Pass the Health

A Perfect Grilled Vegetable for Any Meal

If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful side dish, Grilled Zucchini is the perfect choice! With its mild flavor and tender texture, zucchini takes on a whole new dimension when grilled, infused with smoky, charred notes. This recipe is easy to prepare, and the zucchini’s mildness pairs wonderfully with the bright zing of lemon zest, a touch of red pepper flakes, and the freshness of basil.

Whether served alongside grilled meats, tossed in a salad, or eaten on its own, grilled zucchini is a simple, nutritious addition to any meal. This recipe is a fantastic way to make the most out of your summer vegetables, and it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned grill masters!

Why Grilled Zucchini Is a Great Choice

Grilled zucchini isn’t just flavorful; it’s packed with nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle:

Zucchini: Low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C, zucchini is a great source of antioxidants and fiber, supporting digestion and helping with skin health. For more on the health benefits of zucchini, check out this Healthline article on zucchini.
Olive Oil: Known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, olive oil also helps achieve that perfect grill mark while adding rich flavor.
Lemon Zest: Adds a burst of citrusy freshness, brightening up the smoky grilled flavor and adding extra vitamin C.
Red Pepper Flakes: A little heat from the red pepper flakes helps balance the zucchini’s mildness, enhancing the flavor with a spicy kick.
Basil: Fresh basil provides a fragrant, summery finish, infusing the zucchini with a delicate herbal aroma.

This grilled zucchini recipe is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it the perfect side dish for any summer meal.and nutrition, making it the perfect side dish for any summer meal.

Ingredients for Grilled Zucchini

Zucchini: Preferably small to medium size (6″ to 8″)
Extra-virgin olive oil: For grilling and flavor
Lemon zest: To add brightness
Crushed red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick
Basil: Fresh, for garnish
Salt and black pepper: To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Zucchini

Preheat the Grill
Prepare your grill for medium-high direct heat, meaning cooking directly over the coals or heating element. While the grill is heating up, slice the zucchini lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick planks. This thickness ensures the zucchini becomes tender and chars evenly.
Season the Zucchini
Toss the zucchini slices in a large bowl with olive oil, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes until well-coated. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Zucchini loves salt, so don’t be shy!
Grill the Zucchini
Once the grill is preheated, rub the grates with an oiled paper towel held with tongs to prevent the zucchini from sticking. Using tongs, place the zucchini planks on the grill.
Cook and Flip
Cover the grill and cook for about 3 minutes, or until dark grill marks form. Flip the zucchini, re-cover the grill, and cook for another 3 minutes. The zucchini should have dark grill marks on both sides, the skin should be slightly wrinkled, and the zucchini should be fork-tender.
Serve and Garnish
Transfer the grilled zucchini to a platter. Scatter the fresh basil over the top, and sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately!

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

This Grilled Zucchini is the ideal side dish to pair with grilled meats, pasta, or a fresh salad. The preparation is quick, making it an easy go-to meal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 126 kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 240mg
Potassium: 480mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 5%
Vitamin C: 35%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 4%

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Zucchini Recipe

Grilled zucchini is the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and fresh. This simple recipe takes just minutes to prepare, yet it delivers a flavorful side dish that’s light, healthy, and delicious. It pairs perfectly with everything from grilled chicken to seafood, and the addition of lemon zest and fresh basil takes it to the next level. Whether you’re cooking for one or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Try This Grilled Zucchini Recipe Today!

I hope you enjoy this Grilled Zucchini as much as I do! It’s an easy, flavorful way to add more vegetables to your meals. Don’t forget to share your zucchini creations with me on Instagram or leave a comment below letting me know how it turned out!

Did you try this Grilled Zucchini? I’d love to hear how it turned out or see your grilled veggies on Instagram! For more quick and healthy side dish ideas, check out my other recipes here.