Roasted Tomato & Mini Pepper Skewers for the Holidays
by Andrea Wiggins
Somewhere between planning the turkey and burning the first batch of cookies, I always hit the same wall. The main dish? Easy. Dessert? Done. But healthy sides? Total blank. With casseroles and cookies everywhere, I start to worry we’ll all turn into gingerbread people by January. Enter my new holiday lifesaver: Roasted Tomato & Mini Pepper Skewers. They’re fresh, colorful, and require almost zero effort, which is exactly what I need this time of year.
A Side That Actually Feels Fun
These Roasted Cocktail Tomato and Mini Pepper Skewers made with fresh, greenhouse-grown produce from Nature Fresh Farms have officially earned a spot on our holiday table. They’re warm, colorful, and full of flavor, but still light and good for you. Even better, my kids actually want to help make them.
If you’ve listened to our Healthy Family Project Podcast, you’ve probably heard this before: when kids help make a dish, they’re more likely to eat it. I can confirm this is true. Give my three a pile of tomatoes, peppers, and skewers, and suddenly everyone’s focused and quiet. For ten whole minutes. That’s basically a Christmas miracle in my house.
Why This Recipe Works
These skewers bring together three all-stars from Nature Fresh Farms:
- Cheers™ cocktail tomatoes that roast into juicy little flavor bombs
- Dramas™ cherry-on-the-vine tomatoes that hold their shape beautifully
- Sweet Thrills™ mini peppers that caramelize just enough to taste slightly sweet and smoky
When you roast tomatoes and peppers, the heat transforms them. The flavors deepen, the edges blister, and everything tastes richer. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs are all you need to make them shine.
Roasted Cocktail Tomato & Mini Pepper Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 pint Nature Fresh Farms Cheers™ cocktail tomatoes
- 1 pint Nature Fresh Farms Dramas™ cherry-on-the-vine tomatoes
- 6 Nature Fresh Farms Sweet Thrills™ mini peppers cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: extra fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Assemble skewers. Alternate Cheers cocktail tomatoes, Dramas cherry tomatoes, and Sweet Thrills mini pepper chunks on each skewer for a mix of color and flavor.
- Season. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with thyme or rosemary, and add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Roast. Place skewers on the baking sheet and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, until tomatoes are blistered and peppers are slightly caramelized.
- Serve warm. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Make It Kid Friendly
If you’re worried about little hands and sharp skewers, you can easily make mini versions using toothpicks. Let your kids build their own “veggie kabobs” before you roast them. My daughter calls them “Christmas pops” and insists on making extra for Santa. Honestly, he could use the fiber.
Why Dietitians Approve
These skewers might look simple, but they’re loaded with nutrients. Tomatoes and peppers are full of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which help support your immune system during the season when everyone seems to catch something.
The best part is that this side adds balance to your table without taking away the fun. As one of our dietitian friends always says, healthy eating isn’t about being perfect. It’s about adding more good stuff when you can.
What to Serve With It
These skewers go with just about anything. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a small mozzarella ball to each skewer for a festive twist.
- Toss the roasted tomatoes into a bowl of fluffy couscous with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Serve the skewers alongside roasted garlic hummus for an easy appetizer.
- Pair them with crispy air-fried Brussels sprouts for extra crunch and flavor.
And if you’re putting together a kids’ table, these are always the first thing to disappear.
Making the Holidays Healthier Without Being “That” Mom
Let’s be real. The holidays are not the time to count calories or skip dessert. But I do like to sneak in colorful, nutrient-packed sides that help balance out all the indulgence.
That’s what I love about Nature Fresh Farms produce. Even in winter, their greenhouse-grown veggies taste like they came straight from the garden. Every bite is full of flavor, so you don’t have to hide them under cheese or sauces to get kids to eat them.
A Mom’s Honest Take
December in our house feels like a constant sprint. Between concerts, cookie exchanges, and forgotten Spirit Days, I barely have time to think about dinner. That’s why I need recipes that work fast and still feel special.
These roasted skewers take about twenty minutes, taste amazing, and look like something from a fancy holiday party. You can even prep them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and roast them when guests arrive.
They check every box:
- Healthy
- Colorful
- Kid approved
Final Thoughts
The holidays are full of food, laughter, and the occasional kitchen disaster. But feeding your family well doesn’t have to mean adding more stress. Sometimes, all it takes is a few simple ingredients and a recipe everyone can help with.
So the next time you’re setting out the casseroles and cookie trays, add these Roasted Cocktail Tomato and Mini Pepper Skewers to the mix. They’ll bring color to your table, give your kids something fun to make, and remind you that healthy food can still feel festive.
More Easy Holiday Hosting Recipes
Keep the holiday magic going with these simple, healthy, and crowd-pleasing ideas.
Easy Tomato Soup Shooters
Cozy up with these mini soup shooters made with Nature Fresh Farms cherry-on-the-vine tomatoes. They’re warm, flavorful, and the perfect starter for any holiday meal.
Easy No Cook Holiday Appetizer
Running out of oven space? These Mini Sweet Pepper and Cucumber Hummus Bites come together in minutes and look festive on any table, no baking required.
A Flatbread Fit for Brunch, Lunch, or a Holiday Appetizer
Crispy, colorful, and loaded with seasonal flavor, this veggie flatbread makes a quick win for brunch or an easy handheld bite during holiday gatherings.
The Bottom Line
If your goal this holiday season is to make food that feels special without the chaos, start with simple recipes that still deliver flavor and fun. These skewers do just that. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but festive enough for your holiday spread.
From one busy mom to another, here’s to a season full of good food, happy kids, and fewer dishes to wash.
