Grilled Zucchini

Save some space on your grill for a side of these smoky Grilled Zucchini slices.

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Grilling is synonymous with summertime cooking, but it’s not just steaks and patties that look great with char marks. For instance, have you ever considered placing some sliced zucchini on top of your grill? I know, there are so many other great ways to make zucchini — including sautéeing, air-frying, and baking — but there’s something special about seeing those sizzly grill markings as you serve grilled zucchini.

Plus, zucchini is a staple summer crop, so it makes sense to include this veggie at its peak freshness. You also won’t find it difficult to pair it with many marvelous meals. And, thanks to its mild flavor, it complements pretty much anything else you’re grilling up.

So, if you’re looking for a nutritious side that looks fabulous in the summertime, this grilled zucchini will become a new “go-to” recipe. Whether you’re using charcoal or gas, these grilled zucchini slices are sure to get you “fired up!”

Is Grilled Zucchini Healthy?

Zucchini is a nutritious veggie that’s low in calories and loaded with vitamins and minerals. Add in healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil, antioxidants from fresh parsley, and vitamin C from lemon wedges, and you have all the makings of a nutrient-rich side dish.

Plus, since zucchini are naturally low-carb and gluten-free, they work for tons of mainstream diets like keto, paleo, and vegan. So, if you’re grilling food for a big crowd, zucchini will likely fit everyone’s dietary needs.

The only potential issue I’ve encountered with this recipe is the added salt. Although a pinch of salt helps season your grilled zucchini, I know some people might be on a low-sodium diet, so it’s OK to leave this out if you want to reduce your salt intake. Consider using other spices or herbs like onion powder, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to add extra dimensions of flavor without bumping up the sodium content.

How do I prevent grilled zucchini from getting soggy?

Since zucchini is mostly water, it can be tricky to achieve that perfectly crisp grilled texture. However, there are plenty of tips you can follow to decrease the odds of making a soggy mess when you light the grill.

Most importantly, you must pat your zucchini dry with paper towels to remove all that surface moisture. It also helps to salt your sliced zucchini to draw out even more moisture, let it sit for about 30 minutes, and wash and pat dry before you add the olive oil marinade.

When you’re ready to start cooking your zucchini, it’s essential to make sure your grill is hot so your zucchini will make a satisfying sizzle once they touch the grate. This blast of heat will kickstart the caramelization process rather than slowly steaming your veggies. Also, don’t forget that zucchini doesn’t take long to reach its perfect grilled texture, so stay close by and pull them off after 1 – 3 minutes per side.

INGREDIENTS

2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick planks
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges for squeezing

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Preheat the grill and season the zucchini.

Grill

Cook zucchini until tender.

Serve

Garnish with lemon and parsley.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

If you want to get your zucchini ready ahead of time, you could wash, cut, and dry them 1 day in advance and refrigerate them in an airtight container. However, it’s best to save the marinade for just before grilling to avoid your zucchini getting extra soggy as it soaks in that oil.

To store leftover grilled zucchini, you could use an airtight container and pop these strips in the fridge after they’ve cooled. Typically, grilled zucchini lasts in the fridge for about 3 days. Due to their high water content, it’s not a great idea to freeze these grilled goodies… unless you’re into eating super soggy veggie strips.

Can I marinate zucchini before grilling?

Yes, you can leave your grilled zucchini in a marinade for a few hours before grilling, but it’s best to avoid an excessively long time with this step. It doesn’t take long for your zucchini to absorb flavors, and the longer it sits in the oil increases the odds of sogginess.

Should I peel zucchini before grilling?

You don’t need to peel zucchini before putting them on the grill, but you may want to consider it in a few cases. For instance, if you notice an excessively waxy coating when you hold your zucchini under a light, or your zucchini is more mature, then it may be tastier to remove the skin to avoid a tougher texture.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled zucchini work well on their own as a tasty appetizer, but you might want to consider mixing these tasty green slices into other fun recipes for a flavor boost. For instance, why not work some grilled zucchini into a Grilled Herb Hummus Chicken Kebab to add an extra bite to this meaty skewer? You might also want to consider putting zucchini slices on top of a Margherita Pizza or mix them into a Pasta Salad.

The flavors of grilled zucchini pair nicely with many classic grilled recipes, such as Burgers, Pork Tenderloin, and Chicken Tenders, so there are no problems if you’re grilling iconic meats. Basically, any summertime meal you’d envision eating corn on the cob with works great with a plate of grilled zucchini.