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Grilled Italian Sausage with Warm Pepper and Onion Salad

This vibrant grilled Italian sausage and pepper salad is a classic Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings a burst of seasonal colour to your table. The peppers and red onions are charred until sweet and smoky, then tossed in a simple oregano and red-wine vinegar dressing that cuts through the richness of the meat. It is an excellent choice for a light summer lunch or a relaxed weekend dinner that feels indulgent yet remains wholesome.

As a diabetes-friendly recipe, this dish focuses on high-quality protein and nutrient-dense vegetables without the need for heavy carbohydrates. Traditional luganega sausage works beautifully here, though any high-meat-content Italian sausage will suffice. Serve this warm salad as a standalone savoury meal, or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete, heart-healthy feast that is both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Grilled Italian Sausage with Warm Pepper and Onion Salad

  • 3 mixed large peppers, trimmed and quartered lengthwise

  • 1 large red onion, quartered lengthwise and separated into layers

  • 45ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

  • 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/8 teaspoons black pepper

  • 450g luganega or other fresh Italian sausage

  • a perforated grill sheet

  • 2 (10- to 12-inch-long) wooden or metal skewers

How to make Grilled Italian Sausage with Warm Pepper and Onion Salad

Prepare grill for cooking over medium-hot charcoal (moderate heat for gas). (If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. When Charcoal turns grayish white (about 15 minutes from lighting), hold your hand 5 inches above grill rack to determine heat for charcoal as follows: Hot: When you can hold your hand there for 1 to 2 seconds; Medium-hot: 3 to 4 seconds; Low: 5 to 6 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then, if necessary, reduce to heat specified in recipe.)

Toss peppers and onion with 1 tablespoon oil. Grill on lightly oiled grill sheet set directly on grill rack, with grill covered only if using a gas grill, turning occasionally, until slightly softened and charred, 9 to 15 minutes (onion will cook faster), transferring to a bowl as cooked.

Add vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil to peppers and onion, tossing to coat. Let stand 10 minutes to allow flavours to develop.

While vegetables stand, run skewers crisscrossed horizontally through sausage coil, securing ends. Grill directly over medium-hot charcoal (moderate heat for gas) on lightly oiled grill rack, covered only if using a gas grill, turning over once, until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes total. (Thicker sausage may take longer.)

Transfer vegetables to a platter and top with sausage.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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