9 Grilled Veg Skewer Ideas for Summer BBQs

Colorful, Healthy, and 100% Vegetarian

Summer and grilling go hand in hand—and while burgers and hot dogs often steal the spotlight, vegetables shine just as brightly on the barbecue. Grilled veggie skewers (also called kebabs) are vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a picnic, or just want something fresh and light, grilled vegetable skewers are a perfect fit.

These 9 grilled veg skewer ideas are 100% vegetarian, packed with nutrition, and bursting with smoky flavor. They’re easy to prep, grill quickly, and can be customized endlessly based on what’s in season or in your fridge.

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1. Classic Mediterranean Veggie Skewers

Simple, savory, and always a crowd-pleaser

Vegetables to use:
Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers, mushrooms

Marinade:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cut veggies into even-sized pieces.
2. Toss in marinade and let rest for 30 minutes.
3. Thread onto skewers and grill for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway.

Pro tip: Serve with hummus or tzatziki and warm pita bread.

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2. Indian Tandoori Veggie Skewers

Spicy, tangy, and full of Indian flavors

Vegetables to use:
Cauliflower, bell peppers, onions, paneer (optional), potatoes

Marinade:

• ½ cup thick yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
• 1 tsp tandoori masala
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• Salt and lemon juice to taste

Instructions:

1. Parboil cauliflower and potatoes slightly.
2. Mix veggies in marinade and rest for 1 hour.
3. Skewer and grill for 10–12 minutes, basting with oil or butter.

Serving tip: Sprinkle chaat masala before serving.

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3. Thai-Inspired Peanut Veggie Skewers

Sweet, spicy, and uniquely satisfying

Vegetables to use:
Zucchini, eggplant, tofu (optional), mushrooms, bell peppers

Marinade:

• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 clove garlic (grated)
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk marinade ingredients and coat vegetables well.
2. Chill for 30 minutes.
3. Skewer and grill for 7–9 minutes.
4. Serve with extra peanut sauce on the side.

Great for: Rice bowls or lettuce wraps.

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4. Italian Herb Veg Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Aromatic, zesty, and beautifully caramelized

Vegetables to use:
Cherry tomatoes, red onion, zucchini, mushrooms

Marinade:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate veggies for 20–30 minutes.
2. Grill for 8 minutes, flipping once.
3. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze before serving.

Bonus: Add cubes of grilled polenta or sourdough bread for a twist.

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5. Caribbean Jerk Veggie Skewers

Bold, smoky, and with a touch of heat

Vegetables to use:
Pineapple, bell peppers, red onion, plantains, corn rounds

Marinade:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all marinade ingredients and toss with veggies and fruit.
2. Let sit for 30 minutes.
3. Grill for 10 minutes, turning to char evenly.

Tip: Pineapple and jerk flavors are made for each other—don’t skip it!

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6. Teriyaki Glazed Veggie Skewers

Sweet, savory, and family-friendly

Vegetables to use:
Broccoli, carrots (parboiled), mushrooms, bell peppers

Glaze:

• 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Brush veggies with teriyaki glaze.
2. Skewer and grill for 6–8 minutes.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Serve with: Steamed rice or soba noodles.

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7. Greek-Inspired Veggie Skewers with Feta (Optional)

Fresh, bright, and full of summer flavor

Vegetables to use:
Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, bell peppers

Marinade:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Crumbled feta or vegan alternative (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Mix vegetables with marinade and chill.
2. Grill skewers for 8 minutes, rotating once.
3. Top with feta and serve with lemon wedges.

Optional: Add cubes of grilled halloumi or plant-based cheese.

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8. Smoky BBQ Veggie Skewers

Sticky, charred, and ideal for backyard gatherings

Vegetables to use:
Corn chunks, potatoes (parboiled), onion, zucchini, mushrooms

Marinade:

• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and chili flakes

Instructions:

1. Toss veggies in marinade. Let sit for 20–30 minutes.
2. Grill for 12–15 minutes, brushing with extra BBQ sauce.
3. Serve hot with your favorite BBQ sides.

Pair with: Grilled corn, baked beans, or coleslaw.

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9. Middle Eastern-Inspired Veggie Skewers with Tahini Drizzle

Nutty, savory, and deeply satisfying

Vegetables to use:
Eggplant, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms

Marinade:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp sumac or lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Tahini Drizzle:

• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove (crushed)
• 2–3 tbsp water to thin
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate veggies and grill until tender and lightly charred.
2. Drizzle tahini sauce over skewers before serving.
3. Garnish with parsley or mint.

Serve with: Pita, couscous, or tabbouleh.

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Tips for Perfect Veggie Skewers

Use Uniform Sizes

Cut all vegetables to roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Dense veggies like potatoes may need to be parboiled first.

Soak Wooden Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers

Leave a bit of space between pieces to allow heat to circulate, ensuring even charring.

Preheat the Grill

Start with a hot grill or grill pan to get a nice sear and cook veggies quickly without drying them out.

Add Protein Options

Include tofu, paneer, or tempeh for a protein boost, marinated alongside the vegetables.

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Make It a Meal: Serving Suggestions

Skewer Type	Best Sides	Optional Dips/Sauces
Mediterranean	Hummus, couscous, pita	Garlic yogurt dip
Tandoori	Basmati rice, naan	Mint chutney
Thai Peanut	Sticky rice, cabbage slaw	Extra peanut sauce
Teriyaki	Jasmine rice, cucumber salad	Soy-sesame dipping sauce
BBQ Veggie	Baked beans, corn on the cob	BBQ sauce
Greek-Style	Lemon potatoes, tzatziki, olives	Tzatziki
Caribbean Jerk	Coconut rice, mango salsa	Lime crema or jerk dip
Italian Herb	Roasted potatoes, caprese salad	Balsamic reduction
Middle Eastern	Tabbouleh, hummus, falafel	Tahini sauce

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Final Thoughts

Grilled vegetable skewers are not just a side dish—they’re a celebration of color, texture, and bold flavor. These 9 ideas prove that veggies can hold their own on the grill and be the star of your summer BBQs. They’re healthy, easy to prepare, and delightfully satisfying—even for the most devoted meat lovers

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