Shish kebabs are a beloved dish around the world, known for their vibrant colors, smoky flavors, and the delightful combination of tender morsels grilled to perfection. While traditionally made with meat, vegetarian shish kebabs offer an exciting twist that’s just as satisfying and packed with nutrients.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, or simply want to try something fresh and flavorful, this recipe is perfect for you.
Loaded with colorful vegetables and marinated to enhance their natural sweetness and smokiness, these vegetarian shish kebabs are an easy, healthy, and crowd-pleasing option. They are perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even as a fun appetizer for your next gathering.
Let’s dive into how you can create these delicious skewers with simple ingredients and minimal fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian shish kebab recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a smoky, grilled meal without meat. The combination of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes makes every bite burst with flavor and nutrients.
Marinating the vegetables infuses them with herbs, lemon, and garlic, adding depth and zest that will impress even the most dedicated carnivores. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can swap out veggies according to your preference or what’s in season.
Enjoy a quick, colorful dish that’s low in calories but high in taste and texture. These kebabs are also gluten-free, vegan, and packed with antioxidants, making them a wholesome choice for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, stems removed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Brush for oiling the grill (optional)
- Serving platter
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and cut the zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Keep cherry tomatoes whole.
- Make the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the vegetables: Add all the cut vegetables and cherry tomatoes to the marinade. Toss gently until they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Assemble the kebabs: Thread the vegetables alternately onto the skewers, creating a colorful pattern for an attractive presentation.
- Grill the kebabs: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and have nice grill marks.
- Serve: Remove from grill, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar to the marinade. To keep the skewers from sticking, oil the grill grates lightly before cooking.
You can experiment with different veggies like eggplant, asparagus, or even pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast. For a protein boost, add marinated tofu or halloumi cheese cubes to the skewers.
Want a smoky taste without a grill? Use a grill pan on your stovetop or broil the kebabs in the oven.
Looking for more vegetarian inspiration? Check out these delicious recipes like Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals or try the Vegetarian Southern Recipes That Everyone Will Love for more hearty choices.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (2 kebabs) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 9g |
Carbohydrates | 15g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sugar | 7g |
Vitamin A | 60% DV |
Vitamin C | 120% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian shish kebabs are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them over a bed of fluffy couscous, quinoa, or rice pilaf for a complete meal.
A side of Vegan Bechamel Sauce drizzled over grilled vegetables makes a creamy addition. Alternatively, serve with a zesty yogurt dip or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the smoky flavors.
For a festive meal, pair these kebabs with warm pita bread and a variety of dips such as hummus or baba ganoush.
Conclusion
Creating vegetarian shish kebabs is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate your plant-based cooking. This recipe combines fresh, colorful vegetables with a vibrant marinade that transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a stove-top pan, these kebabs come together quickly and offer a healthy, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings to make it your own signature dish.
For more exciting vegetarian recipes that are both delicious and easy to make, explore our collections like the Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Happy grilling!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Shish Kebab
Description: A colorful and flavorful vegetarian shish kebab featuring marinated vegetables grilled to perfection. Perfect as a healthy and satisfying meal for any occasion.
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 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 8 oz button mushrooms, cleaned
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add all vegetables to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Thread the vegetables onto the soaked skewers, alternating types.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill kebabs for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 15 g
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