Grilled Turkey & Veggie Skewers with Zesty Peanut Sauce

Embrace the grilling season with these incredibly flavorful Turkey & Veggie Skewers, a dish that proves healthy eating can be deliciously satisfying and *easy to prepare*. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a vibrant weekend BBQ, offering a lean protein source that significantly reduces fat/oil compared to traditional methods. The natural sweetness of the bell peppers and red onion, combined with the savory turkey and a zesty peanut sauce, replaces fatty fried options with a healthy alternative you'll crave.

Plated Turkey and Veggie Skewers with Peanut Sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, on a light wooden board. The skewers are perfectly grilled with visible char marks. Natural, warm lighting highlights the vibrant colors. 45-degree angle food photography.

Grilled Turkey & Veggie Skewers with Zesty Peanut Sauce

Embrace the grilling season with these incredibly flavorful Turkey & Veggie Skewers, a dish that proves healthy eating can be deliciously satisfying and easy to prepare.

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

30 mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 mins)
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp sriracha (optional)
• 2-3 tbsp warm water

Method

Prepare the Turkey: In a bowl, gently mix ground turkey with salt and pepper. Form into small, uniform meatballs or cubes, about 1-inch in size.
Chop Vegetables: Cut all bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini into pieces roughly the same size as your turkey. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Skewers: Thread the turkey and vegetables alternately onto the soaked wooden skewers, making sure not to pack them too tightly.
Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates.
Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the turkey is cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp.
Make Peanut Sauce: Whisk together all peanut sauce ingredients (peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, ginger, garlic, sriracha, and warm water) in a small bowl until smooth.
Serve: Remove skewers from the grill and serve immediately with the zesty peanut sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Why You'll Love These Turkey & Veggie Skewers

Lean Protein Power: Ground turkey offers a fantastic, lower-fat alternative to other meats, keeping you full and energized.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of savory turkey, sweet vegetables, and a tangy peanut sauce creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, these skewers come together in minutes and cook even faster on the grill. For another quick meal, try these Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily swap veggies or adjust spice levels to suit your family's preferences.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with nutrients and vibrant colors, supporting your wellness journey with every bite.

Ingredients for Turkey & Veggie Skewers

Arrangement of fresh ingredients for turkey and veggie skewers and peanut sauce: ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, wooden skewers, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime, ginger, garlic, and sriracha, on a light marble countertop. Overhead flat lay, bright natural light.

For the Skewers:

1 lb ground turkey: Provides lean protein for a satisfying meal.
1 red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color and Vitamin C.
1 yellow bell pepper: Contributes mild, fruity notes and additional nutrients.
1 green bell pepper: Offers a slightly more bitter, earthy flavor.
1 red onion: Sweetens and mellows when grilled, adding depth.
1 small zucchini: Becomes tender and slightly smoky on the grill.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps vegetables cook evenly and prevents sticking.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors.
Wooden skewers (soaked): Prevents burning on the grill.

For the Peanut Sauce:

1/4 cup natural peanut butter: Forms the creamy, nutty base of the sauce.
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and savory depth.
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup: Balances flavors with natural sweetness.
1 tbsp lime juice: Provides a bright, zesty tang.
1 tsp grated fresh ginger: Lends a warm, aromatic spice.
1 clove garlic, minced: Offers pungent, savory flavor.
1/2 tsp sriracha (optional): Adds a touch of heat.
2-3 tbsp warm water: Adjusts sauce consistency.

How to Make Turkey & Veggie Skewers

Hands assembling turkey and vegetable skewers on a white cutting board. Cubed turkey and chopped colorful bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini are visible. The background shows a clean kitchen counter. Bright, even lighting.

Prepare the Turkey: In a bowl, gently mix ground turkey with salt and pepper. Form into small, uniform meatballs or cubes, about 1-inch in size, ensuring they hold their shape.
Chop Vegetables: Cut all bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini into pieces roughly the same size as your turkey pieces for even cooking. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. For more vegetable-packed meal ideas, consider these Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Roasted Chickpeas.
Assemble Skewers: Thread the turkey and vegetables alternately onto the soaked wooden skewers, making sure not to pack them too tightly to allow for even cooking.

Collage of four sequential panels showing the cooking process of turkey and veggie skewers: 1) skewering raw ingredients, 2) grilling skewers on a hot grill, 3) skewers with light char marks and steam, 4) finished skewers resting on a plate. Consistent bright lighting, professional food photography style.

Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the turkey is cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp with nice char marks.
Make Peanut Sauce: While skewers cook, whisk together all peanut sauce ingredients (peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, ginger, garlic, sriracha, and warm water) in a small bowl until smooth. Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Serve: Remove skewers from the grill and serve immediately with the zesty peanut sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Expert Tips for Best Results

Soak Wooden Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Don't Overcrowd: Leave a little space between the turkey and vegetables on the skewer to ensure even cooking and better charring.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your peanut sauce is too thick, gradually add more warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred dipping consistency.
Storage: Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
Meal Prep Shortcut: Prepare the turkey meatballs and chop the vegetables a day in advance to cut down on prep time on grilling day. This is a great strategy for many recipes, like these Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burgers.

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your turkey mix or an extra dash of sriracha to the peanut sauce for more heat.
Vary Your Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, pineapple chunks, or snap peas make excellent additions or substitutions. If you enjoy veggie-centric meals, check out this Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes recipe.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter in the sauce if you have allergies.
Asian-Inspired Marinade: Marinate the turkey pieces in a mix of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil before skewering for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Serve Turkey & Veggie Skewers

These versatile skewers are fantastic on their own or paired with a variety of sides. Serve them over a bed of fluffy brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal. A light side salad with a vinaigrette dressing perfectly complements the rich flavors of the peanut sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime just before serving for an extra burst of freshness. For another vibrant and healthy meal, you might enjoy Quick Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw.

Final plated Turkey and Veggie Skewers served over brown rice with a side of Asian-inspired slaw, garnished with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts. The dish is presented on a modern white plate on a light wooden table setting. Overhead shot, bright and inviting.

How Long to Cook Turkey & Veggie Skewers on the Grill

On a medium-high grill (around 400°F / 200°C), turkey and veggie skewers typically cook in 10-15 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. The vegetables should be tender-crisp with visible char marks, indicating they're perfectly done.

Is This Turkey & Veggie Skewer Recipe Healthy?

Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic choice for a healthy meal. It features lean ground turkey, providing essential protein without excess fat. The abundance of colorful vegetables delivers a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, supporting overall well-being. The homemade peanut sauce, using natural ingredients, allows you to control sugar and sodium levels, making it a far healthier option than many store-bought alternatives. For more healthy and easy dinner options, don't miss our Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus & Cherry Tomatoes.