Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage are a delightful choice for a quick, low-carb summer dinner. These kabobs not only taste great but also offer a fun way to enjoy grilled vegetables and sausage. Perfect for family gatherings, backyard barbecues, or an easy weeknight meal, they stand out due to their vibrant colors and delicious flavors. Plus, they come together in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have these kabobs ready for grilling.
- Flavorful: The marinated zucchini and sausage create a tasty combination that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Low-Carb Friendly: This recipe is perfect for those following a low-carb diet while still enjoying hearty meals.
- Great for Grilling: Ideal for summer cookouts, these kabobs are simple to make on the grill or broiler.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make this recipe easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skewers
- Grill or broiler
- Ziploc bag
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skewers: Essential for threading the sausage and vegetables together for grilling.
- Grill or broiler: Provides even cooking and adds that irresistible smoky flavor to your kabobs.
- Ziploc bag: Perfect for marinating vegetables without making a mess, allowing flavors to infuse effectively.
Ingredients
Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage are perfect for a quick and easy low-carb summer dinner!
For the Kabobs
- 16 oz. package pre-cooked sausages (see notes)
- 4 small zucchini
- 2 red bell peppers (optional)
- 1 small red onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup Newman’s Own Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing (see notes)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Cut zucchini and any other vegetables you’re using into same-size pieces. Make some flat edges on the zucchini while cutting it slightly smaller than the sausage pieces.
Step 2: Marinate the Vegetables
Put all cut vegetables into a Ziploc bag. Pour in enough Italian dressing to moisten them completely. Use Newman’s Own Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing for best results.
Step 3: Marinate Time
Let the vegetables marinate for at least one hour. For deeper flavor, you can let them sit all day in the refrigerator.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Brush gas or charcoal grill grates with olive oil or non-stick spray. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium heat—approximately 3 seconds of hand-holding indicates readiness.
Step 5: Cut Sausages
Cut pre-cooked sausages into chunks, aiming for about five pieces per sausage.
Step 6: Prepare Vegetables
Drain marinated vegetables if you used dressing earlier. If not marinated, cut them into pieces now.
Step 7: Assemble Kabobs
Thread sausage pieces and vegetables onto skewers alternately. Ensure that the skewer goes through both skin of the sausage and veggies so they hold securely while grilling.
Step 8: Brush with Dressing (Optional)
If you didn’t marinate the veggies, you can brush kabobs with Italian salad dressing before grilling.
Step 9: Grill Kabobs
Place kabobs on medium heat. Turn frequently until sausages are browned while zucchini is barely tender—this should take about 15 minutes.
Step 10: Serve Hot
Once cooked, serve these delicious kabobs hot off the grill! Enjoy your meal!
How to Serve Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage
Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
On a Fresh Salad
- Use a bed of mixed greens as a base. Top with the grilled kabobs for a refreshing meal.
With Dipping Sauces
- Serve kabobs alongside your favorite sauces like tzatziki or spicy mustard for extra flavor.
In a Wrap
- Place kabobs in a tortilla or flatbread, adding fresh veggies and sauces for a tasty wrap.
With Rice or Quinoa
- Pair with fluffy rice or quinoa to absorb the delicious juices from the kabobs.
How to Perfect Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage
Perfecting your Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage can enhance their taste and presentation. Here are some tips to get it just right.
- Choose Fresh Vegetables: Select firm zucchini and crisp bell peppers for the best flavor and texture.
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow vegetables to marinate longer for deeper flavors; overnight is ideal.
- Use Skewers Wisely: Alternate sausage with vegetables on skewers to ensure even cooking and great visual appeal.
- Control Grill Heat: Maintain medium heat on the grill; too high may burn the kabobs before they cook through.
- Check Doneness: Ensure sausages are browned but not overcooked; check after 15 minutes for perfect tenderness.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Kabobs enhances the meal experience. Here are some excellent choices that complement the flavors.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: A sweet, crunchy addition that pairs perfectly with grilled flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread infused with garlic makes for a rich side that balances lighter kabob tastes.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds crunch and freshness, offering contrast to the savory kabobs.
- Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes provide a hearty side packed with flavor.
- Cucumber Salad: A light salad made with cucumbers offers refreshing coolness against the warm kabobs.
- Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit mix can cleanse your palate between bites of savory kabob goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your grilling experience.
- Skipping the Marination: Failing to marinate your vegetables can result in a lack of flavor. Always allow them to soak up the dressing for at least an hour for the best taste.
- Using Uneven Vegetable Sizes: Cutting vegetables into different sizes can lead to uneven cooking. Aim for uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly on the grill.
- Not Preheating the Grill: Skipping this step can cause kabobs to stick and cook unevenly. Preheat your grill or broiler for optimal results.
- Overcrowding the Skewers: Packing too many ingredients onto one skewer can prevent even cooking. Use just enough space between items to ensure they grill properly.
- Ignoring Grill Marks: Placing kabobs flat against the grill helps achieve those beautiful grill marks. Arrange them correctly on the skewers so they won’t spin while cooking.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage
- You can freeze cooked kabobs for up to 2-3 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air is removed as possible before sealing.
Reheating Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place kabobs on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place kabobs on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until hot.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and heat kabobs, turning frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables for Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage?
Yes, feel free to substitute other vegetables like mushrooms or cherry tomatoes based on your preference.
How long do I need to marinate the vegetables?
Marinating for at least an hour is recommended, but they can be left overnight for more intense flavor.
What type of sausage works best?
Pre-cooked sausages work well, but you can use any type you prefer, such as chicken or turkey sausage.
Are Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage gluten-free?
Yes, if you choose gluten-free sausage and ensure that your dressing is also gluten-free.
Can I grill these kabobs indoors?
Yes! You can use a broiler or a stovetop grill pan if outdoor grilling isn’t an option.
Final Thoughts
Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage are not only simple to prepare but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different vegetables or using various types of sausage. This recipe makes for a delicious low-carb summer dinner that everyone will enjoy! So fire up your grill and give it a try!
Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage
Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage are the ultimate quick and delicious option for summer grilling. Perfect for family dinners, backyard barbecues, or a simple weeknight meal, these kabobs feature marinated zucchini and pre-cooked sausage threaded together on skewers, delivering vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors. In just a short time, you can enjoy a satisfying low-carb dish that’s not only fun to eat but also versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Ideal for outdoor gatherings or indoor cooking, these kabobs are sure to impress everyone at the table!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 16 oz. package pre-cooked sausages
- 4 small zucchinis
- 2 red bell peppers (optional)
- 1 small red onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup Newman's Own Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cut zucchini and optional vegetables into uniform pieces.
- Marinate cut vegetables in a Ziploc bag with Italian dressing for at least one hour.
- Preheat the grill or broiler to medium heat.
- Cut sausages into chunks.
- Thread sausages and marinated vegetables onto skewers alternately.
- Grill kabobs for about 15 minutes, turning frequently until sausages are browned and zucchini is tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob (approx. 140g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, marinate vegetables overnight. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences—mushrooms or cherry tomatoes work great too! Ensure the grill is properly preheated to avoid sticking.
