Grilled Zucchini
This grilled zucchini is one of my favorite easy summer side dishes! A simple lemon and garlic marinade infuses the zucchini with the best flavor.
Grilled Zucchini with the Best Marinade
This grilled zucchini recipes combines two of my summer favorites: zucchini and grilling! I just love the charred flavor that the grill brings to fresh zucchini, and the fact that it cooks up so quickly is a huge bonus. We want our meals to be fast and simple in the summer, so quick and easy side dishes are a necessity.
I’ve often grilled zucchini seasoned with only olive oil, salt and pepper, but for this recipe I decided to take it up a notch. Before grilling, I brush the zucchini with a flavorful marinade made with lemon zest, garlic, olive oil and parsley. I also season the zucchini generously with salt and pepper. I don’t mix the salt and pepper into the marinade because it tends to stick to the bowl. Sprinkling salt and pepper directly on the zucchini makes it easier to control how much seasoning you get on your veggies.
Grilled Zucchini Recipe Ingredients
Recipe Variation: Try other fresh herbs in place of the parsley, like fresh oregano or thyme. Or, replace the fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
How to Grill Zucchini
Here’s an overview of the recipe steps. Find the full recipe with measurements below.
Whisk together the marinade ingredients: olive oil, chopped parsley, minced garlic and lemon zest.
Cut the zucchini lengthwise into ¼-inch thick slices.
Brush both sides of the zucchini with the marinade. Then sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. You can let the zucchini marinate at room temperature for 10-20 minutes, or grill it right away.
Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill zucchini for 4-6 minutes total, flipping the slices over halfway through.
Kristine’s Tip: Err on the side of cooking the zucchini less, rather than more, so that it retains a bit of its crisp texture and doesn’t turn mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Most often I serve this grilled zucchini as is, but sometimes I like to serve it with a sauce for even more flavor. My favorites are Tzatziki Sauce and Chimichurri.
When I was testing this grilled zucchini recipe, I served it with these Grilled Shrimp and it was a delicious combination. This zucchini also pairs well with Grilled Pork Chops and Grilled Salmon.
More Favorite Grilled Veggies
Grilled Zucchini
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into ¼-inch thick slices
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, parsley, garlic and lemon zest.
- Lay the zucchini slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with the oil mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can let the zucchini marinate at room temperature for 10-20 minutes, or grill it right away.
- Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill zucchini for 4-6 minutes total, flipping the slices over halfway through. Serve.
