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Indulge in Grilled Zucchini anytime you need a healthy summer side dish. It’s a 15-minute recipe that packs this delicious summer squash with irresistible savory flavors!
Just like cauliflower, zucchini is a pro at being transformed into anything but a simple vegetable. It can be baked into bread, fried into a fritter, turned into noodles, and so much more.
But when you want to experience this tender, earthy, and subtly sweet summer squash in all its glory, turn to this Grilled Zucchini recipe.
Grilling zucchini slices doesn’t hide the vegetables’ natural flavors. In fact, it enhances them! The hot and smoky grill (in addition to simple seasonings) fills this flexible squash with savory garlicky flavors and a light smoky char. It’s the best healthy side dish you’ll want to serve throughout the summer!
Recipe features
- This grilled summer squash recipe takes about 15 minutes and only calls for 6 ingredients!
- Zucchini is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and a long list of other vitamins and minerals. You can always rely on it when you need a flexible and delicious vegetable for a healthy summer side dish.
- After grilling, the sliced zucchini is left with a meaty texture and ultra-savory flavor. It pairs well with all of your barbecue favorites, like grilled chicken thighs, turkey burgers, and tuna pasta salad!
Ingredients
Zucchini - If you can, use large zucchini that’s in peak season (from May to August in North America). This is when it’s most flavorful and plentiful in gardens, at farmers' markets, and at grocery stores.
Spices - A simple blend of garlic powder, salt, and pepper is all you need to season the zucchini before grilling. Find even more seasoning ideas in the FAQs below.
Parmesan cheese - There’s no better way to garnish grilled zucchini slices than with freshly grated parmesan!
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Season. Toss the zucchini slices in a bowl with oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Grill. Lay the seasoned zucchini slices on a preheated and greased grill. Grill for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 3: Garnish and serve. Transfer the cooked zucchini to a plate and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!
Tips and FAQs
- If you’re using small zucchinis, make sure to grill them in a grill basket so the small slices don’t fall through the grates.
- Remember to always preheat your grill! Placing the zucchini slices on a sizzling hot grill is one of the best ways to help the zucchini cook evenly while achieving those enticing grill marks.
- You can grill many more vegetables at the same time as zucchini, like sliced yellow squash, eggplant, potatoes, onions, and more.
- Garnish the grilled zucchini with shaved parmesan, lemon zest, balsamic reduction, pesto sauce, and/or fresh herbs, like chives, parsley, basil, or dill.
Tip
I like to slice the zucchini into half-inch rounds for grilling, but you can also slice them into thick lengthwise slices (AKA sticks or batons). Thick slices of zucchini are meaty and tender, never soggy, after grilling.
How else can you season zucchini?
Zucchini develops an even richer flavor after being grilled, which means it doesn’t need a ton of seasonings to help it taste great. Still, if you want to turn up the flavor, season the slices with dried herbs (basil, oregano, or parsley), Italian seasonings, and/or red chili flakes in addition to the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How long does it take to grill zucchini?
Not long! Even thick slices of zucchini will only take between 5 to 6 minutes to grill to tender perfection.
Why is my grilled zucchini soggy?
Cooked zucchini can easily become soggy because it has such a high water content. Slicing the zucchini too thin or grilling the slices too long will leave you with soggy grilled zucchini. To avoid this, use large and thick zucchinis sliced into at least half-inch thick rounds and only grill them until they become fork tender.
What do you serve with grilled zucchini?
This grilled zucchini recipe is the perfect summer side dish you can pair with these recipes and more:
- Lemon Orzo Salad
- Stone Fruit Panzanella Salad
- Grilled Mango Chicken
- BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Grilled Bison Burgers
- Vegan Stuffed Peppers
Storage
Refrigerator: Once cooled, store the leftover cooked zucchini in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing cooked zucchini because it can become soggy when thawed.
More zucchini recipes to try
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Grilled Zucchini
Ingredients
- 2 medium-large zucchini cut into ½" rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pinch black pepper
- Optional: sprinkle freshly grated parmesan on top
Instructions
- Place the zucchini in a medium bowl, then drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; stir to coat.
- Heat a grill over medium heat. Brush the grates with a little oil, then add the zucchini directly onto the grates. Grill for 3 minutes, then carefully flip over and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Place the zucchini on a serving platter, then sprinkle cheese overtop. Enjoy!
Justin says
This was excellent! Another very easy and simple yet delicious recipe!