Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
• 2 medium zucchinis, cut into 1-inch slices
• 2 medium yellow squash, cut into 1-inch slices
• ½ pound whole fresh mushrooms
• 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
• 12 cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 8 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
• ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Making It Step by Step:

1. Prepare the Skewers:
   • Begin by soaking the bamboo skewers in water for at least 20 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. While the skewers are soaking, you can prepare the vegetables and pineapple.
2. Cut the Ingredients:
   • Cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Aim for pieces that are about 1 inch thick, ensuring they are big enough to stay on the skewer.
   • Slice the zucchinis and yellow squash into 1-inch thick rounds. You can cut the larger slices in half if needed.
   • Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems if they are tough or too long.
   • Chop the red onion and red bell pepper into chunks that are roughly the same size as the other ingredients. This ensures even cooking.
   • Wash and pat dry the cherry tomatoes.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
   • Thread the vegetables and pineapple onto the soaked skewers, alternating between different items for a colorful and balanced skewer. For example, start with a piece of pineapple, followed by a zucchini slice, mushroom, cherry tomato, red onion chunk, yellow squash slice, and red bell pepper chunk. Repeat until the skewer is full, leaving a small space at the top and bottom.
4. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
5. Brush the Skewers:
   • Using a pastry brush, generously coat each skewer with the marinade, ensuring all the vegetables and pineapple pieces are well-covered. This will enhance the flavors and prevent the ingredients from sticking to the grill.
6. Grill the Skewers:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once heated, place the skewers on the grill grates.
   • Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want the vegetables to be slightly charred and tender, and the pineapple to be caramelized and juicy.
7. Serve:
   • Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill and serve immediately. They can be enjoyed on their own as a light meal or paired with grilled meats, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Tips:

• Use Fresh Vegetables: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, in-season vegetables. You can also customize the skewers by adding your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers of different colors, asparagus, or even chunks of sweet potato.
• Pre-Cook Harder Vegetables: If you’re adding denser vegetables like carrots or potatoes, consider pre-cooking them slightly before adding them to the skewers. This ensures they are fully cooked by the time the other ingredients are done.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Skewers: Leave a little space between each ingredient on the skewer. This allows heat to circulate evenly and prevents the vegetables from steaming instead of grilling.
• Try Different Marinades: Experiment with different herbs and spices for the marinade. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: If you have leftover skewers, remove the vegetables and pineapple from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the vegetables and pineapple on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill or in a skillet.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze the skewers, as the texture of the vegetables and pineapple will change after thawing and reheating.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 120-150
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 200mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use metal skewers instead of bamboo? Yes, metal skewers are a great alternative. They don’t need to be soaked and can be reused.
2. Can I add meat to these skewers? Absolutely! You can add pieces of chicken, shrimp, or even beef to make them more filling. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
3. Can I make these skewers ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to brush them with the marinade right before grilling.
4. What other fruits can I use instead of pineapple? Mango and peach are delicious alternatives. Just be aware that softer fruits will cook faster than pineapple and may become mushy if overcooked.
5. Can I bake these skewers in the oven? Yes, if you don’t have a grill, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
6. What can I serve with these skewers? These skewers pair well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or a light quinoa salad. They’re also great as a side dish for burgers or as part of a vegetarian meal.

Conclusion:

Grilled Vegetable and Pineapple Skewers are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. This dish is a wonderful way to enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables along with the sweet, tropical flavor of pineapple, all brought together with a simple yet delicious marinade. Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet, these skewers are both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a healthy side dish, or simply wanting to try something new, these skewers are a great choice. Customize them with your favorite vegetables, experiment with different marinades, and enjoy a delicious, colorful meal that’s as healthy as it is tasty. Enjoy these skewers hot off the grill with your favorite sides, and savor the natural flavors of fresh produce at its best!