If thereโs one thing I know from grilling year-round here in sunny San Diego, itโs how to make โWow, supper yummyโ grilled zucchini! With my go-to techniques, lemon, garlic, and Italian seasonings (because bland is never an option), these smoky, tender zucchini slices deliver restaurant-worthy flavor with minimal effort. Follow along for tips, tricks, and seasoning optionsโyour summer side dish game is about to level up!
Zucchini is a versatile, mild mannered vegetable (technically a fruit!) that can be dressed up in all sorts of ways. We particularly love it in zucchini lasagna, zucchini casserole, and cilantro lime shrimp zucchini boats, and of course, grilled zucchini for a charming side.
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Grilled Zucchini Recipe Video
The Best Grilled Zucchini You’ll Ever Make
Arenโt weย alwaysย looking for an easy dinner side dish?!ย I put most of my effort into the main dish, so I LOVE an easy, yummy side that tastes exponentially more delicious than the effort I put into it. Enter this grilled zucchini recipe!
Before this recipe, I served up grilled veggies alongside my favorite proteins seasoned with a little of this and a little of that โ I didn’t know what I was missing! I never would have guessed grilled zucchini could taste THIS GOOD.ย
As a grilling and spice aficionado, Iโve dialed in this recipe to be the perfect balance of charred, caramelized goodness and punchy seasoning It transforms mild, unassuming zucchini into confident, crisp-tender zucchini dressed to impress. Itโs the extraordinarily delicious side you want seconds and thirds of so you can inhale its vibrant, bright, garlicky, herbaceous notes once more.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Zucchini Recipe
Grilled Zucchini Ingredients
It doesnโt take much to transform unassuming, mild tasting zucchini and squash into the bold, confident stars they were born to be. This grilled zucchini recipe uses minimal ingredients but you will be blown away at the flavor. Hereโs what you need for grilled zucchini and squash:
3 ways to cut zucchini and squash for grilling
How to cut zucchini and summer squash for grilling? ย There really is no right or wrong to this answer as long as you cut the zucchini slices at least 1/3-inch thick.ย Of course, each shape has their pros and cons:ย Hereโs a little breakdown:
โขRounds:ย Slice the zucchini and squash into ⅓ to 1/2-inch-thick rounds.ย Although beautiful, I find this shape more of a hassle to cook because there are 4X as many zucchini slices to flip!
โขWedges/Sticks/Batons: Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise; place the cut sides down flat on the cutting board and cut it lengthwise in half again to create four zucchini wedges or sticks. This is my second favorite way to cut zucchini because the batons hold their shape well, but they don’t cook quite as evenly and you donโt get that coveted char on all sides.
โขLong Planks:ย This is my preferred method of cutting zucchini (more on how to cut below).ย You get a long, even surface area for continual contact with the grill and they are easy to flip.
HOW THICK SHOULD I CUT THE ZUCCHINI BEFORE GRILLING?
When cutting zucchini, take care not to slice them too thin or you’ll end up with soggy zucchini.ย Hereโs how to cut them for perfectly crisp-tender grilled zucchini every time:
โขLay the zucchini on a cutting board and slice both of the ends off.ย
โขCut the zucchini lengthwise into slabs that are about 1/3-inch thick. ย
โขThis could mean 3 or 4 slabs per zucchini.ย When in doubt, cut them on the thicker side.ย
โขThicker slabs wonโt break apart when removed from the grill and grill up crisp-tender instead of mushy.
โขIf your zucchini is extra-long, you can cut it half crosswise and then into 1/3-inch-thick slabs so itโs easier to flip on the grill.ย
How to Grill Zucchini
Now, letโs get to the grilling! ย Grilling zucchini is very simple as long as you pay attention to the thickness of your zucchini slices, grill temperature and general timing.ย Hereโs how to grill zucchini (full measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):
- Slice zucchini.ย Cut the zucchini lengthwise into 1/3-inch-thick planks. Thicker zucchini is harder to overcook, so it grills tender and not mushy. Slice the zucchini uniformly so it grills evenly. Keep the cuts straight; otherwise, they wonโt lay straight on the grill or caramelize evenly.
2. Marinate zucchini. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic and seasonings together in a freezer size resealable bag.ย Add the zucchini and turn to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, about 400 to 450ยฐF. This is the ideal temperature because itโs hot enough to deliver those beautiful grill lines while caramelizing and crisping up the outside but not too hot that it burns the zucchini before the inside is tender. ย
4. Grill on the grates for 3 minutes per side, turning once.ย Cook just until crisp tender, donโt overcook!
5. Serve immediately. Transfer the zucchini to a platter. For extra flavor, brush with some of the marinade left behind in the bag. Dig in!
