Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage are perfect for a quick and easy low-carb summer dinner! These vibrant kabobs are not only delicious but also versatile enough to serve at barbecues, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight meal. With juicy sausages and fresh zucchini, they offer a satisfying taste combined with effortless preparation. Get ready to impress your guests with this colorful dish that is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Low-Carb Delight: Perfect for those on a low-carb diet, these kabobs feature nutritious vegetables and protein-rich sausage.
• Flavorful Marinade: The Italian dressing adds a burst of flavor that enhances the freshness of the vegetables and the richness of the sausage.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or use different types of sausage to cater to personal preferences.
• Grill Ready: Ideal for grilling season, these kabobs bring the joy of outdoor cooking right to your table.

Tools and Preparation

To make Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill or broiler
• Ziploc bags
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: These hold everything together while cooking, making it easy to flip the kabobs on the grill.
• Grill or broiler: Provides the even heat necessary for perfectly cooked kabobs with beautiful grill marks.
• Ziploc bags: Ideal for marinating vegetables; they ensure all ingredients are evenly coated in dressing.

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

1. Cut zucchini and any other vegetables you’re using into same-size pieces. Make sure to cut some flat edges on veggies, making zucchini slightly smaller than sausage pieces.

Step 2: Marinate the Vegetables

1. Place cut vegetables into a Ziploc bag.
2. Pour in enough Italian dressing to moisten all vegetables thoroughly.
3. Let them marinate for about an hour or longer in the fridge if desired.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

1. Brush gas or charcoal grill grates with olive oil or spray them with non-stick spray.
2. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium heat, which should allow you to hold your hand there for about 3 seconds.

Step 4: Cut the Sausages

1. Slice sausages into chunks, aiming for about five pieces per sausage.

Step 5: Drain Vegetables

1. If marinated, drain excess liquid from your veggies before skewering them.
2. If you didn’t marinate, simply cut veggies into pieces as needed.

Step 6: Assemble the Kabobs

1. Thread sausage chunks and vegetables onto skewers alternately.
2. Ensure that you push the skewer through the skin of both sausage and veggies so they won’t spin around during cooking.

Step 7: Brush with Dressing (Optional)

1. If you didn’t marinate the vegetables, feel free to brush assembled kabobs with some Italian salad dressing for extra flavor.

Step 8: Grill the Kabobs

1. Place kabobs on medium heat grill.
2. Turn frequently until sausage is browned and zucchini is barely tender—this usually takes around 15 minutes.

Step 9: Serve Hot

1. Once done, remove kabobs from grill carefully.
2. Serve hot as an excellent main dish or appetizer!

How to Serve Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage make a delightful meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a family dinner, these kabobs are versatile and flavorful.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: A refreshing salad of mixed greens adds a crisp contrast to the savory kabobs.
• Greek Salad: This salad, featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta, complements the flavors of the kabobs beautifully.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Tzatziki Sauce: This cool yogurt-based sauce enhances the smoky flavors of the grilled kabobs.
• BBQ Sauce: For a tangy twist, serve your kabobs with your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping.

Accompany with Grains

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings additional nutrition and texture to your meal.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf is a filling option that balances the kabobs perfectly.

How to Perfect Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

To make your Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly Cut Vegetables: Ensure vegetables are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Boldly Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate vegetables for several hours or overnight.
• Boldly Preheat Grill: Always preheat your grill to medium heat to achieve those perfect grill marks.
• Boldly Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times; you want the sausage browned but veggies tender, about 15 minutes.
• Boldly Use Skewers Wisely: Thread items tightly together to prevent them from spinning during grilling.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Kabobs can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this dish well.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter makes a delicious accompaniment.
2. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and a tangy contrast to the savory kabobs.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brings a sweet element that pairs nicely with the spices in the kabobs.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide heartiness and are perfect for dipping in sauces.
5. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables enhances nutritional value and flavor.
6. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad offers a sweet finish that balances out the savory notes of the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes that can affect the outcome of your kabobs.

• Overcrowding the Skewers: If you place too many pieces on one skewer, they won’t cook evenly. Leave some space between the pieces for heat circulation.

• Neglecting Marination Time: Skipping the marination process can lead to bland flavors. Allow the vegetables to marinate for at least an hour to enhance their taste.

• Using Uneven Cuts: Inconsistent sizes of vegetables can cause uneven cooking. Cut all ingredients into similar-sized pieces for better results on the grill.

• Ignoring Grill Temperature: Cooking kabobs on a grill that is too hot can burn them quickly. Aim for medium heat to get perfect browning without charring.

• Not Preheating the Grill: Starting with a cold grill can result in sticking and poor searing. Always preheat your grill or broiler before adding the kabobs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store leftover kabobs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent odors from mixing.

Freezing Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

• Duration: You can freeze kabobs for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer bag.

Reheating Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place kabobs on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and microwave in short intervals (30 seconds), checking until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil; cook kabobs for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage.

Can I use different types of sausage in Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage?

Yes! Feel free to use any type of pre-cooked sausage you prefer, such as chicken or turkey sausage, for different flavors.

What other vegetables work well in Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage?

You can try using cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers, which complement the zucchini and sausage nicely.

How do I ensure my Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage don’t stick to the grill?

Make sure your grill is preheated and well-oiled before placing the kabobs on it. This helps prevent sticking.

Can I prepare Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the vegetables earlier in the day or even assemble the kabobs ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

Final Thoughts

Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage offer a delicious blend of flavors that are perfect for summer grilling. Their versatility allows for endless customization based on your favorite veggies or sausages. We encourage you to try this recipe; it’s not only quick but also a delightful way to enjoy healthy ingredients!