Garden Vegetable & Tomato Skewers with Lemon-Herb Dressing
Colorful skewers of grilled garden vegetables and cherry tomatoes, served with a zesty lemon-herb dressing made from fresh garden herbs and tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes blends medium, sliced 1/2 inch thick zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 medium, sliced 1/2 inch thick zucchini
- 1 medium, sliced 1/2 inch thick yellow squash
- 1, cut into 1-inch pieces red bell pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Thread 1/2-inch thick zucchini slices, yellow squash slices, red bell pepper pieces, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers, then brush with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper, whisking until smooth.
- Step 4: Serve grilled skewers drizzled with lemon-herb dressing while still warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garden Vegetable & Tomato Skewers with Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Garden Vegetable & Tomato Skewers with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garden Vegetable & Tomato Skewers with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
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 Garden Vegetable & Tomato Skewers with Lemon-Herb Dressing 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.
What goes well with Garden Vegetable & Tomato Skewers with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
Mediterranean grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.