Grilled Italian Sausage Kabobs
Juicy Italian sausage kabobs with vibrant vegetables and flavorful basil, perfect for summer grilling or casual gatherings, offering a delicious smoky taste with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1.5 pounds Italian style sausage links, cut into 1.5-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 medium red pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces ⓘ
- 6 large pimiento-stuffed olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix pizza sauce, dried basil, and vegetable oil; reserve.
- Cook sausage pieces over medium heat until partially cooked, about 10 minutes.
- Drain the sausage.
- Alternate sausage pieces, zucchini pieces, and pepper pieces on each of the 6 metal skewers, leaving space between the foods.
- Place an olive on top of each skewer.
- Grill the skewers for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using homemade pizza sauce like Pam'S Sauce or adding fresh herbs along with the dried basil. If you're short on time, pre-cooked Italian sausages can be a quick substitute. To enhance the veggies, marinate them in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before skewering. Always soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
These grilled Italian sausage kabobs make for a hearty meal, perfect alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread. You could also serve them with a side of pasta, such as Pasta With Italian Sausage Sauce, for a complete dinner. A chilled glass of white wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the grilled vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. For best texture, avoid microwaving as it can make the sausage rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Italian Sausage Kabobs contains roughly 284 calories, with 20g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 786mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional, you can experiment with other varieties such as chicken sausage or even spicy sausage for added heat. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the sausage type you choose.
What vegetables can I substitute in this kabob recipe?
You can use a variety of vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability. Bell peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and red onion all work well. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking and grilling.
How do I know when the kabobs are fully cooked?
The kabobs are done when the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The vegetables should be tender and slightly charred. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure they are cooked through without overcooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).