Tips For Grilling Zucchini
If youโve suffered through soggy or mushy zucchini, youโve probably never wanted to touch it again.ย But please keep in mind not all grilled zucchini is created equal.ย When grilled correctly, zucchini and squash are crisp, tender, lightly caramelized, and injected with flavor.ย Follow these keys to success for tender-crisp zucchini every time:
Flavor Variations of Zucchini on the Grill
Zucchini and squash are mild in flavor, which makes them a blank canvas to dress in the flavorings of any type of cuisine, which means they pair well with every type of cuisine. While Mediterranean and Italian are always a favorite paired with lemon juice, you can swap in your favorite seasonings or seasoning blends paired with lemon juice, lime juice, or a splash of soy sauce or balsamic.ย Keep the ยผ cup olive oil, then add an acid and seasonings of your choosing.ย Here are just a few ideas:
Seasoning Blend Recommendations
If your seasoning blend contains salt then make sure to reduce the salt in the recipe and then season the grilled zucchini and squash with additional salt to taste after cooking. Here are some ideas:
Serving Grilled Zucchini
This recipe is a blank canvas for all sorts of add-ins such as Parmesan, fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic. Here are some tasty ideas:
How to Store Grilled Zucchini
โขTo Store: Refrigerate grilled zucchini in an airtight container in a single layer or with parchment between the layers for up to 3 days.
โขTo Reheat, line the zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F until warmed through, 5-10 minutes, or rewarm at 20-second intervals in the microwave.
โขCan I freeze zucchini? ย I do not recommend freezing grilled zucchini because it is 94% water and will become mushy once thawed.
What to Pair With This Grilled Zucchini Recipe
This grilled zucchini recipe can be served year-round because it can be made with squash in the winter AND you can use an indoor grill pan โ so the better question might be, what not to serve with zucchini?
WAYS TO USE GRILLED ZUCCHINI
Grilled zucchini is perfectly scrumptious hot off the grill or you can add it to other recipes throughout the week.
MORE EASY ZUCCHINI RECIPES
Zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables to add to pastas, stir-fries, soups and more. Here are a few zucchini recipes youโll love:
- If youโre looking for low carb Zucchini Lasagna, this recipe is the comforting, hot, meaty, cheesy, saucy, low-carb, gluten free, keto answer. You will be obsessed!
- You can also make zucchini into low carb spiralized noodles, then top them with any of your favorite comfort foods such as Chicken Stroganoff or Beef Stroganoff, Bolognese, Chicken Florentine, Tuscan Salmon, or Alfredo Sauce.
- This Zucchini Casserole recipe is a creamy indulgent side made with layers of sliced zucchini, drenched with cheesy cream sauce that has been simmered with herbs and then topped with bubbly golden Gruyere cheese and buttery, crispy panko.
- These Stuffed Zucchini Boats are loaded with juicy, fiesta seasoned shrimp, sweet corn, crunchy bell peppers, punchy red onions, spicy jalapenos all tossed with fresh lime juice and zesty cilantro. They are quick, easy, tangy, bright, refreshing, guilt-free, low-carb, and a healthier dinner the whole family will love!
- My Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins are super low calorie but bursting with triple the chocolate!
- Zucchini is a favorite to add to pastas. From Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta to Tomato Chicken and Orzo, Caprese Chicken Pasta, Rice Noodles in Coconut Curry Sauce to Shrimp Pasta in Tomato Cream Sauce, Pasta Primavera, zucchini adds the tasty textural contrast that amp up the dish. Of course, you can always throw it into any pasta youโre making!
- I love tossing zucchini into soups the last few minutes of cooking. Itโs scrumptious in Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, Minestrone Soup, Thai Wild Rice Chicken Soup, Ramen, Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup, Salsa Verde Chicken Tortilla Soup, and everything else!
- Zucchini is also a welcome addition in any stir fries or curries such as Chicken Red Curry, Bang Bang Shrimp, Mango Chicken and Korean Beef Bowls.
- We love adding zucchini to every kabob recipe. Try them in Beef Souvlaki, Chicken Souvlaki, Steak Kabobs, or Brazilian Steak Kabobs.
Try these zucchini recipes!
Grilled Zucchini Recipe FAQs
Zucchini is mild in flavor so it takes well to any seasonings.ย You can season it as simply as salt and pepper or it pairs particularly well with Mediterranean flavors such as olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, basil, parsley and oregano.
