Rainbow Veggie Skewers Recipe

Colorful Rainbow Veggie Skewers Recipe for Fun Summer Grilling

Summer barbecues light up with these colorful rainbow veggie skewers that promise a vibrant explosion of flavors.

Crisp vegetables dance together on wooden sticks, creating a visual feast for hungry guests.

Fresh produce becomes an artistic canvas waiting to be grilled.

Marinated herbs and spices will infuse each chunk with mouth-watering complexity.

Bold colors peek through the grill’s smoky embrace, tempting everyone to take a bite.

Quick and simple preparation means you can spend more time enjoying the meal with loved ones.

These skewers will become your new favorite way to serve vegetables at any gathering.

Veggie Rainbow Skewers and Seasonings

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs marinade well, perfect for grilling and provides protein punch. Boneless and skinless recommended for easier skewering.
Marinade Components:
  • Lime Juice: Bright citrus that tenderizes chicken and adds zesty flavor. Fresh lime is best for maximum tanginess.
  • Garlic: Adds robust aromatic depth to the marinade. Fresh minced garlic provides most intense flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall taste profile.
Colorful Vegetables:
  • Red Onion, Bell Peppers, Zucchini: Vibrant vegetables that add color, texture, and nutrition to skewers. Choose firm, fresh produce for best grilling results.
  • Corn Pieces: Sweet kernels that provide burst of freshness and additional texture.
  • Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and caramelizes beautifully when grilled.
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even grilling. Extra virgin olive oil recommended.
  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Final seasoning for enhanced flavor before grilling.
  • Peanut Dipping Sauce Ingredients: Blend of rich, creamy components for complementary flavor to grilled skewers.

How to Make Rainbow Veggie Skewers

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Chicken Marinade

Whisk lime juice, salt, pepper, and minced garlic together in a large bowl.

Add chicken and thoroughly coat each piece with the marinade.

Cover and let the chicken soak up flavors in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum taste.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Peanut Dipping Sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender.

Pulse until completely smooth and silky.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Add water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Step 3: Chop and Arrange Colorful Veggie Ingredients

Ingredients to chop:
  • Red onion
  • Bell peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Corn
  • Pineapple

Cut each vegetable and fruit into uniform 1-inch chunks for even cooking and beautiful presentation.

Step 4: Build Vibrant Skewers

Thread the chopped ingredients onto skewers, alternating colors and textures.

Place marinated chicken pieces at the end of each skewer for balanced grilling.

Step 5: Season and Prepare for Grilling

Lightly brush skewers with olive oil.

Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper across the entire kabob for additional flavor.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Heat grill to medium-high temperature.

Place skewers on grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on one side.

Carefully flip and grill another 5-7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.

Step 7: Plate and Enjoy

Transfer grilled skewers to a serving platter.

Drizzle with peanut dipping sauce or serve sauce on the side for guests to enjoy.

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Veggie Skewer Grilling Tips With Color Pop

  • Select vibrant, firm vegetables and ripe pineapple to ensure maximum flavor and color in your rainbow skewers.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading ingredients to prevent them from charring on the grill.
  • Allow chicken to marinate overnight for deeper, more intense taste and tender meat that absorbs lime and garlic notes.
  • Mix and match different colored bell peppers, summer squash, or cherry tomatoes to create your personalized rainbow veggie skewer variation.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect char marks without burning vegetables or undercooking chicken, ensuring juicy and evenly cooked kabobs.

Best Way to Save Rainbow Veggie Skewers for Later

  • Store cooled skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep chicken and vegetables separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess. Store sauce in a sealed jar.
  • Warm gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent rubbery chicken texture.
  • Stir peanut sauce before serving and add a splash of water to restore original consistency if needed.

Colorful Complements For Veggie Skewers

  • Boost Tropical Refreshment: Pair these vibrant skewers with a crisp, chilled coconut water mojito that complements the lime-marinated chicken and adds tropical zest.
  • Enhance Wine Selection: Choose a light-bodied Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with citrus undertones to match the bright, grilled flavors and cut through the richness of the peanut sauce.
  • Perfect Side Companion: Serve alongside fragrant jasmine rice or a light quinoa salad to soak up the delicious marinade and provide a balanced, wholesome base for the colorful kabobs.
  • Create Flavor Harmony: Add a fresh mango salsa on the side to echo the pineapple in the skewers and provide a sweet-tangy counterpoint to the grilled chicken and vegetables.

Rainbow Veggie Skewer Versions

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu, marinated in the same lime and garlic mixture. Grill tofu skewers carefully to maintain their shape and absorb maximum flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of soy sauce in the dipping sauce. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking the marinade components and sauce ingredients.
  • Mediterranean Style: Swap chicken for lamb pieces, use oregano and lemon in the marinade. Add cubes of halloumi cheese between vegetables for a rich, Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Remove corn and pineapple, increase vegetable variety. Add mushrooms, asparagus, and bell peppers to create a lower-carbohydrate version while maintaining the colorful aesthetic of the original recipe.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of meat for these skewers?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, turkey, or even shrimp. Just ensure the protein is cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

  • Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Absolutely. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading ingredients to prevent them from burning during grilling.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

No problem! You can cook these skewers on a grill pan, in the oven at 425°F, or even under the broiler. Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

  • Can I prepare the skewers in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the skewers and marinate the chicken a day ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Rainbow Veggie Skewers That Brighten Every Bite

  • Colorful Culinary Adventure: Vibrant skewers bursting with rainbow vegetables and tender chicken create an eye-catching and delightful dining experience.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, and family dinners, these skewers accommodate different dietary preferences and taste amazing for all ages.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, diverse vegetables offering multiple vitamins, and a zesty peanut sauce that adds exciting flavor without excessive calories.
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Rainbow Veggie Skewers Recipe

Rainbow Veggie Skewers Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Colorful rainbow veggie skewers bring Mediterranean charm to summer grilling, dancing with fresh zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Grilled until perfectly charred, these skewers offer you a delightful burst of seasonal flavors and garden-fresh nutrition.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 6 chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)

Vegetables and Fruits:

  • 1 ear corn (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 red pepper
  • 1 yellow pepper
  • 6 fresh pineapple chunks (1-inch)

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil (plus extra for grilling)
  • 2 garlic cloves (peeled, crushed, and minced)

Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) peanut butter
  • 1 garlic clove (peeled)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce (gluten-free if required)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) water
  • sea salt (to taste)
  • black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken with zesty marinade by combining tangy lime, aromatic garlic, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat the meat, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
  2. Create a velvety dipping sauce by blending all ingredients until silky smooth. Adjust seasoning and liquid consistency to achieve desired taste and texture.
  3. Prepare grill to medium-high heat for optimal cooking environment.
  4. Transform vegetables into uniform chunks: slice red onion, peppers, and zucchini into consistent one-inch pieces.
  5. Construct colorful skewers by artfully alternating marinated chicken, vibrant vegetable pieces, sweet corn kernels, and juicy pineapple chunks.
  6. Enhance skewers with a light olive oil brush and sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper for additional flavor complexity.
  7. Grill skewers methodically, cooking 5-7 minutes per side until chicken reaches perfect doneness and vegetables exhibit appealing caramelization.
  8. Present grilled kabobs alongside luscious peanut dipping sauce, creating a visually stunning and flavor-rich culinary experience.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
  • Create vegetarian version by replacing chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining same marinade and grilling technique.
  • Customize skewers with seasonal vegetables for variety and freshness.
  • Prevent overcrowding on skewers to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
  • Prep ingredients in advance for quick assembly and stress-free cooking experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 392
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 260 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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