Pineapple Vegetable Skewers (Print Version)
Grilled pineapple and vegetables in a smoky balsamic marinade, charred and vibrant skewers perfect for weeknight meals.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
03 - 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes
→ Fruit
05 - 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
→ Marinade
06 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
08 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
09 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
10 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - Add the pineapple chunks, bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes to the marinade. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly and let rest for at least 15 minutes.
03 - Thread the marinated pineapple and vegetables alternately onto skewers, distributing the ingredients evenly across each skewer.
04 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
05 - Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred with grill marks.
06 - Remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime juice.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The marinade does all the heavy lifting, transforming humble vegetables into something you will actually crave.
- Pineapple on the grill caramelizes into golden, smoky candy that surprises everyone who tries it.
02 -
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes or they will catch fire on the grill.
- Do not skip the marinating step, those 15 minutes are what separate bland vegetables from something unforgettable.
03 -
- Cut all your vegetables and pineapple to roughly the same size so everything finishes cooking at the same time.
- Double the marinade and save half to brush on while grilling for an extra layer of flavor.