Unlike cucumbers, zucchini skin is thin, edible and tasty. In addition, most of the health benefits of zucchini come from the skin, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy carotenoids.ย There is an exception when it comes to large zucchini. You may wish to peel its skin because it can be bitter.
The best way to prevent burning zucchini: is 1) make sure the grill is clean and oiled so the zucchini doesnโt stick to old food; 2) marinate or grease the zucchini in olive oil before grilling so it has a protective coating, this will help it caramelize and not burn; 3) avoid grilling at high heat which is usually when burning happens; 4) lastly, donโt grill for too long!ย Keep an eye on the zucchini so you can flip it before it chars too much.
Similar to above. ย Make sure that the grill is clean, greased and above all HOT before you add the zucchini or squash.ย Donโt touch the zucchini once you add it to the grill but let it cook continually in one spot until you see clear, dark lines, about 3 minutes, and then itโs time to flip.ย
Grill zucchini for 3 to 4 minutes per side at 400-450 degrees F, just until crisp-tender. Serve immediately so it doesn’t start to soften.
Zucchini and squash can easily be cooked on an indoor grill pan or George foreman.ย If you donโt have either of these, then consider roasting the zucchini or simply stir frying it. See below.
Yes!ย If you do not have a grill, simply follow this recipe as written, but instead of lining the zucchini on the grill, line it on a lightly greased foil-lined baking sheet.ย Bake at 400 degrees F for about 10-12 minutes.
The same method (and marinade!) of marinating, draining and grilling the zucchini can be used on a variety of vegetables such as yellow summer squash, eggplant, asparagus, bell peppers and mushrooms.
Either Black Beauty Zucchini (the most common type) or Gourmet Gold are excellent for grilling but if you can get your hands on Green Griller Zucchini, then youโve hit the jackpot.ย This type of zucchini boasts a fatter, blockier oblong shape which yields broad, more uniform slices that are easy to flip and a texture that holds well after cooking. Its flavor is also deliciously nutty.
You can grill any size zucchini but for optimal flavor and texture, I recommend small to medium-sized zucchini.ย Small to medium sized zucchini have a fresh, mild flavor with smaller seeds and thinner skins.ย Larger zucchini or summer squash can be either flavorless or bitter, stringy, seedy and watery.ย Smaller zucchini are also easier to cut into uniform slices.
Zucchini contains a variety of vitamins and minerals including folate, magnesium and riboflavin, and is particularly high in potassium and vitamins A, C and K. A one cup (124 grams) serving of zucchini contains 35% of your daily needs of Vitamin C.ย Zucchini is also rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which can helpย strengthen bones. Zucchini is also low in calories, high in fiber and 94% water which can help promote a healthy digestive system and keep you hydrated.
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Ingredients
- 6 small to medium zucchini, ends trimmed off, cut into 1/3-inch wide planks
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (1 lemon)
- zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp EACH dried parsley, dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ยฝ tsp table salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Whisk all of the ingredients together except the zucchini in a freezer size sealable bag. Add the zucchini and turn to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator if making ahead.
- Preheat a grill to 400-425 degrees F or an indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Clean and grease the grill/pan.
- Let the marinate drip off of the zucchini (don't rub off) and add the zucchini to the grill in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or just until crisp-tender (donโt overcook!). Transfer to a serving platter and brush with some leftover marinade if desired. Best if served immediately (will soften as it cools).
Video
Notes
How to store zucchini
- To Store: refrigerate grilled zucchini in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days in a single layer or with parchment in between the layers.
- To Reheat: line the zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F until warmed through, 5-10 minutes or rewarm at 20 second intervals in the microwave.
- Can I freeze zucchini? ย I do not recommend freezing grilled zucchini because it is 94% water and will become mushy once thawed.
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Leave a Review, I Always Love Hearing From You!
Ramya says
just made this super easy and fast to make after work i used my new air fryer for this it is my first time making your recipe and i used pasta herbs for this and i mixed all together instead mixing marinade then zucchini also the zucchini is delicious having it now for my dinner Thanks for this super fast vegan recipe Thanks Ramya
Jen says
You’re so welcome Ramya, that’s awesome you made it already! What a great idea to make in the air fryer!
Ramya says
just made this again as my zucchini need to used up i made this in oven instead of air fryer also i put together on baking pan and i skip lemon as i didnt have lemon at home cant wait to have this for my dinner later and rest for tomorrow dinner
Jen says
A great way to use up leftover zucchini!
Brenda says
Wow super yummy, made tonight on the grill .
Jen says
Thank you! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it!