
If you’re searching for a colorful, crowd-pleasing plant-based dish, this Veggie Kabobs Recipe is about to become your new favorite! Chock-full of juicy mushrooms, crisp-tender zucchini, sweet peppers, and a tangy balsamic marinade, these kabobs pack big, bright flavor—whether you’re firing up the grill or using your oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant & Versatile: Every skewer boasts an irresistible pop of color and can be easily customized to your favorite seasonal veggies.
- Flavor-Packed Marinade: The balsamic-garlic blend infuses the vegetables with tangy, herby flavors—no bland kabobs here!
- Grill or Oven Friendly: Whether it’s grilling weather or a cozy night in, this Veggie Kabobs Recipe delivers delicious results every time.
- Meal Prep Magic: You can marinate and assemble ahead of time for effortless entertaining, weeknight dinners, or stress-free cookouts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this Veggie Kabobs Recipe is how it transforms humble, everyday vegetables into something totally crave-worthy. Each ingredient brings its own personality (and crunch!) to the party. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for max flavor and color:
- Olive oil: Acts as the base for a luscious, slightly fruity marinade that helps veggies caramelize.
- Aged balsamic vinegar: Deeply flavorful, slightly sweet, and never too sharp—aged makes all the difference!
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Elevates all the vegetable flavors; I recommend Diamond Crystal for that ideal seasoning touch.
- Garlic powder: Coats veggies evenly without burning on the grill, ensuring every bite has that garlicky warmth.
- Dried oregano: Adds classic Mediterranean herbiness and rounds out the marinade beautifully.
- Button mushrooms: Ultra-juicy and tender, they soak up the marinade like little flavor sponges.
- Red bell pepper: Naturally sweet and vibrant, packing both color and crunch into each skewer.
- Red onion: Roasts up mellow, sweet, and slightly charred—plus it looks gorgeous!
- Zucchinis: Their mild flavor and soft texture make them grill perfectly and tie everything together.
Variations
The beauty of a Veggie Kabobs Recipe is that it’s endlessly adaptable—you can swap out ingredients to suit your taste buds, what’s in season, or even dietary needs. Here are a few of my go-to spins:
- Mix up the veggies: Try adding yellow squash, sweet corn rounds, cherry tomatoes, or even chunks of eggplant for a rainbow of options.
- Try different spices: A pinch of ground cumin or onion powder gives the kabobs a warm, savory twist, while smoked paprika adds depth.
- Make it vegan protein-packed: Add cubes of extra-firm tofu or tempeh for extra heartiness—let them marinate with the veggies so they soak up all the flavor.
- Go global: Swap oregano for Thai basil and add a splash of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired variation, or dust with za’atar for a Middle Eastern spin.
How to Make Veggie Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water first—this keeps them from burning on the grill or in the oven. I usually pop them in a dish of water while I prep everything else, and by the time you’re ready to build the kabobs, they’re good to go!
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Give it a quick taste—this marinade is so fragrant and balanced, you’ll want to use it on everything.
Step 3: Prep the Veggies
Gently wipe your mushrooms with a damp paper towel (never rinse, or they’ll get waterlogged!), removing any prominent stems. Slice the red bell pepper and red onion into squares, and cut the zucchinis into ¼-inch thick rounds. Keeping your pieces similar in size ensures even cooking and gorgeous presentation.
Step 4: Marinate & Thread the Veggies
Add all your prepped vegetables to the marinade bowl and toss gently until everything is glossy and well-coated. Thread the veggies onto six skewers, alternating for color and texture. Don’t worry about being too precise—it’s rustic and fun!
Step 5: Grill or Oven-Bake
Heat your grill to medium-high, or preheat your oven to 425°F (use high-heat parchment for easy cleanup if baking). Lightly oil your grill grates or baking sheet, then arrange the skewers in an even layer. On the grill, cook for 4–5 minutes per side (or 3 minutes per side on a dual-contact grill) until tender and charred in spots. In the oven, bake for 20–30 minutes, turning halfway through for even roasting.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Veggie Kabobs Recipe hot from the grill or at room temperature on a beautiful platter. They’re as at-home at a backyard BBQ as they are as a weeknight side. Enjoy every juicy, herby bite!
