Grilled vegetable kababs are a delightful way to enjoy a burst of fresh, smoky flavors packed into every bite. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to add more colorful veggies to your meals, these kababs make for a perfect light yet satisfying dish.
Easy to prepare and versatile, they bring together a medley of garden-fresh vegetables marinated in aromatic spices and charred to perfection on the grill. The best part?
You can customize them according to your favorite veggies and flavors, making them ideal for casual family dinners, picnics, or even fancy dinner parties.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through everything from picking the freshest vegetables to perfectly grilling them for that irresistible smoky taste. Ready for a healthy, vibrant, and utterly delicious treat?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This grilled veg kabab recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, low-calorie meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The marinade infuses the vegetables with a rich blend of spices and herbs, while grilling adds a delightful smoky char.
It’s quick to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and flexible enough to suit any diet.
Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages and occasions—whether as a main dish, a side, or a party appetizer. Not only are these kababs healthy, but they also bring vibrant colors and textures to your plate, making your meal as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Ingredients
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
- 8 oz button mushrooms, cleaned and stems trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Basting brush (optional)
- Skewers (soaked in water for wooden skewers to prevent burning)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and cut all vegetables into bite-sized pieces, aiming for uniformity to ensure even cooking.
- Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to blend all the flavors.
- Marinate the veggies: Add the chopped vegetables to the marinade and toss gently until all pieces are well coated. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are glowing red with a layer of ash.
- Assemble the kababs: Thread the marinated vegetables onto the skewers, alternating colors and types for a beautiful presentation and balanced flavor.
- Grill the kababs: Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to get an even char and prevent burning. Brush with leftover marinade occasionally to keep them moist.
- Check doneness: Vegetables should be tender but not mushy, with nice grill marks. Remove from the grill once cooked to your liking.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the kababs before serving. Enjoy hot off the grill!
Tips & Variations
Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Variation: Add cubes of firm tofu or paneer for a protein boost. You can also experiment with different marinades like a tangy yogurt-based one or a spicy harissa blend.
Pro Tip: For smoky flavor without a grill, try broiling the kababs in your oven or using a grill pan indoors.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (2 skewers) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Protein | 3 g |
Carbohydrates | 12 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Fat | 7 g (mostly healthy fats) |
Vitamin A | 30% of Daily Value |
Vitamin C | 65% of Daily Value |
Iron | 8% of Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
These grilled veg kababs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm flatbreads like naan or pita for a complete meal.
A cooling cucumber raita or tahini sauce complements the smoky flavors beautifully.
For a heartier option, try serving them with a fresh green salad or a bowl of roasted potatoes. They also make an excellent addition to a mezze platter featuring hummus, baba ganoush, and olives.
Looking for more vegetable-based inspiration? Check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or explore creative side dishes like our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
Conclusion
Grilled veg kababs offer an easy, healthy, and flavorful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. The simple marinade highlights the natural sweetness and smokiness of fresh produce, making this recipe a winner for both novice cooks and seasoned grill masters.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a casual family dinner, these kababs bring vibrant colors and textures that satisfy both the eye and the palate.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and spices to make the recipe your own. For a sweet finish to your meal, try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Happy grilling, and here’s to delicious, colorful, and nourishing meals!
📖 Recipe Card: Grilled Veg Kabab
Description: A colorful mix of marinated vegetables grilled to perfection, perfect as a healthy appetizer or side dish. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 8 button mushrooms, whole
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add all vegetables to the marinade and toss to coat well.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Thread the vegetables onto soaked skewers alternately.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill kababs for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from grill and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 12 g
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