Introduction
Transform humble zucchini into a vibrant summer side dish with this incredibly easy grilled zucchini recipe! Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, you’ll elevate your zucchini game to delicious new heights.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it perfectly balances the sweetness of grilled zucchini with the bright, herbaceous notes of a zesty lemon-herb dressing. The grilling process imparts a beautiful char and enhances the zucchini’s natural flavor, while the dressing adds a burst of freshness and complexity. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, uses readily available ingredients, and consistently impresses—a true testament to the power of simple cooking!
Key Ingredients
🟢 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices
🍋 1 lemon, zested and juiced
🌿 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, or thyme), chopped
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
🧂 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Pat them dry with paper towels; this helps them grill better and get nicely charred.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped herbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Set aside.
3️⃣ Grill the Zucchini: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the zucchini slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are tender and slightly charred with grill marks.
4️⃣ Toss and Serve: Once grilled, transfer the zucchini slices to a large bowl. Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the zucchini and gently toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the zucchini slices in the lemon-herb dressing for 15-20 minutes before grilling.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic to your liking.
- Avoid overcrowding the grill; this will lower the temperature and prevent proper grilling. Grill in batches if necessary.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is ideal for grilling zucchini. Too low, and the zucchini will steam instead of grill, resulting in soggy slices. Too high, and they’ll burn before cooking through. Look for nice grill marks and a tender but slightly firm texture as indicators of doneness.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe doesn’t aim for a crunchy zucchini, the grilling process helps to achieve a slightly tender-crisp texture. Patting the zucchini dry before grilling is key to avoiding sogginess and achieving a nice char.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even grilling, use zucchini that are roughly the same size and thickness.
- Prepare the dressing while the grill preheats to save time.
- A squeeze of extra lemon juice just before serving adds a burst of freshness.
- Clean your grill grates while they’re still hot for easy cleanup.
Storage Tips
Leftover grilled zucchini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This grilled zucchini is a delightful addition to a summer picnic or BBQ. Package individual portions in small reusable containers tied with twine and a personalized tag.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Grilled Zucchini: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon-herb dressing for a kick.
🌟 Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the grilled zucchini after tossing with the dressing for a sweet and tangy twist.
🌟 Feta and Olive: Crumble feta cheese and add Kalamata olives to the dressing for a Mediterranean flair.
🌟 Parmesan and Pine Nuts: Toss with grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts for a richer, more savory flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy Zucchini: Ensure zucchini is thoroughly dried before grilling and avoid overcrowding the grill.
- Burnt Zucchini: Reduce the heat on your grill.
- Bland Zucchini: Increase the amount of herbs, garlic, or lemon juice in the dressing.
FAQ
- Can I use other vegetables? Yes, try grilling yellow squash, bell peppers, or eggplant alongside the zucchini.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to grill the zucchini just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
- How do I scale the recipe? Simply adjust the quantities of the ingredients proportionally to the amount of zucchini you’re using.
- Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free? Yes, the base recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Conclusion
Enjoy this simple yet impressive grilled zucchini recipe! Share it with your friends and family, experiment with different flavor variations, and create your own delicious summer memories around this delightful dish. Happy grilling!
Grilled Zucchini: Summer on a Skewer
A vibrant and healthy dish featuring marinated zucchini grilled to perfection on skewers, perfect for summer barbecues.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the zucchini evenly.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 200-230u00b0C).
- Thread the marinated zucchini slices onto skewers, packing them tightly but not overcrowding.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the zucchini is tender and has nice grill marks.
- Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.