Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage are a delightful option for a quick and easy low-carb summer dinner! These kabobs not only deliver vibrant flavors but also showcase fresh vegetables alongside savory sausage. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a simple weeknight meal, this dish is versatile enough to suit various occasions. Enjoy the ease of preparation while impressing your guests with the deliciousness of grilled kabobs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these kabobs ready to grill.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of zucchini, sausage, and Italian dressing creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatility: You can easily customize these kabobs with your favorite vegetables or substitute different proteins.
• Low-Carb Delight: This recipe fits well into a low-carb diet, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
• Perfect for Grilling: Ideal for summer barbecues, these kabobs cook quickly on the grill, leaving you more time to enjoy the outdoors.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process seamless. Having the right equipment will ensure that your Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill or broiler
• Ziploc bags
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for threading your ingredients together, ensuring even cooking.
• Grill or Broiler: Provides the best heat source for grilling kabobs, achieving that perfect char.
• Ziploc Bags: Great for marinating vegetables without mess and ensures flavor absorption.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Necessary for safely preparing vegetables and sausage.

Ingredients

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 and make the zucchini slightly smaller than you’ll cut the sausage.

Step 2: Marinate the Vegetables

1. Place vegetables into a Ziploc bag.
2. Pour in enough Italian dressing to moisten all the vegetables.
3. Let them marinate for an hour or longer if desired (refrigerate if marinating over one hour).

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

1. Brush gas or charcoal grill grates with olive oil or spray with non-stick spray.
2. Preheat grill or broiler to medium heat (you can hold your hand there about three seconds at that heat).

Step 4: Prepare Sausage

1. Cut sausage into chunks—aim for about five pieces per sausage.

Step 5: Assemble Kabobs

1. Drain marinated vegetables or cut them into pieces if you didn’t marinate.
2. Thread sausage and vegetables onto skewers in an alternating pattern.
3. Ensure you put the skewer through the skin of both sausage and veggies so they won’t spin around.

Step 6: Grill Kabobs

1. Brush kabobs with Italian salad dressing if you didn’t marinate them.
2. Grill kabobs over medium heat, turning frequently until sausage is browned but zucchini is barely tender—about 15 minutes.

Step 7: Serve Hot

1. Remove from grill; serve hot and enjoy your Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage!

How to Serve Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage are not only delicious but also versatile for serving. You can enhance your dining experience by adding various sides or garnishes that complement the flavors of the kabobs.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: This classic salad with romaine lettuce and creamy dressing provides a rich flavor contrast.

Use Dipping Sauces

• Tzatziki Sauce: This yogurt-based sauce offers a cool, creamy dip that pairs well with grilled meats.
• BBQ Sauce: For those who love a sweet and smoky flavor, BBQ sauce is a perfect addition.

Serve on a Bed of Grains

• Quinoa: A nutritious base that adds protein and texture to your meal.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice mixed with herbs can soak up the juices from the kabobs beautifully.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley over the kabobs adds color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh basil imparts a delightful aroma that enhances the overall dish.

How to Perfect Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

To achieve the best results when making Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage, consider these simple tips. They will help you elevate your kabob-making game.

• Bold Cut Vegetables Evenly: Ensure that all vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
• Bold Marinate for Flavor: Marinating vegetables gives them a deeper flavor; don’t skip this step if time allows.
• Bold Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat before placing the kabobs on it for optimal cooking.
• Bold Rotate Regularly: Turn your kabobs frequently while grilling to achieve an even char on all sides.
• Bold Use Skewers Wisely: Thread ingredients tightly so they don’t spin while cooking; this ensures even grilling.
• Bold Check Doneness Carefully: Use a meat thermometer to check if the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

When serving Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage, pairing them with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted slices of garlic bread add a crunchy element that complements the kabobs nicely.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the sausage.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter brings an exciting flavor contrast to grilled meats.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies like bell peppers and asparagus enhance the kabob experience.
5. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad pairs well as a hearty side that satisfies guests’ appetites.
6. Couscous Salad: Light couscous mixed with vegetables creates a fluffy side dish that’s easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the marination step: Not marinating your vegetables can result in bland flavors. Always allow them to soak up the dressing for at least an hour for a tastier kabob.
• Cutting veggies unevenly: If you cut zucchini and other vegetables into different sizes, they may cook unevenly. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
• Overcrowding the skewers: Stuffing too many ingredients onto a skewer can lead to uneven cooking. Leave some space between ingredients for better heat circulation.
• Not preheating the grill: Placing kabobs on a cold grill can make them stick and cook poorly. Always preheat your grill to medium heat before grilling.
• Ignoring doneness indicators: Just focusing on time can lead to undercooked or overcooked kabobs. Instead, check that the sausage is browned and vegetables are barely tender for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

• Wrap each kabob individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped kabobs in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place kabobs on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place kabobs on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and sauté kabobs until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different vegetables in Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage?

Yes! Feel free to substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers based on your preferences.

How do I keep my Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage from falling apart?

Make sure to thread the skewers correctly by pushing the skewer through the skin of the sausage and veggies. This will help them stay intact while grilling.

What type of sausages work best for this recipe?

Pre-cooked sausages are ideal as they only need browning. Chicken, turkey, or sausages work well depending on your taste.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

The recipe serves four people, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Easy Kabobs with Zucchini and Sausage offer a delicious way to enjoy summer grilling while keeping it low-carb. They are versatile, allowing you to customize with various vegetables or types of sausage based on what you have at home. Try this recipe today and make it your own!