer adds a burst of color to any meal, making them as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Why You'll Love These Skewers
Colorful and diverse array of vegetables
Perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings
Deliciously infused flavors from the marinade
Healthier option packed with nutrients

Choosing the Right Vegetables

When preparing Marinated Grilled Veggie Skewers, selection of vegetables is key to achieving both flavor and texture. While red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion provide a colorful base, don't hesitate to experiment with other seasonal vegetables. Try adding mushrooms, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for additional variety. The essential tip is to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces may cook too quickly and become mushy, whereas larger chunks may not cook through in the time allotted on the grill.

Consider grilling some veggies slightly less, testing for tenderness every few minutes. This way, you avoid overcooking and can achieve a delightful char. Remember, visual cues like a slight browning or the vegetables becoming glossy signal they’re well on their way to being perfectly grilled. Plus, marinating harder vegetables like carrots or eggplant longer can enhance their flavor.

Perfecting the Marinade

The marinade for these skewers is what truly enhances the vegetable flavors. Olive oil acts as a lubricant, helping to create a nice sear on the grill, while balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the vegetables. If you'd like to spice things up, a dash of chili flakes or a splash of lemon juice can add a fantastic kick. Marinate for a minimum of 20 minutes—this allows the flavors to begin penetrating the vegetables, but for deeper flavor, aim for an hour.

Additionally, try experimenting with different herb blends. Fresh herbs, like basil and parsley, can be substituted in place of dried ones for a brighter flavor. If you are using fresh herbs, double the quantity, as they tend to be less potent than dried. Make sure to thoroughly coat the vegetables with the marinade, using your hands to mix them in the bag or bowl. A well-marinated skewer enhances every bite!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Once grilled, these skewers can be served as a vibrant side dish or a light main course. They pair excellently with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad; simply drizzle with extra marinade for extra flavor. Furthermore, they store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them a fantastic choice for meal prep. To serve leftovers, simply reheat on the grill or stovetop until warmed through, and they regain their delicious grilled texture.

For those interested in variations, consider incorporating fruit onto the skewers. Pineapple chunks or peaches can add a lovely sweetness that works beautifully with the savory marinade. Alternatively, add protein such as chicken or firm tofu for a more substantial meal. Just remember to adjust your cooking time to ensure everything cooks evenly, as the grilling time for meat will differ from that of vegetables.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your marinated veggie skewers:

Vegetables

1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
1 small red onion, cut into wedges
1 cup cherry tomatoes

Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients will beautifully blend together for a delicious grilled experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your skewers:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the Vegetables

Place the chopped vegetables in a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and let them marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour if time permits.

Skewer the Veggies

Thread the marinated vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors for a visually appealing array.

Grill the Skewers

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skewers from the grill and serve warm, drizzled with any remaining marinade if desired.

Now you’re ready to delight your guests with these vibrant, flavorful veggie skewers!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding halloumi cheese or marinated tofu to the skewers for a protein boost. Also, feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables based on what's in season or on hand.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you notice your vegetables are sticking to the grill, it’s likely due to insufficient oil or heat. Ensure your grill is well-preheated, reaching a medium-high setting, which typically is around 375-400°F (190-200°C). A light brushing of oil on the grill grates can also help prevent sticking. Should some pieces be overcooked while others are still firm, consider alternating cooking times, adding denser vegetables like bell peppers earlier to the skewer, and quicker-cooking ones like tomatoes toward the end.

Another common challenge is uneven seasoning. If some skewers taste bland, while others are packed with flavor, it may stem from uneven marination. I recommend tossing the vegetables in the marinade before skewering them and giving everything a good shake or stir to ensure every piece is well-coated before they hit the grill.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Preparing your Marinated Grilled Veggie Skewers ahead of time can save you precious moments when entertaining. You can marinate the vegetables the night before, sealing them in a bag or airtight container. Just be cautious with how long you marinate; keep in mind that overly long marination can lead to mushy textures, especially with zucchini. If you plan to make them a day in advance, stick to the 60-minute marinating window to maintain their integrity.

Additionally, you can pre-skewer your veggies and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to grill. This method allows for minimal cleanup when it's time to host, ensuring that you achieve maximum flavor with minimal stress. Don't forget to allow the skewers to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're hosting a larger gathering, scaling your skewers is straightforward! Simply multiply the ingredients based on your guest count. For every additional two people, consider adding one more bell pepper and ½ zucchini. Visual diversity is key for presentation, so mix and match colors as you build your skewers for the best visual impact.

For a larger group, you can use a combination of wooden and metal skewers. Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. It's a great tip if you want to ensure your skewers hold up under the heat. Make sure to keep an eye on them, as grilling time may vary slightly with larger batches due to heat distribution on the grill.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any vegetables for these skewers?

Absolutely! Feel free to use seasonal vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or eggplant.

→ How long can I marinate the vegetables?

You can marinate the vegetables for 20 minutes to up to an hour for the best flavor.

→ Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the skewers a few hours in advance. Just store them covered in the fridge before grilling.

→ What can I serve these skewers with?

They pair well with grilled meats, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.