If you are looking for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious side that pairs perfectly with grilled salmon or any summer meal, the Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Lemon and Herbs Recipe is your new best friend. This dish bursts with the natural sweetness of fresh zucchini, squash, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper, all beautifully charred over the grill and brightened up with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. It’s colorful, healthy, and so simple to make, capturing the essence of summer in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Lemon and Herbs Recipe starts with straightforward, fresh ingredients that each bring their own unique flavor and texture. These essentials ensure the skewers turn out juicy, tender, and full of vibrant tones both in taste and appearance.
- Zucchini: Adds a mild earthiness and holds up well on the grill without getting mushy.
- Yellow squash: Offers a slightly sweet, buttery flavor and bright color contrast to the zucchini.
- Cherry tomatoes: Provide bursts of juicy sweetness that soften and caramelize beautifully when grilled.
- Red onion: Gives a slight sharpness that mellows into sweetness after grilling.
- Orange bell pepper: Adds crunch and a vibrant pop of color along with a hint of natural sweetness.
- Olive oil: Coats the vegetables to help them grill evenly and develop a lovely char.
- Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the vegetable flavors without overwhelming them.
- Dried oregano: Brings warmth and depth with its classic herbaceous notes.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlicky punch that ties everything together.
- Dried thyme: Infuses an earthy, lemony aroma that complements the fresh lemon juice perfectly.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness and a clean finish to the grilled veggies.
- Optional parsley: A fresh, herbal garnish that adds visual appeal and a light herbal lift.
How to Make Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Lemon and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by heating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This temperature allows the vegetables to get those gorgeous grill marks and develop a deep, caramelized flavor without overcooking.
Step 2: Toss the Vegetables with Seasonings
In a large bowl, combine the zucchini rounds, yellow squash slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion quarters, and orange bell pepper pieces. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle on kosher salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Toss everything together to make sure each piece is evenly coated with the oil and herbs. This step is where the flavor foundation is built, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Thread Vegetables onto Skewers
Now comes the fun part. Thread the seasoned vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and shapes for a visually stunning presentation. This also helps vegetables cook evenly and makes flipping them on the grill easier.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, patiently waiting until you see those beautiful grill lines form. Turn them over and grill for another 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables get lightly charred but still hold their structure. Cooking time may vary slightly based on your grill and the size of your veggies.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove the skewers from the grill and let the vegetables rest for a couple of minutes. Then carefully slide them off the skewers onto a large plate or board. Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice all over the grilled vegetables for that final burst of fresh acidity. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley if you like an extra herbaceous note and a pop of green.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
The Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Lemon and Herbs Recipe is best enjoyed warm, so serve right away to capture the full spectrum of smoky, tangy, and herbaceous flavors mingling in every bite.
How to Serve Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Lemon and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese can elevate your vegetable skewers to another level. A twist of lemon zest or a few fresh basil leaves also complements the herbs beautifully, adding even more brightness to the dish.
Side Dishes
These skewers shine as the perfect companion to grilled salmon or any protein of choice. Pair them with fluffy couscous, tangy quinoa salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a balanced, colorful meal that feels special but comes together effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the grilled vegetables on a wooden board for a rustic look, or serve them stacked vertically in a glass for a playful, elegant presentation at your next outdoor gathering. Drizzle a little garlic aioli or a zesty yogurt dip alongside for dipping pleasure that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the grilled vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain great flavor and texture, making them perfect for quick lunches or to add to salads.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to avoid it for this recipe because the fresh texture and vibrant flavor of the vegetables may be compromised. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the vegetable skewers or removed vegetables in a skillet over medium heat, or briefly place them on the grill to revive some of their fresh char flavor. Avoid microwaving to retain their texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use wooden skewers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. Just add the lemon juice and parsley right before grilling or serving to keep everything fresh.
What other vegetables work well in the Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Lemon and Herbs Recipe?
Asparagus, mushrooms, eggplant, and cherry peppers are fantastic additions or substitutions. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the vegetable.
Is this recipe vegetarian and gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a versatile side for many dietary preferences.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor and brightness, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work.
Final Thoughts
I simply cannot recommend enough making the Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Lemon and Herbs Recipe a regular part of your meal rotation. They bring so much vibrant flavor, texture, and color with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them alongside salmon, chicken, or as a satisfying vegetarian option, these skewers never disappoint. Put these on the grill next time and watch them become a favorite for everyone at your table!
Print
Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Lemon and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant and healthy side dish features a colorful medley of grilled vegetables, perfectly seasoned with aromatic herbs and a hint of lemon juice. Ideal to accompany salmon, these grilled vegetable skewers are quick to prepare and bring a smoky, charred flavor that complements the fish beautifully.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 red onion, quartered
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
Seasonings and Dressings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Optional – 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat to get it ready for grilling the vegetables.
- Season Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, toss the zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and orange bell pepper with olive oil, kosher salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and dried thyme until evenly coated.
- Thread Vegetables: Carefully thread the seasoned vegetables onto skewers, preparing them for grilling.
- Grill Vegetables: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until grill marks are visible. Flip the skewers over and grill for another 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the vegetables from the skewers and arrange on a serving plate. Drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle with the optional finely chopped parsley for a fresh accent.
- Serve: Serve the grilled vegetable skewers immediately alongside your salmon for a balanced and flavorful meal.
Notes
- To prevent skewers from burning, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Cherry tomatoes can burst quickly on the grill, so monitor them closely and consider grilling them on a mesh tray if preferred.
- Adjust grilling time depending on your grill’s temperature and the size of vegetable pieces.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with various herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you want to add extra flavor.
- Vegetables can be prepped ahead of time; just keep them refrigerated and grill just before serving to maintain freshness.
