Picture this… it’s a hot summer day and you are ready for the family BBQ picnic! One of the best parts of these picnics is always the company. However, the food often takes centre stage! We used to have BBQ picnics all the time growing up. All my cousins and aunts and uncles would come over on any long weekend for a pool party and a cookout. The highlight of the cookout was by far my dad’s famous chicken and veggie recipe: oh, so simple yet packed with flavour and a family favourite! The side kick for the main meal were perfectly grilled veggie kabobs!

What’s so special about Vegetable Kabobs?

Veggie kabobs are incredibly easy to make. This side dish takes no more than 10- minutes to make and because you use skewers, the clean-up is incredibly easy! The last thing people want to do at a cookout is spend time cleaning. These veggie skewers just use a kabob stick and that’s it, which means the clean-up is incredibly fast!

Its not summer… Now What?

One thing I absolutely love about making veggie kabobs is that, year round, these can be a perfect complement to your main dish. All you have to do is use the veggies in season to make your veggie kabob. The best way to tell what is in season? Go to your local farmer’s market! And, if your farmers market is closed in winter, a good rule of thumb is to use veggies that a bit sturdier (like onions) and potatoes, pumpkin, and other starchy produce.

Where should I buy veggies for kabobs?

A good rule of thumb is to buy local. As soon as produce is cut, nutrients start to degrade. If you purchase produce that you know is grown locally, rather than grown and transported across the country, the nutrient density will be much greater. Keep in mind, the nutrients from fruits and vegetables contain vital vitamins and minerals. You want to make sure that these vitamins and minerals are in the best quality and the best way to do that is by finding a local supplier!

You can even add a few fruits to your kabobs to keep the flavour interesting. I love adding pineapple to veggie skewers in the summer. It’s a nice bit of citrus to remind you to enjoy to moment, enjoy the sun, and enjoy the warmth! Or, combine the side dish and main into one easy meal with chicken kabobs!

What is your favourite combo of veggies for kabobs?