1-Step 1: Prepare Your Grill Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat, which typically means around 400-450°F. This temperature range is ideal for achieving those beautiful grill marks while cooking the vegetables through without burning the exterior. Once the grill is hot, spray the grates with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the vegetables from sticking and makes cleanup much easier. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat with the lid closed for about 10-15 minutes. For charcoal grills, wait until the coals are covered with white ash and have a glowing center. Proper grill preparation is the foundation of successful grilling.

2-Step 2: Prep and Thread the Vegetables While the grill heats, prepare all your vegetables. Cut the yellow squash and zucchini into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. Remove the stems from the cremini mushrooms. Cut the red onion and both bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. For the corn, cut the ear into 1-inch rounds using a sharp knife. Thread all the vegetables onto 4 metal skewers, alternating colors and types for visual appeal and balanced flavors in each bite. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

3-Step 3: Season the Vegetables Place the assembled skewers on a large platter or baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil, using your hands or a brush to coat all surfaces evenly. The oil serves multiple purposes: it helps the vegetables char beautifully, prevents them from drying out, and carries the seasoning across the entire surface. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – vegetables can handle a generous hand. The salt helps draw out moisture and encourages caramelization.

4-Step 4: Grill to Perfection Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 8 minutes per side, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred. Total cooking time will be approximately 16 minutes. You’re looking for a nice balance between charred exterior spots and tender-crisp interior texture. Flip the skewers carefully using tongs halfway through the cooking time for even charring on all sides. Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible during cooking to maintain consistent heat.

5-Step 5: Finish and Serve Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer to a clean platter. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. This final seasoning step is important – the vegetables lose some of their surface seasoning during grilling, so a final sprinkle brings the flavors back to life. Serve immediately with your choice of sauce or dressing. Tzatziki, chimichurri, or romesco all pair beautifully with these grilled vegetables.