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Easy Grilled Vegetable Kabobs Recipe with Perfect Balsamic Marinade

grilled vegetable kabobs - featured image

These grilled vegetable kabobs feature a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet balsamic marinade that enhances fresh summer vegetables for a quick, fuss-free, and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Red bell peppers, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • Yellow bell peppers, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • Zucchini, sliced into thick rounds or half-moons
  • Red onion, cut into wedges
  • Cremini or button mushrooms, whole or halved
  • Cherry tomatoes (optional, added last to avoid bursting)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced fresh
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning blend
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables (10 minutes): Wash and cut all the vegetables into similar-sized pieces, around 1.5 inches, so they cook evenly. Keep cherry tomatoes whole but add them last to the skewers to prevent them from bursting on the grill.
  2. Mix the Balsamic Marinade (5 minutes): In a large bowl, whisk together ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Marinate the Vegetables (at least 30 minutes): Toss the chopped vegetables in the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1-2 hours for deeper flavor.
  4. Assemble the Kabobs (5 minutes): Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and textures for a pretty presentation. Start with bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, onion, and finish with cherry tomatoes if using.
  5. Preheat the Grill (5 minutes): Heat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill the Kabobs (15 minutes): Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 7-8 minutes per side. Turn occasionally using tongs to get even grill marks and a nice char. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  7. Final Touches: Remove kabobs from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Optionally, drizzle a little extra balsamic reduction or sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Marinate vegetables for at least 30 minutes, up to 1-2 hours for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding skewers to ensure even cooking and good char. Use medium-high heat and turn kabobs gently to prevent breaking delicate vegetables. Vegetables should remain tender but firm, not mushy. For indoor cooking, broil kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled vegetable kabobs, balsamic marinade, grilled veggies, summer recipe, easy vegetable kabobs, vegan kabobs, gluten-free kabobs