Tender Grilled Zucchini
Grilled Zucchini – Thick chunks of fresh zucchini brushed with a delectable mix of herbs and spices and gently grilled until tender. Enjoy a satisfying, healthy, versatile side dish in less than 10 minutes! So elevate your next cookout with this tasty delicacy!
Do you love grilling as much as I do? Zucchini is easy and deserves its spot in the Top 5 Veggies. The mild flavor makes it the perfect canvas for your favorite seasonings. Delectable herbs and spices with the grill’s magic turn this humble veggie into a side dish fit for a king!
And besides being downright delicious, zucchini goes with just about everything. It’s excellent with grilled chicken, pork chops, or juicy burgers. And it’s low-carb and low-calorie, guaranteed to convince your family that healthy eating is fun!
Benefits of Grilled Zucchini
I’m not a doctor, but everything I’ve read says that zucchini has several health benefits. It’s packed with vitamins and nutrients. And experts believe vitamin A supports our immune systems while antioxidants help our eyes, skin, and heart. And grilling makes it even better.😍
Recipe Ingredients
- Zucchini – Slightly sweet and tender, this one-of-a-kind veggie is delicious and healthy.
- Olive Oil makes the seasonings stick to the zucchini and cook it to a gorgeous golden.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic gives the zucchini a deep, rich flavor and tantalizing aroma. Yes, you can use garlic powder in a pinch.😉
- Seasonings – Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, salt, and pepper bring flavor flair to the dish. Red pepper flakes are optional, but I love their touch of heat! (You could use Italian seasoning.)
- Lemon Juice adds freshness and tang. And if you feel like doing extra, zest your lemon before juicing it because lemon zest is an incredible spice.
- Parmesan Cheese – For a fresh, slightly nutty finishing touch!
How to Grill Zucchini
- Prep the Grill – Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent the zucchini from sticking. Dip a folded paper towel in cooking oil, then use tongs to rub it across the grates.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high (around 375-400°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, light the coals evenly and wait until they glow.
- Wash the zucchini under cold running water. Pat it dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.
- Chop – Place the zucchini on a cutting board. Trim the stems and bottoms. Cut the zucchini in half crosswise. Stand each half upright on a cutting board and cut it in half lengthwise.
- Repeat this process with the other half of the zucchini. Add to a large plate or baking tray.
- Season – Whisk together olive oil, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped basil, dried oregano, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Brush the zucchini with the olive oil mixture, coating both sides.
- Grill – Place the zucchini slices on the preheated grates and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. At least until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
- Serve – Take the zucchini off the grill and serve immediately. Garnish with additional chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Seasoning Swap: Replace the basil and oregano with chives, thyme, or dill. Or consider using Creole seasoning or taco seasoning for a new recipe each time you make it!
- Finishing Touches: Instead of Parmesan, sprinkle feta or goat cheese on your grilled zucchini. Or garnish with some chopped pistachios, toasted pine nuts, or walnuts for a bold crunch.
- Saucy Add-Ons: Substitute the lemon juice with balsamic vinegar. Or you can serve the zucchini slices with creamy tzatziki sauce for a tangy appetizer.
- Indoor Grilling: Don’t worry if you don’t have a grill. Pull out a grill pan and make this recipe stovetop. You can also broil it or use your George Foreman.
Tips and Tricks
- Be sure to let the grates get nice and sizzling hot. This will give our zucchini those beautiful grill marks we all love.
- When slicing your zucchini, take your time and do it with love. Try to make the slices as even as possible. This way, they’ll all cook at the same rate and be perfectly tender and delicious.
- Grilling zucchini can be scary sometimes. But I have a couple of secret weapons: grill baskets and skewers for easy grilling. Grill baskets keep your zucchini from falling through the grates. And skewers give your zucchini make flipping a breeze.
- Stay close to the grill in case of flare-ups so your zucchini doesn’t overcook or burn.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Zucchini cooks quickly, so grilling it right before serving is best. To prep the zucchini, cut it into slices and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. You can marinate it in a plastic zipper bag for up to 24 hours before grilling.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Grilled zucchini is best hot off the grill. But you can cool it slightly and chop it on a garden salad. Yum!
Leftover grilled zucchini will last refrigerated for 4-5 days. And it freezes well for three months if you want to make extra and save some for later. You can also add them to your pizza or panini.
Reheat cooked zucchini on a baking sheet in a 350℉/177℃ oven until warm. Or zap them in the microwave for about a minute.
FAQs
I’ve never peeled zucchini. The skin is thin, edible, and a good source of fiber. Just wash it well before preparing it, and you’re good to grill!
Yes, you can broil it in the oven and get the same deliciousness. Season the zucchini and broil it for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Generally, I find ⅓-inch thick slices ideal for grilling. If they’re thinner than that, they burn easily.
What to Serve With Grilled Zucchini
You can make this grilled zucchini recipe with infinite main dishes. Consider pairing it with grilled rockfish or boneless chicken thighs for a healthy and hearty dinner. Or serve it with grilled ribeye and a side of grilled bread to impress your guests at your next dinner party!
More Easy Side Dish Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Indulge in this light, healthy, and utterly satisfying side dish that will have the whole family begging for veggies! Would you like to save this recipe? Pin it so you’ll always know where to find it.
Grilled Zucchinni
Ingredients
- 2-3 medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ¼ Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent the zucchini from sticking. Dip a folded paper towel in cooking oil, then use tongs to rub it across the grates.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high (around 375-400°F). If you're using a charcoal grill, light the coals evenly and wait until they glow.
- Wash the zucchini under cold running water. Pat it dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.
- Place the zucchini on a cutting board. Trim the stems and bottoms. Cut the zucchini in half crosswise. Stand each half upright on a cutting board and cut it in half lengthwise.
- Repeat this process with the other half of the zucchini. Add to a large plate or baking tray.
- Whisk together olive oil, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped basil, dried oregano, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Brush the zucchini with the olive oil mixture, coating both sides.
- Place the zucchini slices on the preheated grates and cook for 3-4 minutes per side−at least until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
- Take the zucchini off the grill and serve immediately. Garnish with additional chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Notes
- Be sure to let the grates get sizzling hot. This will give our zucchini those beautiful grill marks we all love.
- When you’re slicing your zucchini, take your time and do it with love. Try to make the slices as even as possible, like the zucchini siblings. That way, they’ll all cook at the same rate and be perfectly tender and delicious.
- Grilling zucchini can sometimes feel like a game of balance, but fear not! I have a couple of secret weapons: grill baskets and skewers. Grill baskets are like little homes for your zucchini slices, keeping them safe from falling through the grates. Skewers, on the other hand, give your zucchini a fun twist and make flipping a breeze. Choose whichever method suits your grilling style!
- Stay close and watch the grill in case of flare-ups so it doesn’t overcook or burn.
- Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
