If you are looking for a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying meal that brings together hearty flavors with wholesome ingredients, this Easy Sausage and Broccoli Kebabs with White Bean Salad Recipe is just the ticket. Juicy sweet Italian sausages perfectly grilled alongside tender broccoli florets create a delightful kebab that’s both colorful and delicious. The accompanying white bean salad, bursting with bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and plump tomatoes, offers a refreshing contrast that elevates the whole dish into a perfect balance of taste and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that promises fuss-free prep and fantastic results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering maximum flavor without any complexity. From the sweetness of Italian sausages to the zesty brightness of fresh lemon, each component adds a unique touch that pulls the dish together with freshness, texture, and a pop of color.
- Cherry tomatoes: This recipe calls for two 10-ounce packages; they provide juicy sweetness and vibrant red color both in the salad and to roast on the grill.
- Lemon zest and juice: Adds bright citrus notes that lift and refresh the flavors throughout the salad.
- Olive oil: Used in two stages to coat the kebabs for grilling and to dress the salad, adding richness and moisture.
- Cannellini beans: Two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed, contribute creamy texture and protein to the salad.
- Flat-leaf parsley: Roughly chopped for a fresh herbaceous burst that balances the richness of the sausage.
- Basil leaves: Adds sweet, aromatic depth to the salad’s flavor profile.
- Green onion: Chopped finely to give a mild bite and subtle crunch.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and harmonize all the flavors.
- Sweet Italian sausages: One pound, cut into bite-sized pieces, they are the star protein of the kebabs.
- Broccoli florets: Twelve ounces, cut large to hold up well on the grill and add a fresh crunch.
- Skewers: 8-10 soaked if wooden; these keep everything together and look great served up.
How to Make Easy Sausage and Broccoli Kebabs with White Bean Salad Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Get your grill nice and hot by setting it to medium-high heat. This is key for achieving those gorgeous grill marks on the kebabs and quick cooking without drying anything out.
Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes for Salad and Grill
Chop up one whole package of cherry tomatoes for the white bean salad. Don’t stress about getting every last cherry tomato chopped – whatever you don’t use here can be left whole and grilled with the kebabs for extra juiciness and smoky flavor.
Step 3: Make the Lemony Dressing
Take a fine grater and zest about two teaspoons of lemon peel straight into a medium mixing bowl. Then, squeeze about three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into the bowl as well. Add in a tablespoon of olive oil and whisk it all together. This tangy, fragrant dressing is what makes the salad so addictive.
Step 4: Assemble the White Bean Salad
Add the chopped tomatoes, drained cannellini beans, freshly chopped parsley, bright basil leaves, and chopped green onions into the bowl with the lemon dressing. Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper and gently toss everything to combine. Set this bright salad aside to let the flavors mingle.
Step 5: Season and Skewer the Kebabs
In a large bowl, drizzle two teaspoons of olive oil over the sausage pieces, broccoli florets, and any whole cherry tomatoes reserved for grilling. Season everything with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper and toss. Now thread these ingredients onto your skewers, alternating sausage, broccoli, and tomatoes for a colorful mix. If you prefer, you can brush the completed kebabs with oil and sprinkle on salt and pepper for a finish that locks in moisture during grilling.
Step 6: Grill the Kebabs
Place the skewers on the grill and cover them. Cook for about four minutes, then flip each kebab carefully to cook the other side for another three to four minutes. You’re looking for nicely charred, cooked-through sausage and tender-crisp broccoli.
Step 7: Serve
Plate those sizzling kebabs alongside a generous scoop of your white bean salad. The warm, grilled flavors paired with the fresh, lemony salad make for a delightful combination that’s ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Easy Sausage and Broccoli Kebabs with White Bean Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, scatter some additional chopped parsley or basil over both the kebabs and salad. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten it all even more. If you like a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on the sausage skewers.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully complete, but if you want to bulk it out, a side of warm crusty bread is fantastic for mopping up juices from the kebabs and salad dressing. A simple couscous or quinoa salad also pairs nicely, complementing the Mediterranean vibe of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the kebabs directly on a wooden board for a rustic look that invites everyone to dig in family-style. Alternatively, plate each skewer with a dollop of the white bean salad alongside a wedge of lemon for a more refined presentation that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the kebabs and white bean salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have blended, while kebabs maintain their texture for up to two days.
