I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you: Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Marinade! 🌟 I have such fond memories of summer barbecues in my backyard, my friends and I eagerly flipping those skewers on the grill while enjoying the sunshine and laughter all around. There’s something so satisfying about the vibrant colors and smoky flavors of grilled veggies, isn’t there? Plus, these skewers are absolutely bursting with freshness, making them the perfect side dish or a hearty main course for any gathering.
What makes these skewers truly special is the herb marinade I’ve devised, which infuses every bite with a delightful and uplifting flavor. You can taste the love and sunshine in each skewer! So whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or just want a delicious, healthy meal any night of the week, this easy recipe is a win all around.
What’s in Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Marinade?
Zucchini: This summer squash is tender and absorbs flavors beautifully. I prefer medium-sized zucchinis, which you can slice into rounds or half-moons for a lovely presentation.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors—red, yellow, and green—as they add a beautiful pop of color and a sweet crunch. Choose firm, fresh peppers for the best taste.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems are sweet and juicy! They roast beautifully on the grill, bursting with flavor, and are a delicious contrast to the other veggies.
Red Onion: The mild, sweet flavor of red onion caramelizes nicely on the grill. I like to cut them into wedges, which makes them easy to skewer.
Mushrooms: Baby Bella or button mushrooms work great! They add a nice earthy flavor and a meaty texture that’s quite satisfying.
Herbs (Basil, Parsley, and Oregano): Fresh herbs elevate the marinade, creating a fragrant and zesty experience. I love using a mix of these herbs for a symphony of flavors.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil not only adds richness to the marinade but also helps the herbs adhere to the veggies, ensuring every skewer is flavor-packed.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic in the marinade adds a punchy, aromatic kick that ties all the flavors together.
Salt and Pepper: Simple, but crucial! These basic seasonings bring the natural flavors of the veggies to life.
Is Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Marinade Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish is as healthy as it is delicious. Grilled veggies are a fantastic way to load up on nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
Zucchini and bell peppers are low in calories but high in vitamins A and C, making them great for boosting your immune system.
And let’s not forget the cherry tomatoes, which are packed with antioxidants. They have lycopene, which is great for your heart health.
As for the herbs, they not only add incredible taste but also bring their own health benefits, like anti-inflammatory properties.
However, keep an eye on portion sizes if you’re watching your oil intake, as the marinade does contain olive oil, which, while healthy, is calorie-dense.
Ingredients List
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes
– 1 red onion, cut into wedges
– 1 cup baby Bella or button mushrooms
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, perfect for sharing!
How to Make Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Marinade?
1. **Prep Your Veggies:** Start by washing and cutting all your veggies as indicated in the ingredients list. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking—nobody likes a burnt bell pepper or an undercooked zucchini!
2. **Make the Marinade:** In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped herbs, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk it together until well blended.
3. **Marinate:** Place the chopped veggies in a large resealable bag or a dish and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the veggies to ensure they’re all coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—it’s worth the wait!
4. **Skewer the Veggies:** After marinating, thread the veggies onto skewers. I like to mix up the colors and types for a beautiful presentation.
5. **Grill Time:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the veggies are tender and slightly charred.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Remove the skewers from the grill and serve them warm. They make a lovely side dish for grilled meats or a perfect vegetarian option on their own.
Veggie Skewers Variations & Tips
While this recipe is a classic in my house, don’t hesitate to customize it! You can swap out veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand—try adding asparagus, eggplant, or even pineapples for a tropical twist!
A quick tip: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Also, feel free to play around with your marinades. A splash of balsamic vinegar, some soy sauce, or even a sprinkle of your favorite spice blend can change things up beautifully!
I just know you’re going to love these Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Marinade! After trying out this recipe, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Did you add any twists? Snap a picture and share your own backyard barbecue moments with me! Happy grilling!