This delicious grilled zucchini recipe is a fabulous, flavorful side dish with just a few ingredients.
You're going to love this fresh summer zucchini grilled to tender perfection, topped with fresh herbs, mellow feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts. It's the perfect summer side dish for a barbecue or weeknight meal. Pair it with some grilled chicken thighs or chicken kabobs for a great meal!
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You can use an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan for this low carb recipe. Anything that will give you some grill marks will work!
While zucchini is available year-round, it tastes the best and is at its peak in the summer months. You'll find it tastes best from May to August. I think this recipe is the best way to easily prepare it for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you'll need for this easy side dish.
- Zucchini - the star of the show, green zucchini are sliced into long strips and grilled till tender.
- Olive Oil - no need to use extra virgin olive oil for this as it's going to be grilled at a higher temperature. You can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Salt & Pepper - use sea salt or kosher salt and some ground black pepper to season the zucchini and bring out its natural flavors.
- Garlic Powder - a pinch of garlic powder with add some delicious flavor to the zucchini.
- Fresh Herbs - you'll use fresh parsley and basil to dress the cooked zucchini for some fresh, bright herby flavor.
- Feta Cheese - crumbly feta cheese is used to top the cooked zucchini. It's both beautiful and adds a lovely mellow flavor to the dish. You could substitute this for grated parmesan cheese as well.
- Pine Nuts - toasted pine nuts are also used as a topping and add a buttery richness. You can substitute this for toasted walnuts or pepitas.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Heat grill (or grill pan on stovetop) to medium-high heat.
Slice the zucchini into long strips and place in a large bowl.
Combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Pour the olive oil mixture over the zucchini slices and toss to combine.
Place the sliced zucchini on the grill and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
If grill lines have formed, flip the zucchini and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes
Place zucchini strips on a large platter.
Sprinkle on the parsley and optional other toppings, including basil, pine nuts, and feta.
Tips for Making this Recipe
Cooking Tips - To keep the zucchini from sticking to the grill grates, douse a piece of paper towel in some neutral oil like canola oil and, using tongs, rub it over the grates before adding the zucchini.
Diet/Allergy Alternatives - if you'd like this dish to be plant-based or dairy-free, leave off the cheese or substitute it for additional chopped nuts.
Storage
Grilled zucchini is best served warm directly off the grill. It will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but it will get a little soggy.
Substitutions & Variations
- Types of Zucchini - you can make this recipe with other types of zucchini or summer squash, like Lebanese zucchini (or marrow), a type of smaller zucchini. Cut it the same width and cook it according to recipe instructions.
- Spices - you can add additional seasoning or spices to the zucchini, like a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or sumac, for more flavor.
- Heat - if you'd like this dish to have a bit of heat, you can sprinkle the zucchini with ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes before cooking.
What to Serve with Grilled Zucchini
If you need a main dish to pair with a zucchini side, I'd highly recommend any of these main course ideas!
More Grilled Vegetable Recipes
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Grilled Zucchini
This delicious grilled zucchini is an excellent summer side dish! Top it with pine nuts, feta cheese, and fresh herbs for a flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini, cut into long, ¼ inch strips
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional toppings - chopped fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Heat grill (or grill pan on stovetop) to medium-high heat.
- Slice the zucchini into long, ¼ inch strips and place them a large mixing bowl.
- Combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Pour the olive oil mixture over the zucchini and toss to combine.
- Place the zucchini on the grill and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes; if grill lines have formed, flip the zucchini and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes.
- Place zucchini strips on a large platter. Sprinkle on the parsley and optional other toppings, including basil, pine nuts, and feta.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 115Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 163mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 2g
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