The Best Grilled Zucchini Recipe: Easy, Healthy, and Flavorful Side Dish
Prepare to elevate your summer grilling game with this incredibly easy, healthy, and unbelievably delicious grilled zucchini recipe. With just a handful of simple ingredients like fresh garlic, vibrant seasonings, and a touch of olive oil, you can transform humble zucchini into a naturally sweetened, yet savory side dish that is both low-carb and incredibly satisfying. This recipe isn’t just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when prepared thoughtfully, can create truly memorable flavors. Perfect for any barbecue or weeknight meal, grilled zucchini offers a versatile and nutritious accompaniment that pairs with almost anything.
Why This Grilled Zucchini Recipe is a Must-Try
Grilled zucchini is more than just a summer staple; it’s a versatile, healthy, and incredibly flavorful side dish that consistently makes an appearance at almost all of our barbecues and cookouts. Its mild, naturally sweet flavor serves as a perfect canvas, eagerly soaking up the vibrant essence of our simple yet effective mixture of spices and seasonings. The magic truly happens when these seasoned slices hit the hot grill, developing a beautiful tenderness with enticing light char marks that add both texture and a subtle smoky depth.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its effortless preparation and quick cooking time. Zucchini, with its high water content, cooks rapidly on the grill, transforming from crisp to tender in mere minutes. This makes it an ideal last-minute addition to any meal, especially when you’re already firing up the grill for other dishes. Plus, it’s naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in vitamins and minerals, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy a delicious vegetable. You really can’t go wrong with grilled zucchini; it’s a guaranteed hit every time, bringing fresh, seasonal goodness to your plate.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Grilled Zucchini
Crafting delicious grilled zucchini requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the zucchini to shine through, complemented by a perfectly balanced seasoning blend. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this amazing side dish. Get all specific measurements, quantities, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Swaps
- ZUCCHINI – The star of our dish! When selecting zucchini, always look for ones that are firm to the touch, with taut, glossy green skin. Avoid any with blemishes or soft spots. While very fresh zucchini might still have tiny hairs or even blossoms attached, these are good indicators of freshness. For the best results, opt for medium-sized zucchini, typically 6-8 inches long. Overly large zucchini tend to be more watery and seedy. To prepare, cut the zucchini lengthwise into strips. The key is to keep these strips fairly uniform in thickness, ideally around 1/4 to 1/2-inch, to ensure even cooking on the grill. Thicker pieces might take longer to cook through, while thinner ones risk becoming too soft or falling through the grates.
- MINCED GARLIC – Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for its pungent aroma and robust flavor. If you’re pressed for time, pre-minced garlic from a jar can be used, but you might want to slightly reduce the amount as its flavor can be more intense. For an even simpler approach, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can replace one tablespoon of fresh minced garlic.
- GARLIC SALT – This ingredient pulls double duty, providing both seasoning and an additional layer of savory garlic. If you don’t have garlic salt, you can easily substitute it with a combination of regular fine sea salt and garlic powder. A good starting point would be 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to replace 1 teaspoon of garlic salt. Adjust to your personal taste.
- BLACK PEPPER – Freshly ground black pepper offers a superior aroma and a sharper, more complex flavor compared to pre-ground pepper. It adds a subtle warmth and balances the other seasonings beautifully.
- ITALIAN SEASONING – This popular blend typically includes a harmonious mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. It provides a classic Mediterranean flavor profile that complements zucchini wonderfully. Feel free to experiment with other herbs or spice blends if you wish. A pinch of dried dill, some smoked paprika for a smoky note, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat can all be excellent additions to customize your grilled zucchini. Remember, this seasoning mixture is quite versatile! It’s likely you won’t use all of it, but the leftover mixture can be fantastic on other grilled vegetables, chicken, or fish.
- OLIVE OIL – Extra virgin olive oil is our preferred choice for its rich flavor and beneficial monounsaturated fats. It serves multiple purposes: it helps the seasonings adhere to the zucchini slices, prevents them from sticking to the grill grates, and contributes to those beautiful char marks. If you’re looking for an alternative with a higher smoke point or a more neutral flavor, avocado oil or grapeseed oil are excellent substitutes.
How to Make Perfectly Grilled Zucchini
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delicious grilled zucchini recipe. For the complete printable version of this recipe, including exact measurements and a comprehensive ingredient list, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare Your Grill: Begin by preheating your grill to a medium-high heat. A properly preheated grill is crucial for achieving those desirable char marks and preventing the zucchini from sticking. While it’s heating, take a moment to clean your grill grates to ensure a non-stick surface.
- Mix the Seasonings: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the minced garlic, garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend these dry spices. Once combined, slowly whisk in the olive oil until you have a well-emulsified mixture. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Slice the Zucchini: Trim off the ends of the zucchini and discard or compost them. Using a sharp knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into long, uniform strips, approximately 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. It’s important not to slice them too thin, as they need enough body to hold up to the heat of the grill without becoming flimsy or falling apart. Consistency in thickness will ensure even cooking.
