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Fresh Grilled Veggie Skewers with Easy Zesty Lemon Herb Marinade

fresh grilled veggie skewers - featured image

These fresh grilled veggie skewers feature a bright, tangy lemon herb marinade that transforms simple vegetables into a flavorful and crowd-pleasing summer BBQ side dish. Perfectly grilled to tender, smoky perfection while retaining a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Red bell peppers, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • Zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
  • Red onion, quartered and layers separated slightly
  • Cherry tomatoes (firm)
  • Button mushrooms, whole or halved if large
  • Yellow squash, sliced similar to zucchini
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, stripped from stems
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden)
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Wash and cut all vegetables into uniform sizes—about 1.5-inch chunks or thick slices to ensure even cooking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, honey (if using), red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Add the chopped vegetables to the marinade and toss gently to coat evenly. Let sit for 15-20 minutes if time allows, or grill immediately.
  4. Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and textures, leaving small gaps between pieces for heat circulation.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender with a nice char but not mushy.
  7. Remove skewers from grill, optionally brush with extra lemon juice or olive oil, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Brush grill grates with oil before grilling to prevent sticking. Turn skewers every few minutes for even char and avoid flare-ups by moving skewers to cooler parts of the grill if needed. Marinate veggies for 15-20 minutes for best flavor, but grilling immediately is also fine.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled veggie skewers, lemon herb marinade, summer BBQ, grilled vegetables, vegan skewers, gluten-free, healthy side dish