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 bell pepper (any color), cut into chunks; 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds; 1 red onion, cut into wedges; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 8 button mushrooms, cleaned; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Wanderlust Dinner Recipes

I love making Marinated Grilled Veggie Skewers during the warmer months when the grill is fired up and fresh vegetables are at their peak. The marinade infuses the veggies with incredible flavor, transforming humble bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes into a delicious dish that's perfect for outdoor gatherings or a simple weeknight meal. The key is to let the veggies soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, allowing them to absorb all those wonderful flavors before skewering and grilling them to perfection.

Created by

Marco

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:13:28.066Z

When I first tried Marinated Grilled Veggie Skewers, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such a burst of flavor. I experimented with different types of marinades and settled on a mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs, which elevates the veggies beautifully. I learned that letting the skewers marinate longer makes a significant difference, as it allows the flavors to penetrate every piece.

Another tip I discovered is using a mix of colors and textures in the skewers. Adding mushrooms and red onions not only enhances the visual appeal but also results in a delightful combination of taste. I achieved the perfect char on the grill by pre-soaking my wooden skewers, so they don't burn while cooking. These are a hit every time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh and vibrant flavors that bring vegetables to life
Perfectly charred and crispy on the outside, tender inside
Versatile for any occasion, from casual cookouts to fancy dinners

Choosing the Right Vegetables

While bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms create a delightful array of textures and flavors, don't hesitate to play with your options. Seasonal vegetables like asparagus, eggplant, or even corn can add unique tastes and colors to your skewers. Aim for a mix of hard and soft vegetables, as this will ensure everything cooks evenly. For instance, heartier vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers will benefit from a slightly longer grilling time compared to cherry tomatoes and mushrooms.

Make sure to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to facilitate even cooking. This means cutting the bell pepper into 1- to 1.5-inch chunks, slicing zucchini rounds about 1 inch thick, and ensuring the onion wedges are in similar dimensions for the best results. Varied shapes not only enhance the visual appeal but also create interesting texture contrasts after cooking.

Perfecting Your Marinade

The marinade is crucial to extracting the best flavors from your vegetables. Olive oil is not only a medium for flavor but also helps in achieving that beautiful char on the grill. If you want to experiment, avocado oil or even a flavored oil, like garlic-infused olive oil, can offer a unique twist. Be mindful, though, as avocado oil has a higher smoke point, allowing for a more robust grilling experience.

Be generous with the marinade, allowing the vegetables to soak fully for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, letting them marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator will deepen the flavor profile significantly. To ensure even coating, consider tossing the vegetables in the marinade every 15 minutes.

Serving and Storage Tips

These skewers are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them further with an assortment of dips like tzatziki or a vibrant chimichurri. For added freshness, sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs, such as basil or parsley, right before serving. If you're feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lemon or lime can brighten the dish beautifully.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 2-3 days. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or reheated in a skillet over medium heat to revive that grilled flavor. However, avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the vegetables soggy.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh vegetables and ingredients to prepare marinated grilled veggie skewers:

Vegetables

1 bell pepper (any color), cut into chunks
1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
1 red onion, cut into wedges
1 cup cherry tomatoes
8 button mushrooms, cleaned

Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the next step.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect grilled veggie skewers:

Prepare the Marinade

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

Marinate the Vegetables

Add the chopped vegetables to the marinade and toss to coat. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the Grill

While the vegetables are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Skewering the Veggies

After marinating, thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and types for a vibrant presentation.

Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the veggies are tender and have grill marks.

Serve

Remove from the grill, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful marinated grilled veggie skewers!

Your delicious skewers are now ready to be devoured. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade. You can also mix in your favorite veggies or even use fruits like pineapple for a sweet twist!

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize your skewers based on the season or your dietary preferences. For a smoky flavor, consider adding marinated tofu or halloumi cheese to your skewers. These ingredients will absorb the marinade beautifully while adding protein to your meal. Additionally, you can mix different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for an herbal twist.

If you prefer a touch of sweetness, adding slices of pineapple or peaches can create a fantastic contrast with the savory flavors of the grilled vegetables. Just remember to adjust the grilling time, as fruits may caramelize quicker than vegetables.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your veggies are burning on the outside but remain raw inside, consider lowering your grill temperature to medium and cooking them for a bit longer. A common mistake is overcrowding the skewers, which can trap steam and prevent proper charring. Make sure each vegetable piece has enough space to allow for even cooking and attractive grill marks.

If you're using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 20-30 minutes before grilling. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill. If you find that some veggies overcook while others remain crunchy, try separating them on different skewers based on their cooking times.

Make-Ahead Ideas

If you’re planning an outdoor gathering, prep your skewers the day before. After marinating, store them in a covered container in the refrigerator. Just remember to thread them onto skewers right before grilling to keep them fresh. This not only saves time on the day of your event but also enhances the flavors further.

Alternatively, you can prepare the marinade and chop your vegetables a day in advance. Store them separately, then combine everything just before grilling. This can help maintain the freshest taste and color for your veggie skewers, making them incredibly vibrant when served.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

While fresh veggies are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen vegetables if needed.

→ How long can I marinate the vegetables?

You can marinate the veggies for up to 2 hours, but avoid longer than that as they may become too soft.

→ What type of skewers should I use?

You can use either wooden or metal skewers, but if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.

→ Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the skewers a few hours in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and grill them when ready.