Freezing
While the kebabs can be frozen, the broccoli texture may change slightly upon thawing, becoming softer. It’s best to freeze the sausage pieces alone if you want to keep texture intact. The white bean salad does not freeze well because the fresh herbs and lemon dressing will lose their brightness.
Reheating
Reheat the kebabs gently in a grill pan or oven to revive the crisp edges without drying them out. The white bean salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed there.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sweet Italian sausage is recommended for its flavor and juiciness, you can swap in spicy sausage or even chicken sausage depending on your preference. Just make sure to adjust cooking time if sausages are leaner.
How do I prevent the broccoli from overcooking on the grill?
Cut your broccoli into larger florets so they don’t dry out quickly, and keep an eye on the grill time. Turning the kebabs at the right intervals helps everything cook evenly without suffering from overdone veggies.
Can this recipe be made indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or roast the kebabs in a hot oven (about 425°F) on a baking sheet. Just watch carefully to get a bit of caramelization without overcooking.
What can I do to make the white bean salad ahead of time?
Prepare the white bean salad up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled. The lemon and herbs actually marinate the beans beautifully, enhancing the flavor even more before serving.
Are the skewers reusable?
If you use metal skewers, definitely! They are eco-friendly and sturdy. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water beforehand so they don’t burn on the grill and can be discarded after use if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sausage and Broccoli Kebabs with White Bean Salad Recipe is a true winner when you want something fresh, fun, and packed with flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how every bite feels like a mini celebration of summer on a plate. I promise, this one quickly becomes a favorite to cook again and again!
Print
Easy Sausage and Broccoli Kebabs with White Bean Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Easy Sausage and Broccoli Kebabs with White Bean Salad make a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for grilling season. Combining sweet Italian sausage, fresh broccoli, and cherry tomatoes grilled to perfection, served alongside a zesty white bean salad with herbs and lemon for a refreshing contrast.
Ingredients
White Bean Salad
- 2 10-oz packages cherry tomatoes (one package roughly chopped for salad, the other for grilling)
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 15-oz cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley (fresh, roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup basil leaves (fresh, roughly chopped)
- 1 green onion (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (divided)
Kebabs
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausages (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 12 ounces broccoli (cut into large florets)
- Whole cherry tomatoes from one package
- 8–10 skewers (soaked if wooden)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for direct grilling of the kebabs.
- Prepare Tomatoes for Salad: Roughly chop one package of the cherry tomatoes for the white bean salad. You can grill any leftover tomatoes that you don’t add to the salad.
- Make Dressing: Zest about 2 teaspoons of lemon peel into a medium bowl using a fine grater. Squeeze approximately 3 tablespoons of lemon juice into the bowl. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and mix thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Mix Salad Ingredients: To the lemon dressing, add the chopped tomatoes, cannellini beans, roughly chopped parsley, basil, and chopped green onion. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare Kebabs: In a large bowl, combine 2 teaspoons olive oil with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss in the sausage pieces, broccoli florets, and whole cherry tomatoes. Thread the meat and vegetables onto the soaked skewers evenly.
- Season Kebabs: Optionally, brush the assembled kebabs with a little olive oil and sprinkle some salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Grill Kebabs: Place the skewers on the grill and cook covered for about 4 minutes. Flip the kebabs carefully and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sausage is cooked through and vegetables are tender with slight char.
- Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve immediately with the prepared white bean salad on the side for a balanced and delicious meal.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can substitute sweet Italian sausage with spicy if you prefer a bit of heat.
- The white bean salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
- Grilling times may vary depending on grill heat and sausage thickness; always ensure sausage is fully cooked.
- To keep vegetables crisp, avoid overcooking the broccoli on the grill.
