Good Veggie Skewers

There’s something inherently joyful about eating food off a stick. As a kid, summer meant countless hours spent at my grandparents’ house, their garden overflowing with vegetables. My grandma, a wizard in the kitchen, would enlist us grandkids to help her prepare veggie skewers for the grill. I remember the vibrant colors of the bell peppers, the satisfying “pop” of the cherry tomatoes, and the smoky aroma that filled the air as they cooked. These weren’t just skewers; they were edible sunshine, capturing the essence of summer in every bite. Now, whenever I make these, I’m instantly transported back to those carefree days, surrounded by family and the bountiful gifts of the earth.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 skewers
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan

Ingredients

• 6 wooden skewer sticks
• 1 orange bell pepper
• 1 onion, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow squash, cut into thick slices
• 1 zucchini, cut into thick slices
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons Grillmates Montreal Roasted Garlic Chicken Seasoning
• Salt & pepper (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Grill or grill pan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Bowl (for soaking skewers)

Instructions

1. Begin by soaking the wooden skewer sticks in water for about 10 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. While the skewers are soaking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and dry the orange bell pepper, onion, yellow squash, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
3. Cut the orange bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Cut the onion into chunks that are roughly the same size as the pepper pieces. Slice the yellow squash and zucchini into thick slices, about 1/2 inch thick, ensuring they can be easily threaded onto the skewers.
4. Now comes the fun part: assembling the skewers! Slide the veggies onto the skewers, alternating them to create a colorful and visually appealing pattern. Start with a piece of bell pepper, then a chunk of onion, followed by a slice of yellow squash, a slice of zucchini, and a cherry tomato. Repeat this pattern until the skewer is almost full, leaving a small space at each end for easy handling.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and Grillmates Montreal Roasted Garlic Chicken Seasoning.
6. Brush the assembled veggie skewers generously with the olive oil mixture, ensuring that all sides of the vegetables are coated. If desired, sprinkle the skewers with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
8. Place the veggie skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning them once halfway through, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Be mindful of the heat and adjust as needed to prevent burning. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of grill and the thickness of the vegetable pieces.
9. Once the vegetables are tender and have reached your desired level of char, remove the skewers from the grill.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Vegetable Prep is Key: Ensure your vegetable pieces are roughly the same size to promote even cooking. Larger chunks will take longer to cook than smaller ones, resulting in unevenly cooked skewers.
• Soaking is Non-Negotiable: Don’t skip the step of soaking your wooden skewers! This prevents them from catching fire on the grill and potentially ruining your dinner. If you prefer, you can also use metal skewers, which don’t require soaking.
• Oil is Your Friend: Generously brushing the vegetables with olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps them to cook evenly and prevents them from sticking to the grill.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the skewers with too many vegetables, as this can make them difficult to cook evenly. Leave a small space at each end for easy handling.
• Don’t be afraid to char: A little char on the vegetables adds a delicious smoky flavor. Just be careful not to burn them completely!
• Spice it Up: If you’re looking for a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture.
• Customize Your Seasoning: While the Montreal Roasted Garlic Chicken Seasoning adds a wonderful flavor, feel free to experiment with other seasonings to suit your taste. Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence, or even a simple garlic powder and paprika blend would all work well.
• Marinate for extra flavor: If you have the time, you can marinate the vegetables in the olive oil mixture for up to 30 minutes before grilling to enhance their flavor even further.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these vibrant veggie skewers hot off the grill as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. They’re also delicious served on their own as a light and healthy meal. For an extra touch, drizzle them with a balsamic glaze or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Leftover veggie skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may become slightly soggy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	95.8 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	71 g	75%
Total Fat	8 g	12%
Saturated Fat	1.1 g	5%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	8.7 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	6.2 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	1.7 g	6%
Sugars	3.5 g	–
Protein	1.4 g	2%

Variations & Substitutions

• Different Vegetables: Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables listed in the recipe for your favorites. Mushrooms, bell peppers of different colors (red, yellow, green), pineapple chunks, and even halloumi cheese are all great additions.
• Vegan Option: While this recipe is already vegan, be sure to check the ingredients list of your chosen seasoning to ensure it doesn’t contain any animal products.
• Spicier Skewers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the olive oil mixture for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Twist: Use a Mediterranean-inspired seasoning blend, such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary, and add feta cheese to the skewers after grilling for a salty and tangy flavor.
• Sweet and Savory: Add chunks of pineapple or mango to the skewers for a sweet and savory flavor combination.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use metal skewers. They don’t require soaking and are reusable, making them a great eco-friendly option.

Q: How do I prevent the vegetables from falling off the skewers while grilling?
A: Make sure to thread the vegetables securely onto the skewers, leaving a small space at each end for easy handling. Also, avoid overcrowding the skewers, as this can make them unstable.

Q: Can I prepare the veggie skewers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the skewers up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to brush them with the olive oil mixture just before grilling to prevent the vegetables from drying out.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: You can easily cook these veggie skewers in a grill pan on your stovetop or even in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Q: How do I know when the vegetables are done?
A: The vegetables are done when they are tender and slightly charred. You can test their doneness by piercing them with a fork or knife.

Final Thoughts

These Good Veggie Skewers are a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and the simple joys of cooking. Whether you’re grilling them at a summer barbecue or baking them in the oven on a cozy evening, they’re sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the vegetables and seasonings to create your own unique twist. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback. Serve these skewers alongside a refreshing glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine for the perfect summer meal. Happy grilling!