Cilantro-Lime Vegetable Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Colorful skewers of zucchini and bell peppers marinated in zesty lime and cilantro, grilled to tender perfection. This mexican-inspired grilling (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cut into 1/2-inch pieces red onion, juiced lime, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 medium zucchini (cubed), 1 red bell pepper (cubed), 1/2 red onion (cubed), 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss until vegetables are evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Thread the vegetable mixture onto skewers, alternating pieces for visual appeal.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to 375°F. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Vegetable Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cilantro-Lime Vegetable Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep juiced lime from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Vegetable Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cilantro-Lime Vegetable Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cilantro-Lime Vegetable Skewers vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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