- Season the Zucchini Slices: Arrange the sliced zucchini onto a large baking sheet. Using a basting brush, generously apply the oil and seasoning mixture to one side of each zucchini strip. Once coated, flip the strips over and brush the other side, ensuring every piece is thoroughly covered for maximum flavor.
- Grill to Perfection: Carefully place the seasoned zucchini slices onto the hot grill grates. Allow them to cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on the first side, or until you see attractive grill marks and the zucchini begins to soften. Then, using tongs, turn the slices over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the second side, or until tender and lightly charred. Avoid overcooking, as zucchini can quickly become mushy.
PRO TIP: To maximize your grilling efficiency, consider using a flat top and grate combo grill, as pictured below. This setup allows you to cook various items simultaneously. Here, we perfectly paired our grilled zucchini with our mouth-watering smash burgers, creating a complete and satisfying meal!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Grilling Tips
Any leftover grilled zucchini should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for about 2-3 days. While best enjoyed fresh off the grill, cooled leftovers can be fantastic in salads, sandwiches, or even chopped into a frittata or omelet the next morning.
Zucchini is naturally high in water content, which can sometimes lead to a slightly watery result. To minimize this, you can try a technique called “sweating” the zucchini. After slicing, lightly sprinkle the zucchini strips with salt and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. The salt will draw out excess moisture. Before seasoning and grilling, pat the slices thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill or the weather isn’t cooperating, a cast-iron grill pan works wonderfully. Heat the grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Follow the same seasoning and cooking instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed, as indoor grill pans can sometimes cook slightly faster or slower than outdoor grills.
One common mistake is overcrowding the grill. This lowers the grill’s temperature and can cause the zucchini to steam instead of grill, leading to a softer, less flavorful result without good char marks. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure ample space between slices. Another mistake is overcooking; zucchini cooks quickly, so watch it closely to avoid a mushy texture. Aim for tender-crisp with nice charring.
No, there’s no need to peel zucchini for grilling! The skin is completely edible and provides extra nutrients and fiber. It also helps the zucchini slices hold their shape better on the grill, contributing to a more appealing presentation and texture. Plus, it saves you prep time!
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Grilled Zucchini
The beauty of this grilled zucchini recipe lies in its incredible versatility. Its balanced, savory flavor profile makes it a superb accompaniment to a wide array of main courses and culinary styles. Don’t limit yourself to just one pairing; let your creativity flow!
- Classic BBQ Pairings: Serve your tender grilled zucchini alongside anything from our juicy smash burgers, savory grilled steaks, succulent chicken breasts, or flavorful sausages. It’s the perfect light counterpoint to richer meats.
- Mediterranean Inspired Meals: Enhance a Mediterranean feast by serving it with Greek chicken kabobs, lamb chops, or flaky grilled fish like salmon or cod. A squeeze of lemon juice after grilling will brighten these flavors even further.
- Light & Healthy Lunches: Chop the cooled grilled zucchini and toss it into a fresh green salad for added texture and flavor, or incorporate it into a healthy grain bowl with quinoa or farro. It’s also fantastic in a whole-wheat wrap or pita with hummus and other fresh veggies.
- Flavor Enhancements: For an extra layer of deliciousness, consider these optional garnishes. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick. A dash of red pepper flakes provides a subtle, welcome heat. Or, as we often do, a drizzle of balsamic glaze offers a beautiful sweet and tangy contrast that elevates the entire dish. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or mint can also add a burst of freshness.
- Beyond the Side Dish: Get creative with leftovers! Grilled zucchini can be a fantastic addition to pasta dishes, frittatas, omelets, or even as a unique topping for homemade pizzas.
Explore More Delicious Grill Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed grilling this zucchini, you’ll love exploring other fresh and flavorful recipes designed for the grill. Fire up your barbecue and try some of our other favorites:
- Grilled Salmon
- Grilled Asparagus
- Grilled Lobster Tail
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Mixed Grilled Vegetables (beyond zucchini!)
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Grilled Zucchini
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound zucchini
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
Things You’ll Need
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Grill
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Basting brush
Before You Begin
- It’s likely you will not use all of the seasoning mixture. You can use this versatile mixture on other grilled vegetables and/or meats if you like.
- Store any leftover grilled zucchini in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Optionally garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for further flavor.
- For less watery zucchini, lightly salt slices, let sit 15-20 min, then pat dry before seasoning.
- Avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure proper heat and charring. Cook in batches if necessary.
Instructions
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Clean grates well.
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In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Whisk together thoroughly, then slowly whisk in the olive oil until well combined.
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Cut the ends off the zucchini and discard. Slice zucchini lengthwise into long strips about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. Ensure uniform thickness so they cook evenly and hold up to the grill.
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Place sliced zucchini onto a baking sheet. Using a basting brush, generously apply the oil and seasoning mixture to both sides of each zucchini strip.
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Place the seasoned zucchini slices directly onto the hot grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until char marks appear and it begins to soften, then turn slices over. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes on the second side, or until tender with light charring. Do not overcook.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.