Marinated Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Name: Marinated Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), cut into chunks; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 red onion, cut into wedges; 8-10 cherry tomatoes; 8 mushrooms, halved; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love creating Marinated Grilled Vegetable Skewers, especially for summer barbecues. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors come together beautifully, making them a hit with family and friends. The marinade infuses the vegetables with delightful herbs and spices, elevating them from simple sides to the star of the meal. I often use a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, but feel free to substitute with any of your favorite seasonal veggies. Whether served hot off the grill or at room temperature, these skewers are a must-try!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-05T17:22:27.838Z

When I made these Marinated Grilled Vegetable Skewers for the first time, I was amazed by how the marinade transformed the simple vegetables into something extraordinary. I let the skewers soak in the mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs for at least an hour, which truly made a difference in the final flavor. Anyone can grill veggies, but marinating adds depth that keeps my guests coming back for more!

During one barbecue, I experimented with different veggies and spices, discovering that adding a pinch of smoked paprika gives the skewers a subtle smokiness that complements the grilled flavor perfectly. I recommend using seasonal vegetables for the best taste and presentation. Give it a try!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh, vibrant flavors that brighten up any meal
Versatile ingredients that can be tailored to your taste
A healthy and colorful way to enjoy vegetables

Choosing the Right Vegetables

When it comes to making Marinated Grilled Vegetable Skewers, the choice of vegetables can significantly impact the dish's overall flavor and texture. Bell peppers and zucchini are ideal for grilling due to their natural sweetness and ability to hold up well over heat. If you want to experiment, consider using vegetables like eggplant, asparagus, or even butternut squash. Just make sure to cut them into uniform sizes for even cooking, aiming for roughly 1-inch pieces so they grill perfectly in about 10-15 minutes.

Don’t shy away from using seasonal veggies that you love. For instance, summer squash adds a lovely mild flavor, while cherry tomatoes burst with juice when grilled. Each of these adds something special to your skewers, giving a delightful mix of textures and flavors. If you're using firmer vegetables like carrots or potatoes, parboil them for a few minutes before marinating to ensure they’re tender by grilling time.

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

The marinade is crucial in elevating your Marinated Grilled Vegetable Skewers from ordinary to extraordinary. The olive oil acts as a binder, allowing the balsamic vinegar and spices to adhere to the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors. Make sure to whisk the marinade until it’s fully emulsified, which takes about 30 seconds. If you prefer a sweeter note, a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup can be added to the marinade, balancing the acidity of the balsamic vinegar beautifully.

For those looking to make this recipe vegan or gluten-free, rest assured that the current marinade ingredients meet those requirements. Additionally, you can mix in fresh herbs such as basil or thyme for an aromatic twist. I often let my vegetables marinate overnight for maximum flavor saturation, but even an hour in the fridge will yield good results. Just remember to shake or stir the marinade a few times during the marination process to ensure even coating.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Marinated Grilled Vegetable Skewers:

Vegetables

2 bell peppers (red and yellow), cut into chunks
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red onion, cut into wedges
8-10 cherry tomatoes
8 mushrooms, halved

Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Marinated Grilled Vegetable Skewers:

Prepare the Marinade

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

Marinate the Vegetables

Place the chopped vegetables into a large resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Skewer the Vegetables

Thread the marinated vegetables onto skewers, alternating types for a colorful presentation.

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

Remove from the grill and serve warm as a delightful side dish or a light main course.

Enjoy your skewers with a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and herbs to personalize the skewers to your liking!

Serving Suggestions

Once grilled, the skewers can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or seafood but can also stand alone as a light vegetarian main course. Consider serving them over a bed of quinoa or with a tangy yogurt dip. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro right before serving for an added burst of freshness.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat on a grill or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. This makes them a great meal prep option for busy weeknights or a quick lunch salad ingredient.

Scaling and Variations

This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. Double or triple the vegetable amounts and marinade, using additional skewers as needed. Keep a variety of vegetables to cater to all tastes, ensuring that each skewer has a balance of textures and flavors. This versatility is one of the reasons why I love making these during summer barbecues — there's something for everyone.

For variations, consider adding marinated firm tofu or halloumi cheese for a protein boost. They grill beautifully alongside veggies and absorb the marinade perfectly. If you prefer a bit of heat, add spicy peppers to the mix or drizzle some chili oil over the skewers right before serving. These tweaks can help you customize the dish to your preferences while keeping the vibrant essence that makes the original recipe shine.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

While fresh vegetables are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen vegetables if you thaw and dry them thoroughly before marinating.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What grilling method works best?

Using a grill basket is great for small vegetables that may fall through the grates. Otherwise, soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.

→ Can I make these skewers vegan?

Yes! All the ingredients listed are vegan-friendly, making these skewers perfect for plant-based diets.