Vibrant Veggie Skewers: Your Guide to a Colorful and Healthy Grill Fest

Firing up the grill this summer? Don’t let the vegetarians feel left out! These vibrant green veggie skewers are packed with flavor, nutrients, and visual appeal, making them the star of any barbecue. Forget bland and boring – we’re talking juicy zucchini, crisp bell peppers, and savory onions, all charred to perfection and bursting with summery goodness.

Choosing the Perfect Green Vegetables

The beauty of veggie skewers lies in their versatility. While we’re focusing on green today, feel free to experiment! Here are some of our favorite green grilling heroes:

• Zucchini: Choose small to medium zucchini for optimal grilling. Larger ones can become watery.
• Bell Peppers (Green): Look for firm, unblemished peppers. Remove the seeds and cut into chunks.
• Broccoli Florets: Blanch these quickly before grilling to ensure they cook evenly.
• Asparagus: Snap off the tough ends and toss with a little olive oil before skewering.
• Green Onions: These add a mild onion flavor and a beautiful pop of color.

Preparing and Marinating Your Veggies

Proper preparation is key to delicious veggie skewers. Cut your vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. For the marinade, a simple combination of olive oil, herbs, and spices works wonders.

Marinade Ideas:

• Lemon Herb: Olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic.
• Spicy Cilantro Lime: Olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, cumin.
• Balsamic Glaze: Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey.

Marinate your vegetables for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.

Grilling to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender-crisp and slightly charred. Don’t overcrowd the grill! This can lower the temperature and lead to steaming instead of grilling.

Tips for Grilling Success:

• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
• Turn the skewers frequently to ensure even cooking.

Serving and Enjoying Your Green Veggie Skewers

These vibrant skewers are delicious on their own, or served as a side dish with grilled protein. They also make a fantastic addition to salads, grain bowls, or wraps. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

So, fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy these colorful and healthy green veggie skewers! They’re the perfect way to celebrate summer and add a touch of vibrancy to your next barbecue.