Grilled Vegetables Skewers with Herb Dip
Welcome to my culinary journey, where we explore the vibrant world of grilled vegetables and herb dips. In this recipe, we’ll be diving into the delightful combination of Grilled Vegetables Skewers paired with a zesty Herb Dip. This dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly healthy and packed with flavor. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Grilled Vegetables Skewers
- Vegetables: 1 large zucchini, 2 bell peppers (any color), 1 red onion, 1 yellow squash, 1 eggplant, and 1 small sweet potato.
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Ingredients for Herb Dip
- Fresh herbs: 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup fresh dill, and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro.
- Cheese: 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Instructions for Grilled Vegetables Skewers
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut the zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, yellow squash, eggplant, and sweet potato into bite-sized pieces. Make sure the pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
- Marinate the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Add the prepared vegetables to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Thread the vegetables onto skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Thread the marinated vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between different types of vegetables for an attractive presentation.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook them, as you want them to retain their vibrant colors and crisp texture.
- Rest the skewers: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to cool down slightly.
Instructions for Herb Dip
- Prepare the herbs: Finely chop the fresh parsley, basil, dill, and cilantro. Place them in a mixing bowl.
- Mix the dip ingredients: Add the crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic to the bowl with the chopped herbs. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Chill the dip: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. The dip can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions
These Grilled Vegetables Skewers are perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or any outdoor gathering. They make a fantastic appetizer or side dish. Serve them alongside the Herb Dip for a burst of freshness and tanginess. You can also pair them with a simple green salad or grilled chicken for a complete meal. If you’re hosting a potluck, these skewers are sure to be a hit!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (assuming 6 servings):
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 175 kcal | 5 g | 10 g | 15 g | 4 g | 6 g | 200 mg |
Tips and Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe according to your preferences:
- For a heartier option, add some grilled tofu or halloumi cheese to the skewers.
- Incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added variety.
- Experiment with different herbs in the dip, such as mint or tarragon, for unique flavor profiles.
- Make the dip more creamy by adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
We hope you enjoy making and eating these Grilled Vegetables Skewers with Herb Dip. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #GrilledVegetableSkewersWP. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
