These easy grilled veggie skewers combine zucchini, red onion, and colorful bell peppers for a vibrant and flavorful side dish. Brushed with a fresh garlic herb sauce and finished with a drizzle of tangy balsamic vinegar, they’re perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or as a healthy complement to grilled meats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled veggie skewers are not only visually stunning, but they’re also quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. The combination of charred, tender vegetables with a fragrant herb sauce makes this dish appealing to both veggie lovers and skeptics alike. They’re naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them ideal for serving a crowd with mixed dietary preferences. Plus, they cook evenly thanks to the vegetables’ similar textures, ensuring every bite is delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Vegetable Skewers:

• Red onion

• Zucchini, sliced

• Red bell pepper

• Orange bell pepper

• Yellow bell pepper

• Green bell pepper

• Olive oil, for brushing

• Balsamic vinegar, for serving

For the Garlic Herb Sauce:

• Olive oil

• Garlic, minced

• Fresh parsley, minced

• Fresh cilantro, minced

• Fresh rosemary, minced

• Salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15–30 minutes to prevent burning.

2. Prepare vegetables: peel and cut onions into wedges, seed and chop bell peppers into 1-inch pieces, and slice zucchini into rounds.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the garlic herb sauce.

4. Thread vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and types for even cooking and visual appeal.

5. Brush skewers lightly with olive oil.

6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for about 5–8 minutes per side, until vegetables are slightly charred and just tender.

7. Remove from the grill, brush with garlic herb sauce, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add mushrooms such as portobello or cremini for a meaty texture.

• Include cherry tomatoes, but grill them on separate skewers to avoid overcooking.

• Switch up the herbs with basil, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor profile.

• Add heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb sauce.

• Try different vinegars such as red wine or pomegranate balsamic for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill, in a skillet over medium heat, or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long to preserve texture.

FAQs

How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak them in water for at least 15–30 minutes before grilling.

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop vegetables and thread them onto skewers up to 24 hours ahead, storing them covered in the fridge.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Can I use metal skewers?

Absolutely, and they don’t require soaking. Just be careful, as they will get hot.

What other vegetables work well for skewers?

Mushrooms, eggplant, broccolini, and corn segments are great additions.

Should I peel the zucchini?

No, the skin helps hold the slices together and adds texture.

Can I make these without the garlic herb sauce?

Yes, but the sauce adds a lot of flavor; consider brushing with olive oil and seasoning generously instead.

Is balsamic vinegar necessary?

It’s optional but adds a tangy finish that balances the grilled flavors.

How do I stop vegetables from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grill is hot, brush it with oil, and coat the vegetables lightly with oil before grilling.

Can I freeze grilled veggie skewers?

It’s not recommended, as the texture of the vegetables becomes mushy after thawing.

Conclusion

Easy grilled veggie skewers are a colorful, flavorful, and healthy side dish that fits right into any summer menu. With minimal prep, a quick cook time, and a customizable ingredient list, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Whether you serve them with grilled meats, over rice, or as part of a vegetarian spread, they’re bound to be a crowd favorite.