Marinated Grilled Veggie Skewers

Name: Marinated Grilled Veggie Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 red onion, cut into wedges; 8 cherry tomatoes; Wooden or metal skewers

Highlighted under: Light & Fresh Meals

I love making Marinated Grilled Veggie Skewers, especially during summer when the grill is fired up and fresh veggies are at their peak. The marinade, infused with herbs and a hint of garlic, brings out the best flavors in the vegetables. As they sizzle on the grill, the charred bits create a delightful smokiness. These skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, providing a colorful, healthy option that everyone enjoys. Plus, they’re easy to customize with whatever veggies you have on hand!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:02:28.515Z

When I first experimented with these skewers, I was amazed at how a simple marinade could transform basic vegetables into a mouthwatering dish. The secret lies in letting them soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This not only enhances their taste but also ensures they are juicy and flavorful.

The combination of bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions creates a vibrant bite, while the grilling adds a smoky depth that perfectly complements the marinade. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your favorite veggies; each time, it feels like a new adventure on the grill!

Why You'll Love These Skewers
Fresh, vibrant vegetables that are bursting with flavor
Versatile and customizable for any taste preference
A quick and healthy cooking option for any occasion

Marinating Techniques

The marinating process not only infuses the veggies with flavor but also helps tenderize them, which is especially important for denser vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. When marinating, aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting them sit for up to a few hours will deepen the flavors significantly. Just be sure to keep them refrigerated during longer marination to maintain freshness.

To achieve a well-balanced marinade, it’s essential to whisk the oil and vinegar thoroughly until combined. The olive oil brings richness, while balsamic vinegar adds a sweet tang, perfectly complementing the earthiness of the herbs. If you desire a bit more brightness, a splash of lemon juice can be a great addition.

Skewering and Grilling Tips

When assembling your skewers, be sure to alternate between the vegetables not just for a visually appealing display, but also for even cooking. For example, interspersing onions with tomatoes helps prevent the tomatoes from getting too mushy while allowing the onions to caramelize beautifully. Keep pieces uniform in size, around 1-2 inches, for consistent grilling results.

As for grilling, maintaining medium-high heat is key, usually around 375-400°F (190-200°C). This temperature allows for a nice char on the veggies while ensuring they cook through without burning. Keep an eye on them, turning every couple of minutes to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish and prevent charring on one side.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

These Marinated Grilled Veggie Skewers are flexible companions for many dishes. They pair well with a light quinoa salad, or you can serve them alongside grilled meats for a heartier meal. Drizzling them with a yogurt-based sauce or balsamic reduction post-grilling can elevate their flavor profile even further.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes, just until warm, or enjoy them cold in salads or wraps. They also freeze well, so consider making extra batches and storing them for quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

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

For the Skewers:

1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red onion, cut into wedges
8 cherry tomatoes
Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the Veggies

Add the bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes to the marinade. Toss until everything is well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.

Assemble the Skewers

Once the veggies are marinated, thread them onto the skewers, alternating types for a colorful presentation.

Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and have a nice char.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the grill and serve warm. These skewers pair perfectly with a side salad or as a vegetable side for any meal.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or even marinated tofu for added protein! For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the marinade.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables used in the skewers based on what's in season or what you have on hand. For instance, mushrooms, asparagus, or even fruit like pineapple can add a unique twist. Each type of vegetable will have different marination times, so be mindful—denser options like carrots may need longer in the marinade to absorb flavors.

If you're looking for a low-sodium option, try using fresh herbs and citrus zest instead of salt. Fresh basil or parsley can enhance the freshness of the dish, while lemon or lime zest can add a citrusy punch without the added sodium, making it a flavorful but healthy choice.

Variations to Try

For a Mexican-inspired twist, try adding chili powder or cumin to the marinade. This will give the skewers a lovely warmth and depth that pairs nicely with grilled corn on the side. Alternatively, for an Italian flair, sprinkle shaved Parmesan over the hot skewers just before serving for added richness.

You can also customize the skewers by adding proteins like marinated tofu or chicken pieces for a heartier dish. Just ensure that the meat gets marinated separately to maintain food safety, and adjust grill times accordingly, cooking them longer than veggies until they reach the desired doneness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you enjoy, such as mushrooms or eggplant.

→ How long should I marinate the veggies?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for more flavor, you can let them soak for a couple of hours if you have time.

→ Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the skewers in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you're ready to grill.

→ What should I serve with these skewers?

They go great with a fresh garden salad, rice, or even as a filling for a wrap!