Pro Tips for Making Veggie Kabobs Recipe
- Uniform Chopping: Cut all veggies in similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and look spectacular on the skewer.
- Marinade Magic: Let the vegetables marinate at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge); the flavor payoff is totally worth it.
- Preheat is Key: Whether grilling or roasting, make sure your cooking surface is hot before adding the kabobs to lock in moisture and create those beautiful grill marks.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: A light brush of oil on the grill grates or baking sheet prevents sticking and helps the veggies crisp up perfectly.
How to Serve Veggie Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Add a final flourish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, basil, or cilantro for vivid green color and extra freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving adds irresistible brightness that brings the whole platter alive.
Side Dishes
These kabobs are as versatile as they are delicious—try pairing with fluffy couscous, buttery rice, warm pita, or a chilled grain salad. They also make an amazing side for grilled tofu, seared halloumi, or your favorite summer proteins.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Veggie Kabobs Recipe right on the skewers for a fun, hands-on experience, or slide the veggies off and arrange them over a swirl of hummus or creamy yogurt sauce for a more elegant platter. For parties, offer a build-your-own kabob station—let guests mix and match their faves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Veggie Kabobs Recipe are a dream for meal prep! Pop cooled kabobs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens overnight, making them perfect the next day—so you might even find yourself sneaking a cold skewer straight from the fridge.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, I recommend enjoying these kabobs fresh or refrigerated. Freezing can change the texture of certain veggies (especially zucchini and mushrooms), causing them to become watery once thawed. If you do freeze, allow kabobs to cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave kabobs on a plate, covered with a damp paper towel, for about 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. For a quick refresh, give them a minute or two on a hot grill or skillet—their edges will crisp right up!
FAQs
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Can I prepare the Veggie Kabobs Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate and thread the veggies on skewers up to two hours ahead and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill or bake. This makes entertaining and weeknight dinners so much easier.
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What other vegetables work well on kabobs?
Lots of options! Yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, portobello mushroom cubes, sweet corn rounds, and even baby potatoes (parboiled first) all grill beautifully. Just keep veggie pieces a similar size for even cooking.
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Do I need to peel the zucchini before using?
Nope! Leave the zucchini skin on—it adds lovely color, extra fiber, and helps the slices hold their shape while grilling or roasting.
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Can I bake the Veggie Kabobs Recipe instead of grilling?
You sure can. Place the kabobs on a parchment-lined, rimmed baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 20-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the veggies are browned and tender. High-heat parchment is highly recommended for easy cleanup.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like gathering friends, firing up the grill (or oven!), and serving a platter of fragrant, caramelized Veggie Kabobs Recipe. With fresh, easy-to-find ingredients and big flavor in every bite, this is the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again. I hope you love them as much as I do—happy cooking!
PrintVeggie Kabobs Recipe (Grilled or Oven-Baked) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Grilling, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Veggie Kabobs can be grilled or oven-baked, featuring a flavorful balsamic marinade and a colorful array of fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy and delicious meal!
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (aged)
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 1/2 teaspoon Morton kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Vegetables:
- 8 ounces button mushrooms
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1/2 red onion
- 2 medium zucchinis, unpeeled
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water until ready to use. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano for the marinade.
- Prepare the vegetables: Clean mushrooms, cut bell pepper and onion into squares, slice zucchinis. Add vegetables to marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Grilling: Heat grill to medium-high. Thread vegetables onto skewers. Grill until tender, 4-5 minutes per side.
- Serve: Enjoy hot or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can prep and marinate the veggies in advance, up to 2 hours before grilling.
- Vary veggies/spices to your preference, like yellow squash or different seasonings.
- Use garlic powder for better coating and grilling.
- To bake, place skewers on a lined baking sheet at 425°F for 20-30 minutes, turning midway.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated gently or enjoyed cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob
- Calories: 72 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 192mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g