Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce Recipe

Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce

If you’re looking for a delightful way to enjoy garden-fresh veggies, look no further than this vibrant and easy Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce recipe. It combines the smoky, charred flavors of grilled vegetables with a bright, zesty herb sauce that brings everything to life. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or craving a healthy, colorful meal, these skewers offer a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Vibrant and Fresh: The combination of colorful vegetables grilled to perfection creates a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
  • Simple Prep: This recipe uses straightforward ingredients and minimal steps, making it accessible for even beginner cooks.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Grilled veggies are packed with vitamins and fiber, and the fresh herb sauce adds flavor without unnecessary calories.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust herbs in the sauce to suit your taste or dietary needs.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a backyard party, these skewers bring people together with their delicious simplicity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce recipe depends on fresh, simple ingredients that each play a key role in delivering bright flavors, appealing textures, and gorgeous color contrast. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

  • Bell Peppers: Choose a mix of red, yellow, and orange for sweet crunch and vibrant color.
  • Zucchini: Provides tender bite and mild flavor, ideal for grilling.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness that lightly char on the grill.
  • Red Onion: Adds subtle sharpness and caramelizes beautifully when grilled.
  • Mushrooms: Their meaty texture rounds out the skewer flavors perfectly.
  • Olive Oil: Helps all the veggies grill evenly and keeps them moist.
  • Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Basil, Cilantro): Essential for the vibrant herb sauce that brightens the dish.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds zesty acidity that balances the richness of olive oil.
  • Garlic: Gives the sauce a savory punch.
  • Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Variations for Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce

Feel free to tailor this recipe to your own palate or to what you have available in your kitchen—it’s surprisingly flexible and easy to adapt. Here are some ideas to inspire your next batch:

  • Use Different Veggies: Swap in asparagus, eggplant, or sweet corn chunks to keep it interesting.
  • Add Protein: Thread cubes of tofu, halloumi, or chicken for a more substantial meal.
  • Spice It Up: Incorporate chili flakes or smoked paprika into the herb sauce for a kick.
  • Make It Vegan: Keep the sauce plant-based by skipping any dairy and focusing purely on herbs and citrus.
  • Try Different Herbs: Experiment with mint, dill, or tarragon in the sauce to discover new flavor profiles.
Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce Recipe

How to Make Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and cut all the vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even grilling. Cherry tomatoes can be left whole, while zucchini and bell peppers should be sliced into chunks. Red onions should be peeled and separated into rings or segments.

Step 2: Soak the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand; this helps prevent burning on the grill. Metal skewers can be used directly.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the veggies alternately onto the skewers, arranging colors in a way that looks appealing and ensures balanced cooking times.

Step 4: Prepare the Herb Sauce

Combine fresh parsley, basil, and cilantro with lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the sauce is smooth yet still textured. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the skewers lightly with olive oil and place them on the grill. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

Step 6: Serve with Herb Sauce

Remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle generously with the fresh herb sauce, or serve it on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce

  • Even Cutting: Cutting veggies into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly without some burning while others are underdone.
  • Oil the Grill Grates: Prevent sticking by brushing the grill grates with oil before heating.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Leave small gaps between vegetables on the skewers for better heat circulation and even grilling.
  • Herb Sauce Freshness: Make the herb sauce just before grilling to preserve its bright, fresh flavor.
  • Use a Grill Basket for Small Veggies: Use a grill basket if you want to avoid losing small pieces like cherry tomatoes on the grill.

How to Serve Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra chopped fresh herbs, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese over the skewers for an elegant, finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Enjoy these skewers alongside fluffy couscous, a crisp green salad, or warm pita bread to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun gathering, serve the skewers upright in a rustic jar or stand, paired with small bowls of herb sauce for dipping, encouraging guests to build their own veggie bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover grilled veggie skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to retain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

While grilling is best fresh, you can freeze uncooked assembled skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month; thaw thoroughly before grilling.

Reheating

Reheat leftover skewers gently in a low oven or on the grill to bring back that smoky char without overcooking and losing texture.

FAQs

Can I make the herb sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the herb sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, but for best flavor, let it come to room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I use the oven?

Absolutely! You can use a broiler or oven grill pan set to high heat; just watch closely to prevent burning and achieve those lovely char marks.

Are these skewers gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

How do I prevent the veggies from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled, and lightly brush the skewers with olive oil before grilling.

Can I use dried herbs for the sauce?

Fresh herbs are strongly recommended for their vibrant flavor, but if you need to use dried, use about one-third the amount and adjust to taste.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce are truly a joy to make and eat—bursting with fresh flavors, easy to personalize, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you taste the combination of smoky grilled vegetables and that zingy herb sauce, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again. So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously colorful meal that feels special yet effortless.

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Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce

Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Sauce combine smoky, charred vegetables with a bright and zesty fresh herb sauce. Perfect for summer barbecues or a healthy colorful meal, these easy-to-make skewers offer a vibrant balance of taste, texture, and nutrition that everyone will love.

  • Author: Kathy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 orange bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into chunks
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole
  • 1 medium red onion, peeled and separated into rings or segments
  • 1 cup mushrooms, whole or halved

Herb Sauce

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Others

  • Wooden or metal skewers (wooden soaked in water for 30 minutes if using)
  • Additional olive oil for brushing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and cut all vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even grilling. Leave cherry tomatoes whole, slice zucchini and bell peppers into chunks, and separate the red onion into rings or segments.
  2. Soak the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Metal skewers can be used directly.
  3. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the vegetables alternately onto the skewers, arranging colors attractively and ensuring balanced cooking times.
  4. Prepare the Herb Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine fresh parsley, basil, cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the sauce is smooth but still textured. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Grill the Skewers: Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the skewers with olive oil and place on the grill. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
  6. Serve with Herb Sauce: Remove skewers from the grill and drizzle generously with herb sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Cut vegetables into even sizes to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Brush grill grates with oil before heating to prevent sticking.
  • Leave small gaps between vegetables on skewers for better heat circulation.
  • Make herb sauce fresh before grilling to preserve brightness.
  • Use a grill basket for small veggies like cherry tomatoes to prevent loss.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 skewers with sauce)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: grilled vegetables, veggie skewers, herb sauce, healthy grilling, summer BBQ, vegetarian, gluten free

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