Looking for a vibrant and healthy way to celebrate colorful veggies? These Rainbow Veggie Skewers are your answer! Packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables, they’re brushed with a flavorful marinade and grilled to perfection. Whether you’re grilling up a backyard BBQ or simply want to brighten up your dinner, these skewers are guaranteed to make your plate pop! Trust me, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Rainbow Veggie Skewers aren’t just gorgeous to look at—they’re also incredibly delicious and easy to make! Here’s why they’ll be your new go-to for your next meal:
Healthy & Flavorful: With vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions, these skewers are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a guilt-free treat. The marinade brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies while adding a savory depth of flavor.
Perfect for Grilling: These skewers are perfect for grilling, giving them that smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispy texture of the vegetables. Whether you’re using a charcoal or gas grill, the result is always fantastic.
Customizable: You can mix and match your favorite veggies to create a rainbow of colors and flavors. Add in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even cubed tofu for extra protein! The possibilities are endless.
Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these skewers come together in no time. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Fun to Make: Skewering veggies is a fun and interactive way to get everyone involved in the kitchen. Plus, the vibrant colors make them a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create these rainbow-colored veggie skewers:
Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers add a burst of color and a mild sweetness.
Zucchini: Sliced into thick rounds, zucchini gives the skewers a nice crunch and balances out the sweetness of the peppers.
Red Onion: Adds a little tang and depth to the skewers, while holding up well to the heat of the grill.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add a pop of color and flavor to the skewers.
Mushrooms: These earthy, tender bites add great texture and soak up the marinade beautifully.
Olive Oil: Helps the veggies caramelize and adds a rich, smooth texture to the marinade.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings out an irresistible savory flavor in the marinade.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice adds a refreshing tang and helps balance the richness of the olive oil.
Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano bring an herbaceous flavor that complements the vegetables.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get grilling with these easy steps:
Prepare the Veggies: Cut the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion into bite-sized chunks. Thread the veggies onto skewers, alternating colors for that beautiful rainbow effect. Make sure not to crowd the veggies too much so they cook evenly.
Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Marinate the Veggies: Brush the veggie skewers with the marinade, making sure they’re evenly coated. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. You can brush the grates with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the Skewers: Place the veggie skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the veggies are tender and slightly charred.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill and serve immediately. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or hummus.
How to Serve Rainbow Veggie Skewers
These colorful veggie skewers are perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
Rice or Quinoa: These skewers go perfectly with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all those amazing juices.
Dips: Serve with your favorite dips like guacamole, tzatziki, or a simple yogurt-based dip to complement the fresh veggies.
Fresh Salad: Pair these skewers with a light green salad for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your skewers even more delicious:
Veggie Variations: Feel free to switch up the veggies! You can add eggplant, sweet potato chunks, or even chunks of tofu for variety.
Grill Marks: For the best grill marks and that smoky flavor, don’t move the skewers too often. Let them sit on the grill for a few minutes before turning.
Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to the skewers for added protein. You could even serve them over a bed of couscous for a complete dish.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them on the grill or in a skillet to bring back that grilled flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use other vegetables in place of the ones listed?
A1: Yes! You can swap in your favorites. Try using eggplant, asparagus, or sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture.
Q2: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble the skewers and marinate them ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and grill them when you’re ready to cook.
Q3: How do I prevent the skewers from burning?
A3: To avoid burning, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. You can also use metal skewers, which won’t burn.
Q4: Can I make these skewers in the oven?
A4: Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the skewers on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or on the grill for the best results.
Q6: Can I add a protein to these skewers?
A6: Yes! Feel free to add marinated chicken, tofu, or even shrimp to the skewers to turn them into a full meal.
Q7: What’s the best way to reheat these skewers?
A7: The best way to reheat the skewers is on the grill or in a skillet. This will help retain that delicious smoky flavor.
Q8: Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
A8: Absolutely! A grill pan works just as well—heat it over medium-high heat and cook the skewers until the veggies are tender and charred.
Q9: Can I freeze these veggie skewers?
A9: While it’s not ideal to freeze them once they’re grilled, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked skewers. Just marinate and freeze, then grill when ready.
Q10: How long do the skewers take to cook on the grill?
A10: They usually take about 8-10 minutes on a medium-high grill, turning occasionally, until the veggies are tender and charred.
Conclusion
These Rainbow Veggie Skewers are bursting with color, flavor, and all the goodness of fresh vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a summer BBQ or craving something healthy and fun, these skewers are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to prepare, full of flavor, and a great way to enjoy the best of what the season has to offer! Enjoy the vibrant, smoky flavors of these veggie-packed skewers, and make your meal a colorful celebration.
Rainbow Veggie Skewers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Description
Brighten up your next BBQ with these Grilled Rainbow Chicken Kabobs! Tender chicken and colorful veggies like red peppers, zucchini, and pineapple come together on skewers for a vibrant, flavorful dish. Paired with a creamy Easy Peanut Sauce, this recipe is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy. Whether you’re grilling or broiling indoors, these kabobs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Kabobs
- 6 Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (plus extra for grilling)
- 2 cloves Garlic (peeled, crushed, and minced)
- 1 ear Corn (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1/2 Red Onion
- 1 Zucchini
- 1 Red Pepper
- 1 Yellow Pepper
- 6 X 1-inch chunks Fresh Pineapple
For the Easy Thai-Style Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
- 1 clove Garlic (peeled)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (gluten-free if required)
- 3 tbsp Lime Juice
- 1 tsp Honey
- 1/3 cup Water
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Whisk together lime juice, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Add chicken and mix everything well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: Place all sauce ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more water for a thinner consistency.
- Assemble and Cook the Kabobs:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut red onion, peppers, and zucchini into 1-inch pieces.
- Thread the vegetables, corn pieces, and pineapple onto skewers. Add marinated chicken thighs to the end of each skewer.
- Brush kabobs lightly with olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Serve: Serve kabobs with peanut dipping sauce on the side for a delicious, flavor-packed meal.
Notes
- If you’re not grilling, broil the kabobs indoors at high heat, flipping as needed for even cooking.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili flakes to the dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob (1/6 recipe)
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg