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: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 bell pepper, cut into squares; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 red onion, cut into wedges; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 8 ounces mushrooms, halved

Highlighted under: Seasonal Kitchen Delights

I love preparing marinated grilled veggie skewers because they are a colorful and flavorful addition to any summer BBQ. There's something magical about the way the marinade seeps into the vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness and giving them a delightful char on the grill. As I skewer the zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, I can already imagine how vibrant they will look on the plate and how delicious they will taste. This dish not only pleases the palate but also makes a gorgeous centerpiece that impresses family and friends alike!

Created by

Lina

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:45:28.302Z

When I first made these marinated grilled veggie skewers, I was amazed by the variety of flavors and textures that came together. I decided to experiment with different marinating times, and I found that an hour is the sweet spot for getting that perfect balance of savory and sweet. Each vegetable takes on the marinade beautifully, especially the mushrooms, which become incredibly juicy when grilled.

One little tip I learned is to soak the skewers in water for about 30 minutes beforehand. This helps to prevent them from burning on the grill, allowing for perfectly cooked veggies without the worry of charred sticks! Trust me, once you try them, you'll be hooked on this easy and healthy grilling option.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Vibrant flavors from a homemade marinade
Quick to prepare and perfect for entertaining
Healthy and colorful veggie-packed dish
Adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand

The Power of Marinades

Marinating is not just about adding flavor; it's a transformative process that helps to tenderize the vegetables. The olive oil in the marinade aids in retaining moisture during grilling, while the balsamic vinegar adds acidity, which balances the sweetness of the veggies. For a more pronounced flavor, try letting your vegetables soak in the marinade for the full two hours. This deeper infusion can elevate your skewers to a whole new level, providing a robust taste that pairs beautifully with the grilled texture.

If you're looking to experiment, consider adding citrus juice—like lemon or lime—to the marinade. This can brighten the flavors and enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables even further. It’s also a great way to adjust the flavor profile to preference if balsamic isn't your favorite. Let your creativity shine by trying different combinations of herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Perfect Grilling Techniques

When grilling your veggie skewers, the key is to maintain a medium-high heat. This allows for the right amount of char while ensuring that your vegetables don't become mushy. Keep an eye on them and rotate every 3-4 minutes, which helps achieve that golden char on all sides. If your veggies are starting to get too charred but are not tender yet, simply move them to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat slightly to finish cooking without burning.

To prevent vegetables from sticking to the grill, make sure the grates are well-oiled before placing the skewers on them. Using a grill basket can also be a great alternative if you’re worried about losing any pieces that might slip through the grates. Lastly, timing is crucial. Aim for about 10-15 minutes total cooking time; this ensures they remain vibrant and healthy, without losing their appealing texture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These marinated grilled veggie skewers are not only a stunning centerpiece but can be served in various ways. They pair wonderfully with a side of quinoa or couscous for a complete meal or can be added to wraps for a tasty lunch option. I often garnish mine with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness and color right before serving. A drizzle of homemade tahini or yogurt dressing can also elevate the dish further.

Feel free to get creative with the types of vegetables you use. Seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, eggplant, or even small potatoes can work beautifully. If you prefer a protein-packed version, adding cubed tofu or marinated tempeh on the skewers is a fantastic option; just increase the marinating time for these proteins to absorb the flavors. Remember, the versatility of this recipe allows for endless flavor combinations that can cater to your family’s preferences or dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

Marinade

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

1 bell pepper, cut into squares
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red onion, cut into wedges
1 cup cherry tomatoes
8 ounces mushrooms, halved

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Marinate the Veggies

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. Pour the marinade over the vegetables and mix well. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Skewering

Once marinated, thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and types for a pretty presentation.

Grilling

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

Serve

Remove from the grill and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips

To add a bit of heat, consider tossing in some red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as eggplant or squash, to mix it up.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar; just adjust the measurements slightly to avoid overpowering the marinade. For those looking to lower the oil content, you can use a lighter version of olive oil or even vegetable broth for marinating. However, using oil does lend a richness that helps in flavor development while grilling that you shouldn’t miss out on entirely.

For a unique flavor twist, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or honey to your marinade. Not only does this enhance the depth of flavor, but it also creates a lovely glaze on the vegetables as they grill! This not only adds complexity to the taste but can also help with caramelization, offering that desirable sweet char.

Make-Ahead Tips

These veggie skewers can serve as a great dish to prep in advance. You can marinate the vegetables the night before and keep them in the refrigerator overnight. This makes it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or entertaining on the weekends, allowing the flavors to deepen while saving you time. Just be sure to keep the skewers covered to prevent any unwanted odor absorption from your fridge.

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Store any uneaten skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat them on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to steam them lightly. This will keep the veggies tender and flavorful. They can also be chopped up and tossed in salads or pasta dishes, minimizing food waste and maximizing flavor.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is incredibly adaptable to serving sizes. If you're hosting a larger gathering, simply double or triple the ingredient quantities, ensuring that you have enough skewers on hand. Just make sure to give each vegetable enough space on the skewers to allow for even cooking and charring on the grill. When scaling up, consider using larger skewers or two skewers for each set of vegetables to help in managing the pieces while grilling.

Conversely, if you're cooking for just one or two, feel free to halve the recipe and store any leftover marinade for future use. It can be used up to a week later but make sure to give it a good whisk before using, as the ingredients may separate. Adjust your cooking time based on the volume of vegetables; smaller batches might require a reduced grilling time to achieve perfect tenderness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these veggie skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the vegetables a few hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until you're ready to grill.

→ What can I serve with these skewers?

These skewers pair beautifully with grilled meats, quinoa salad, or served over rice for a complete meal.

→ Are these skewers gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free! Always double-check your marinades if you're concerned about gluten.

→ Can I use a different grill method?

Absolutely! You can bake them in the oven or use a stovetop grill if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.