6 Kebab Recipes Perfect for Grilling Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Healthy Recipes 6 Kebab Recipes Perfect for Grilling Easy and tasty, these combos are a party on a stick! By Kelly Kennedy, RDNMedically Reviewed by Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCESReviewed: July 7, 2022Medically Reviewed Kebabs are believed to have originated in the region that is now Turkey making them a part of the original Mediterranean diet AleksandarNakic/Getty ImagesKebabs are such a staple at barbecues and picnics that most Americans have never thought about the fact that they are one of the original Mediterranean foods. Thought to have originated in what is now Turkey, these usually meat-based skewers have a long history as a popular street food, according to National Today. While kebab shops aren’t as prolific here as they are in other countries, varying combinations of protein, vegetables, and even fruit tend to make an appearance on grills across the United States. And why not? Thanks to their versatility, kebabs are a great option for a well-balanced appetizer, entree, or side. There are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind when preparing kebabs. Though threading different colored vegetables and proteins on each stick can look pretty, it’s not as practical as keeping meats and vegetables separate because their cooking times will vary. The Food Network recommends making sure that all the ingredients on a skewer have similar cook times. To prevent kebabs from drying out on the grill, you can marinate the ingredients ahead of time or baste them while they cook. If you’ll be using wooden or bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them in water beforehand, according to the Los Angeles Times, so that they don’t burn on the grill. Metal skewers are also a great choice and don’t need to be soaked. Just keep in mind that the metal skewers will be really hot after cooking, so be sure to use tongs when handling them. While traditional kebabs tend to be meat-based, you can use a wide variety of healthy ingredients when making them at home. To prove that you can put just about anything on a skewer, here are six healthy, mouth-watering kebab recipes that do just that. Happy grilling!424 Chili-Lime Grilled Tofu Kebabs ShutterstockMany people steer clear of tofu because they’re not quite sure how to cook it, however, this simple method will appeal to vegetarians and omnivores alike. Tofu is made from soybeans and is an excellent source of protein, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Serve tofu kebabs over a small salad, quinoa, or brown rice for a complete meal. Serves 4 Ingredients1 14-oz package extra-firm tofu, cut into 12 cubes2 fresh limes, juiced2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil1 tsp chili powder½ tsp kosher salt¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)1 summer squash, cut into large cubes1 cup cherry tomatoes1 cup baby portabella mushrooms1 small yellow onion, cut into large cubes DirectionsPlace 2 paper towels on a plate and top with tofu. Place 2 more paper towels on top of the tofu and top with another plate to add weight. Microwave for 2 minutes to help remove some of the moisture from the tofu.In a medium bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro, if desired. Whisk together lightly.Generously grease the grill, then preheat it to medium.Evenly divide tofu, squash, tomatoes, mushrooms, and onion among 4 large (or 6 medium) skewers. Lightly brush with the marinade on all sides.Grill until tofu begins to brown and vegetables are tender, about 7 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush with the marinade regularly while cooking. Per serving: 190 calories, 12g total fat (1.7g saturated fat), 12g protein, 10g carbohydrates, 3.2g fiber, 4.2g sugar (0g added sugar), 169mg sodium425 Mixed Fruit Kebabs iStockFruit kebabs make for a quick, easy, and nutritious summer dessert. They can be made with just about any fruit you have on hand and enjoyed raw or grilled to caramelize the natural sugars for an even deeper flavor. Pineapple, bananas, and peaches are especially delicious when grilled. Serve these kebabs with the yogurt sauce for dipping. Plus, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of getting several phytochemicals in the many colors of these fruits, as Rush University states. Serves 4 (2 kebabs each) Ingredients1 cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt1 ½ tbsp honey¾ tsp pure vanilla extract¼ tsp ground cinnamon6 cups assorted fruit (such as bananas, peaches, fresh pineapple, fresh clementines, strawberries, or fresh figs) DirectionsIn a medium bowl, combine yogurt, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon. Lightly mix to combine.Evenly divide fruit among 8 skewers. If desired, generously grease the grill and preheat it to medium. Grill fruit skewers, turning every few minutes, until lightly browned on all sides.Serve with the yogurt dip. Per serving: 208 calories, 2g total fat (0.8g saturated fat), 8g protein, 44g carbohydrates, 4.1g fiber, 35.5g sugar (7.6g added sugar), 23mg sodium426 Chicken Shawarma Kebabs Ellie Baygulov/StocksyShawarma is a traditional Middle Eastern dish, according to Neomonde Mediterranean. The word “shawarma” comes from a word that means “turning” because the meat is traditionally served on a vertical spit that spins slowly. As Bon Appetite points out, the meat is marinated in yogurt, which gives it not only more nutritional value but also a nice crust when cooked. Here, you’ll get all of the rich flavors of traditional shawarma without having to install a spit in your kitchen. Serve with the cucumber and tomato salad to complete the meal. Serves 4 Ingredients⅔ cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt2 tsp ground cumin2 tsp ground turmeric2 tsp ground cinnamon½ tsp kosher salt¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes4 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced lengthwise3 medium fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced4 small fresh radishes, whole or thinly sliced (per your preference)2 tbsp white wine vinegar2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil DirectionsIn a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Gently mix together.Add chicken to the bowl and gently stir to evenly coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Just before removing the chicken from the refrigerator, lightly grease the grill and preheat it to medium.Evenly divide chicken pieces among 4 large skewers and grill until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10 minutes, turning halfway through.Place cucumbers, tomatoes, and radishes in a serving bowl. Top with vinegar and oil and stir to evenly coat vegetables. Serve alongside the chicken skewers. Per serving: 397 calories, 16g total fat (2.7g saturated fat), 52g protein, 12g carbohydrates, 3.5g fiber, 6.1g sugar (0g added sugar), 363mg sodium427 Marinated Rainbow Veggie Kebabs Nadine Greeff/StocksyMeat tends to steal the show when it comes to kebabs, but it doesn’t have to be that way. These bright and tender kebabs allow veggies to take center stage, but they don’t have to be served alone. Choose any of the other protein-based kebabs in this list (which can be cooked at the same time) to round out your meal. Have additional or different veggies on hand? Throw them on the skewers, too. There’s no wrong way to skewer a vegetable! Serves 6 (2 kebabs each) Ingredients¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil¼ cup fresh or bottled lemon juice2 cloves garlic, minced2 tbsp Dijon mustard¼ tsp dried basil¼ tsp dried oregano½ tsp kosher salt½ tsp freshly ground black pepper1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces1 small head fresh cauliflower, cut into florets2 cups whole white button mushrooms1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces DirectionsLightly grease and preheat the grill to medium.In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together lightly.Place vegetables on a baking sheet and drizzle the marinade evenly over them. Toss gently to coat and thread onto skewers.Grill until vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, turning halfway through. Per serving: 133 calories, 9g total fat (1.4g saturated fat), 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, 2.7g fiber, 3.8g sugar (0g added sugar), 231mg sodium428 Garlic-Lime Shrimp Kebabs Getty ImagesLots of people are afraid to try seafood on the grill, but kebabs are the ideal way because you won’t risk anything slipping down between the grates. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, according to the USDA, and delivers the all-important omega-3s that most Americans don’t get enough of. Plus, it cooks quickly, so it’s a great fast meal when you’re in a hurry. Serves 6 Ingredients3 cloves garlic, minced2 fresh limes, juiced3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil½ tsp ground cumin¼ tsp ground paprika½ tsp kosher salt¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper1 ½ pounds raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined DirectionsIn a plastic bag, combine garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.Divide shrimp evenly among 6 skewers. Add shrimp skewers to the plastic bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.Lightly oil the grill and preheat it to medium.Grill shrimp, covering the grill, and cook until opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Per serving: 137 calories, 7g total fat (0.9g saturated fat), 16g protein, 2g carbohydrates, 0.2g fiber, 0.3g sugar (0g added sugar), 591mg sodium429 Greek Lemon Chicken Kebabs With Tzatziki Anastasia Nurullina/iStockIf you’ve never had tzatziki sauce, take the few extra minutes to mix it together. It adds flavor and moisture to your grilled chicken, and you'll be glad that you put in a little extra effort. Because tzatziki is made with a base of Greek yogurt, it adds an extra dose of protein as well as calcium. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is essential for bone health, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH also lists yogurt as one of the top dietary sources of calcium. Add a simple tomato, cucumber, and red onion salad for a complete meal. Serves 4 Ingredients1 pound chicken tenderloins, cut into 1-inch pieces¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided1 fresh lemon, juiced, divided3 cloves garlic (2 minced and 1 grated)½ tsp ground cumin¼ tsp ground turmeric¾ tsp kosher salt, divided¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper1 cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped½ cup grated cucumber DirectionsTo a large zip-top bag, add chicken, 3 tablespoons olive oil, all but 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, turmeric, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and pepper. Close the bag and mix with your hands until chicken is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, grated garlic, the remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, yogurt, and dill. Stir to combine.Place cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or several paper towels and squeeze it tightly to remove any excess moisture. Gently stir it into the yogurt mixture. Set the tzatziki sauce aside until serving.Generously oil the grill and preheat it to medium.Evenly divide chicken pieces among 4 skewers. Grill until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through. Serve with the tzatziki sauce. Per serving: 294 calories, 16g total fat (2.6g saturated fat), 32g protein, 5g carbohydrates, 0.3g fiber, 2.7g sugar (0g added sugar), 307mg sodium NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Diet and Nutrition Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Most Recent in Healthy Recipes Later Meals Increase Hunger Decrease Calories Burned 6 Bugs You Can Eat and Their Health Benefits 5 Cheap and Healthy Recipes to Make With Oats What Happens to Your Cholesterol When You Go on a Keto Diet