Some days you just want something easy for dinner.  One of my go-to’s are kaboobs!  My kids love just about anything on a stick as well.  In Texas, the heat is HOT SO many months out of the year that something quick, easy and light is a must.  Ok, so I had this conversation the other day with a friend and she said she didn’t know how to make kabobs… My mouth fell open with a big “Huh?!”  Seriously, this is not brain science.  Just think about the type of protein you like, chicken, steak or even salmon work great.  Then add whatever veggies you like.  The trick to cooking protein and veggies together is to cut the cubes of veggies thick.  Otherwise they end up as mush when your meat is cooked through.

So I said to my friend, pick a theme, then go with that type of seasoning.  For example, plain old chicken & veggie kabobs are simple with just salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.  However, you can spice things up with Italian theme, Mexican and spicy or asian flavors.  The seasonings I use are Ms. Dash to add guiltless flavor and a drizzle of olive oil, plus salt & pepper to taste.  Fresh chopped herbs and juice from lemon or limes are also delicious.  Again, keep it simple!  Buy seasonal vegetables at the local farmers market then BAM, layer your kabob!

The men in my home love meat!  (I do not!)  So my husband and boys love a good steak kabob!  Of course I add peppers, mushrooms and onion to theirs for flavor and to try and sneak in some veggies.

My daughter and I prefer a salmon kabob to change things up from time to time.  The trick with putting salmon on a kabob is to cut the salmon into thick chunks.

Now, one trick to cooking all the different types of foods to please everyone in your family; chicken & veggies kabobs, steak kabobs or salmon kabobs is a little trick I call separation.  Simply make individual kabobs with only chicken, steak, salmon and yes, veggies.  By having individual kabobs you know that each type will cook correctly.  Chicken & veggie kabobs are the most accurate and seem to finish cooking at just the right time.  However steak and salmon are different beasts!  Have fun with it and surprise not only your family, but also your guests at the next cookout!

When cooking chicken & veggie kabobs or what ever type of kabob you choose, remember to keep the sides simple.  A tossed salad and fresh melon is perfect!  Light and refreshing for hot summer days.  Plus any extras pack well for lunches too.  I enjoy chopping the veggies and tossing with some quinoa for a light lunch later in the week.

Please share if you enjoyed this! 🙂