Grilled Zucchini

Grilling zucchini has always been one of my favorite ways to enjoy this tender, underrated vegetable. There’s just something magical about how the heat transforms the flesh into soft ribbons with delicate char marks that intensify its naturally sweet, earthy flavor. I discovered this trick during a summer barbecue when I had extra zucchini lying around, and ever since, it’s been a staple on my grill.
What I love most about grilled zucchini is how simple and quick it is to prepare. No elaborate techniques, no fussy ingredients—just a few essentials and a hot grill. It’s perfect for those evenings when I want something delicious without turning on the oven or spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it always adds a beautiful splash of green to the plate.
Whether I’m serving it alongside grilled meats, folding it into salads, or enjoying it straight off the grill with a sprinkle of salt and squeeze of lemon, grilled zucchini never disappoints. It’s versatile, healthy, and full of flavor, and it just might become your go-to summer side dish too.




Why You’ll Love This Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini offers a perfect balance of smokiness and sweetness, enhanced with just a hint of seasoning and oil. It requires minimal prep and is ready in minutes, making it an ideal side dish for any summer meal. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, so it fits beautifully into just about any dietary lifestyle. The soft-yet-structured texture also makes it an amazing vehicle for all kinds of toppings—from fresh herbs and cheese to balsamic glazes and more. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for zucchini every time you fire up the grill.
Ingredients
Zucchini: This is the star of the dish. You want firm, medium-sized zucchini that will slice evenly and hold up well on the grill without turning mushy.
Olive Oil: A light coat of olive oil helps prevent sticking, encourages even browning, and enhances the natural flavor of the zucchini.
Salt: Brings out the flavor in the zucchini and helps draw out a bit of moisture during grilling.
Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and balance to the sweetness of the zucchini.
Garlic Powder (optional): For a little kick of savoriness and depth, garlic powder is a great seasoning to include.
Lemon Juice (optional): A finishing squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and contrast, lifting the dish just before serving.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Wash the zucchini well and trim off the ends. Slice them lengthwise into ¼-inch thick strips or cut into diagonal rounds, depending on your preferred style. Try to keep them uniform so they grill evenly.
Step 2: Season the Slices
Place the zucchini slices in a bowl or tray. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. Toss everything to coat each piece well.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Zucchini
Place the zucchini slices on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until tender and grill marks appear. Don’t move them too much so they can develop nice char lines.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
Grilled zucchini is incredibly adaptable, and I often like to switch things up depending on what I have on hand. Instead of classic olive oil, try avocado oil or sesame oil for a nuttier flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano make wonderful additions, either mixed in before grilling or sprinkled on afterward. If you enjoy spice, a dash of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds a nice twist.
You can also use yellow squash in place of zucchini, or do a mix of both for a more colorful presentation. For a richer dish, top your grilled slices with crumbled feta or grated parmesan right after grilling—the warmth will slightly melt the cheese, creating a delicious finish.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Grilled zucchini pairs well with nearly anything. I love serving it beside grilled chicken, steak, or fish as a healthy side. It also complements pasta dishes beautifully, whether tossed in or served alongside. For a plant-based meal, pair it with couscous or a quinoa salad. Leftovers make excellent additions to sandwiches, wraps, or even as pizza toppings.
For a flavor boost, drizzle with balsamic glaze, add a few shavings of parmesan, or finish with a dollop of pesto. The options are endless, and grilled zucchini welcomes them all.



Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Zucchini tends to release more moisture as it sits, so place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess liquid.
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, though it may soften the zucchini more than desired. Avoid reheating on the grill unless you want to overcook it.
FAQs
How do I keep grilled zucchini from getting soggy?
To prevent grilled zucchini from turning mushy, slice it evenly and don’t overcook it. Grill over medium-high heat and remove as soon as grill marks form and the texture is just tender.
Can I make grilled zucchini without a grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan or cast-iron skillet works perfectly on the stovetop. You can also use a broiler for a similar effect.
How thick should I slice zucchini for grilling?
About ¼-inch thick is ideal. It’s thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to cook through quickly and absorb flavor.
What flavors go well with grilled zucchini?
Garlic, lemon, basil, thyme, balsamic, parmesan, red pepper flakes, and olive oil all pair beautifully with grilled zucchini.
Can I use grilled zucchini in meal prep?
Yes, grilled zucchini is great for meal prep. It stores well and can be added to salads, wraps, grain bowls, and more throughout the week.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you enjoyed this grilled zucchini, then you must check out the Roasted Zucchini and Squash Recipe for another way to highlight summer veggies. Looking to pair it with something hearty? Try these savory Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice or make it a veggie-packed meal with Zucchini Lasagna Recipe. These dishes all celebrate zucchini in different and delicious ways.
Save and Share This Grilled Zucchini for Later
If this grilled zucchini made your meal memorable, don’t forget to save it! Pin this recipe on your favorite Pinterest board so you can come back to it for your next cookout or quick summer dinner. Sharing is caring, so feel free to send it to friends, repost on your social media, or bookmark it for your weekly meal planning. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!
Grilled Zucchini

This grilled zucchini recipe is the ultimate summer side dish—fresh, simple, and packed with flavor. Sliced into tender strips and lightly seasoned, the zucchini develops gorgeous char marks that bring out its sweet, earthy flavor. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, adding to salads, or enjoying as-is, this dish is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and vegan. Whether you're planning a backyard cookout or a quick weekday dinner, this is an easy and healthy choice that delivers every time.
Ingredients
- 2-3 medium zucchini
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Instructions
- 2-3 medium zucchini
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Notes
- Use zucchini that are similar in size for even cooking.
- Try yellow squash as a colorful alternative.
- Add fresh herbs or crumbled cheese after grilling for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 119Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 306mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 2gSugar: 10gProtein: 2g