Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers – Perfect for Summer BBQs

When the grill’s warmed up and the sun’s beaming, grilled veggie skewers are hands-down one of the best ways to enjoy summer produce. These skewers—stacked with zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion—get charred just right, then shine under a tangy balsamic drizzle and fresh garlic-herb glaze.

Moreover, they’re simple, nutritious, and vibrant; perfect as a side dish or a main event at your next BBQ. Plus, they’re ridiculously adaptable, so you can mix and match seasonal veggies—while still keeping the bold flavors that make them unforgettable.

So let’s dive into how to make the best veggie skewers ever—because summer just got a whole lot juicier.

Ingredients

For 4 servings (about 8–10 skewers)

Vegetable Skewers

• 4 medium red onions (cut into 6 wedges each)
• 4 medium zucchinis (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
• 2 each of red, orange, yellow, and green bell peppers (seeded, chopped into 1″ pieces)
• Olive oil, for brushing
• Balsamic vinegar, for serving (optional)

Garlic-Herb Sauce

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3 Tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
• Salt + freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Other

• 8–12 wooden or metal skewers

Key Ingredients

Let’s unpack the magic players that make these veggie skewers pop.

Zucchini

Golden when grilled, zucchini offers tender softness and grill-friendly texture. It absorbs flavors beautifully while holding its shape—making it skewer gold.

Bell Peppers

A rainbow of colors—red, orange, yellow, green—adds sweetness, crunch, and visual drama. Their thick flesh delivers satisfying texture and char without collapsing.

Red Onion

Caramelized and lightly charred, red onion becomes smoky and sweet, adding depth to every bite. It also helps anchor veggies to the skewer.

Garlic-Herb Sauce

A zesty brush-on blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil. It transforms simply-grilled veggies into herbaceous, savory bites dripping with flavor.

Optional Balsamic Vinegar

A punch of tang and a dash of sweetness—drizzle this at the end for acidity that cuts through the richness.

Steps: How to Make Grilled Veggie Skewers

1. Prep Skewers & Veggies

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15–30 minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables:

• Red onions: Peel, halve, then cut each half into 3 wedges (6 pieces per whole onion).
• Bell peppers: Remove stem and seeds, chop into ~1″ squares.
• Zucchini: Trim ends, slice into ½″ rounds.

Evenly sized pieces = even cooking, so take your time.

2. Make the Garlic-Herb Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk ⅓ cup olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Set aside to allow flavors to mingle.

3. Thread the Skewers

Alternate veggies on each skewer: start with a red onion wedge, then zucchini, then pepper, and repeat until filled — leaving ~½ inch free at each end. Make sure pieces aren’t packed too tightly so heat can circulate.

4. Preheat Your Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high (375–400°F). Oil grates lightly to prevent sticking.

5. Grill the Skewers

Brush skewers lightly with olive oil, then place them on the grill. Cook for 5–8 minutes per side (total 10–16 minutes), turning gently to achieve even char. Veggies are done when tender but still hold shape, with brown edges.

6. Finish & Serve

Remove skewers from heat. Brush each with garlic-herb sauce while still warm. If using, drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar. Serve hot or at room temperature for maximum flavor.

Ways to Enjoy

These skewers bring versatility to any plate. Try these serving ideas:

1. BBQ Side Dish: Pair with burgers, lemon chicken, or grilled fish.
2. Veggie Platter Starter: Serve as appetizers with tzatziki or hummus dip.
3. Grain Bowl Rainbow: Remove veggies from skewers and toss with quinoa, olives, feta, cooked chickpeas, and dressing.
4. For Vegetarian Mains: Skewer halloumi cheese in with the veggies.
5. Sandwich or Tacos Filling: Slice veggies off the stick and pile into pita wraps or soft tacos with goat cheese or avocado.

Tools & Gadgets for Veggie Skewer Perfection

Maximize your cooking game with these helpful tools:

Tool	Why It Helps
Metal Skewers or soaked wooden skewers	Durable, reusable, and eliminate soaking time
Cast-Iron Grill Pan	Great for indoor cooking with that char flavor
Herb Scissors or Garlic Press	Speed up chopping and prepping herbs and garlic
Disposable Gloves	Keep hands clean while threading and brushing sauce
Silicone Basting Brush	Evenly brush vegetables with oil and sauce

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Tips for Best Results

Even Sizing

Try to make vegetable pieces roughly the same volume—this helps them cook evenly. Round veggies like zucchini may need slightly thicker cuts than bell peppers.

Soak Wooden Skewers

Prevent flare-ups by soaking wooden skewers in water for 15–30 minutes before threading veggies.

Rotate Carefully

Use tongs to gently rotate; avoid piercing veggies, which may cause juices to escape.

Embrace Light Charring

A bit of color adds flavor—so don’t shy away from those golden edges. Just watch closely to avoid burning.

Herb Substitutions

Swap parsley and cilantro for mint, basil, or oregano if you prefer. Keep the sauce fresh and fragrant.

Make-Ahead Prep

Chop vegetables and prep sauce the night before. Store separately in airtight containers and assemble just before grilling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why These Skewers Shine

Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers are everything we want in a summer star: healthy, colorful, flavorful, and super simple. They’re:

• Customizable: tweak veggies, herbs, sauces, even grill method
• Crowd-friendly: colorful, fun, and fit any diet
• Meal prep–ready: prep in advance, grill in minutes
• Deliciously healthy: veggies + heart-healthy oils + fresh herbs

Whether you’re hosting a weekend BBQ, prepping fresh meals for the week, or craving bright summer flavors, these skewers are your go-to.

Save, Grill, Share!

Tried this recipe? I would LOVE to see your skewers! Tag @AdultingLikeAGrownUp on Instagram or Threads. And, follow for more simple and joyous adulting recipes like:

• Mediterranean Chicken Grain Bowl
• Grilled Lemon Chicken
• Avocado Toast Deluxe

Here’s to sunny days, delicious veggies, and easy meals that taste like summer.

More Bougie-On-A-Budget Combo Recipes:

• Grilled Lemon Chicken: Quick, Healthy & Delicious
• Fresh and Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
• Couscous Salad with Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette
• Watermelon and Feta Bites: The Ultimate Summer Appetizer
• Refreshing Cucumber Lime Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic)

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