This flavorful grilled zucchini is a wonderful side dish for the whole family, especially during BBQs. Best of all, it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
It costs approximately $2.97 to make this grilled zucchini. The recipe makes six servings and costs about $0.49 per serving.
Table of Contents
Grilled Zucchini
When we think of summer vegetables, we all think of the same ones: tomatoes, corn, and zucchini! Zucchini is “in season” when the warmer months kick in, so that’s when it’s at its most fresh. In short, there’s no better time to grill zucchini than when school’s out and the temperature’s heating up!
Grilled zucchini is an easy side dish for outdoor picnics or quiet summer dinners. With no fancy tricks or know-how necessary, it’s simple and quick.
So simple you could get your teens to make it for you. Either way, you’ll have it done in less than a half hour. You can’t beat that!
Savory grilled zucchini is a fantastic summer BBQ food. We like to serve it alongside chicken breasts or hamburgers(or both) with an excellent seven-layer salad for a satisfying meal!
What You’ll Love About This Grilled Zucchini Recipe
- The flavor: Grilling this vegetable brings out the natural sweetness of the zucchini. It has a smoky and slightly charred taste with a rich flavor from the caramelization of the sugars in the zucchini.
- Simple recipe: Grilling zucchini is easy to make and uses simple ingredients.
- Summer dish: This is the perfect recipe for summer grill outs. It is an excellent addition to any meal.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
- 1 ½ pounds zucchini – $2.24
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil – $0.36
- 4 cloves garlic – $0.16
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt – $0.01
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil – $0.07
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper – $0.01
- 3 Tablespoons canola oil – $0.12
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in August 2023.
How To Grill Zucchini
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
- Clean and cut zucchini into spears, slices, or circles. (No matter what shape you choose, make sure they’re relatively uniform so they grill evenly.)
- Add zucchini to a rimmed baking sheet.
- Whisk the olive oil, garlic, and seasonings in a small bowl.
- Brush the zucchini with the olive oil mixture.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high and coat the grates with canola oil. (We like using a metal spatula wrapped in a thick paper towel!)
- Place the zucchini on the grill, cut side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until tender.
- Remove from grill and place on serving plate.
- Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- If desired, serve immediately with lemon wedges, cheese, or cracked red pepper flakes.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Citrus Zest: Add some zest from lemon, lime, or orange to the olive oil mixture for a citrusy twist.
- Balsamic Glaze: After grilling, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the zucchini for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Cheese Substitutes: Instead of grated Parmesan, you can use crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded mozzarella for a different taste.
- Nutty Toppings: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts, chopped almonds, or walnuts over the grilled zucchini for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Marinade: Let the zucchini marinate in the olive oil mixture for an hour before grilling to infuse more flavors.
- Sauce or Dip: Serve the grilled zucchini with tzatziki sauce, pesto, or hummus for dipping.
- Glaze with Honey: Mix honey with the olive oil mixture and brush it on the zucchini for a sweet and savory combination.
- Grilled Zucchini Salad: After grilling, chop the zucchini into bite-sized pieces and toss with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing summer salad.
Storage Tips
SERVE: No need to wait; you can serve your grilled zucchini immediately!
STORE: Grilled zucchini will stay fresh in an airtight container for three days.
FREEZE: Grilled zucchini will become mushy when thawed, so we don’t recommend freezing it.
REHEAT: You can reheat grilled zucchini in the microwave or the oven at about 350F.
Recipe FAQs
This should make enough for six servings.
This is a short recipe that takes less than a half hour. You’ll need 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes to grill the zucchini!
Yellow squash is also a suitable replacement for the zucchini in this recipe. (Or you can grill both simultaneously for a fantastic summery mix!)
Unlike many other grilled veggie recipes, you won’t need foil here. Zucchini has lots of water in it, so you want it to cook out and create a tasty, crispy side dish.
Get Kids Involved
Ages 2-3: Let your little one put zucchini in a rectangle pan for you after cutting it. Also, have them grab various supplies and utensils you need.
Ages 4-5: Your child can help you sprinkle salt, pepper, and other garnishes on everyone’s zucchini.
Ages 6-8: Let your child whisk the olive oil, garlic, and seasonings together. Have them brush it on the zucchini.
Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe unsupervised while you do the happy dance in the corner!
Budget Tips
Summertime is perfect for making this grilled zucchini because it is in season and typically on sale.
More Grill Recipes
- Grilled Peaches
- Grilled Pork Chops
- Grilled Hamburgers
- Grilled Potatoes in Foil
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts
- Grilled Pineapple
- Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Grilled Zucchini
Equipment
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- gas grill
- whisk
- small bowl
- Metal spatula
- baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound zucchini or 3 small zucchini
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil or 2 tablespoons fresh basil finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3 Tablespoons canola oil for grates
FOR SERVING:
- Lemon wedges
- Cracked red pepper flakes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
PREP ZUCCHINI:
- Clean and cut zucchini in spears, slices, or circles.
- Add zucchini to a rimmed baking sheet.
MAKE OLIVE OIL MIXTURE:
- Whisk together the olive oil, garlic, and seasonings in a small bowl.
- Brush zucchini with the olive oil mixture.
PREP GRILL:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high and coat the grates with canola oil. We like using a metal spatula wrapped in a thick paper towel.
GRILL ZUCCHINI:
- Place zucchini on the grill, cut side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until tender.
- Remove from grill and place on serving plate.
TO FINISH:
- Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- If desired, serve immediately with lemon wedges, cheese, or cracked red pepper flakes.
Sara Welch says
Nothing like grilled veggies in the summer, and this was no exception! Turned out perfectly light yet hearty, and delicious; possibly, the best way to enjoy zucchini!
Anjali says
This recipe was so easy, my daughter was able to make it almost all on her own! It was a great side dish for the veggie burgers we had for dinner tonight!
Emily says
This was so delicious and perfectly seasoned! This is a summer staple, for sure. I’ll be making this again for the rest of our summer cookouts!
Nikki says
The herbs really make this recipe. It’s perfect for all my garden zucchini! Thank you!
Ned says
What a great way to use up some zucchini in my garden! Loved every minute of this recipe! Thank you so much!