This Grilled Zucchini recipe is a delicious and healthy summer side dish. Learn how to grill zucchini with our no-fail tutorial for the best zucchini on the grill – featuring a secret trick!
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
When it’s summer you can almost always find us grilling! We love a good steak off the grill, some juicy grilled chicken breast, grilled potato wedges, and we even like to grill in-season fruit for dessert! But grilled veggies? Those are our FAVOURITE!
This Grilled Zucchini recipe is our go-to veggie on the grill. Grilling zucchini makes it so flavourful and it goes well with almost any other dish because of its mild flavour. If you’ve never tried grilled zucchini, what are you waiting for!?
There are so many reasons we love this recipe. Here are just a few!
- It’s SIMPLE and QUICK: With minimal ingredients and easy, straightforward steps, it’s perfect for beginners and busy cooks.
- It’s HEALTHY: Zucchini is low in calories but high in nutrients, and grilling it keeps the calories down and heightens its flavour.
- It’s VERSATILE: It can be served as a side, added to salads, and it can be seasoned however you like it!
- It’s DELICIOUS: The combination of the smoky flavour and the tangy feta cheese we love to throw on top is absolutely irresistible!
- It’s perfect for ENTERTAINING: This dish is gorgeous and it’s sure to impress your next dinner party guests!
Looking for more delicious recipes like this? Try these BEST Roasted Vegetables or this amazing Grilled Chicken!
Here’s all of tips for making the BEST Grilled Zucchini!
Cutting the zucchini evenly will ensure it cooks evenly. We recommend slicing them about 1 cm thick to promote even cooking.
Letting the slices soak in salted water for several minutes before grilling allows them to release liquid so they don’t become mushy or soggy when cooked. Don’t skip this step!
Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps you get a quick sear, locking in flavours and moisture.
Lightly oil the grill grates before placing on the zucchini to prevent sticking.
Place the slices in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of grilling.
Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side. You want grill marks and tender zucchini, not charred or mushy slices.
The secret to achieving perfectly grilled zucchini lies in the salt brine. Submerging the slices in a salty brine before grilling has several benefits. Here’s why it works:
- It Draws Out Excess Moisture: Zucchini has a high water content, which can make it soggy when grilled or cooked. The salt brine helps draw out a lot of moisture, leaving you with a firmer result, and one that keeps its shape.
- It Enhances Flavour: The salt infuses into the zucchini, enhancing its natural flavours and making it more savoury.
- It Prevents Sticking: The brine helps to create a slight crust on the surface of the zucchini, which can prevent sticking to the grill.
If you skip the salt brine and you’ll likely run into these issues:
- A Soggy Texture: Without the brine, the zucchini will release a lot of water during grilling, giving it a mushy texture.
- A Stickier Surface: There’s a higher chance of it sticking to the grill without the brine, making it harder to get those beautiful grill marks.
- A Lack of Flavour: Everybody knows salt adds flavour and the salt brine gives this zucchini a delicious, savoury flavour.
Here are some issues you might encounter when grilling zucchini and how to fix and prevent them:
Make sure the grill is preheated and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Make sure you use the salt brine method to draw out excess moisture. Pat the slices dry before grilling.
If the zucchini is burning, the heat on the grill may be too high. Lower the grill temperature and keep a close eye on them as they grill.
Don’t skip the salt brine, and make sure you season the zucchini before grilling.
Here’s a list of the kitchen equipment you’ll need to make this recipe (paid links):
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this grilled zucchini recipe (paid links):
- 4 medium fresh zucchini
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- olive oil for brushing on the grill or grill pan
- 1/2 cup feta cheese optional
Want to take this grilled zucchini to the next level? Here are a few delicious variations to try!
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to the olive oil used for seasoning before grilling.
- Lemon Zest: Sprinkle some lemon zest over the grilled zucchini for a fresh, citrusy twist.
- Garlic Lover: Mix minced garlic into the olive oil for a robust, garlicky flavour.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a spicy version.
- Cheesy Delight: Besides feta, try topping the grilled zucchini with grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction over the grilled zucchini for a sweet and tangy finish.
Time needed: 40 minutes
Follow these steps to make the BEST zucchini on the grill!
- Make the brine.
In an large airtight container, add the water and the salt and mix or shake to dissolve.
- Prepare the zucchini.
Wash and slice the zucchini in 1 cm thick slices. Add them to the container and let them sit in the brine for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the grill.
Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Drain and dry the zucchini.
Once your zucchini slices have soaked in the brine for 20 minutes, remove them from the container and pat dry with paper towels. Add the garlic powder and black pepper on both sides.
- Grill the zucchini.
Brush some olive oil on your grill or grill pan and grill the zucchini slices for 2-3 minutes on both sides.
- Garnish and serve.
Place the zucchini slices on a plate and crumble some feta cheese over top. Serve warm.
How do I store this grilled zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven or air fryer, or in a pan on the stove.
Can I use summer squash along with the zucchini in this recipe?
Yes, this recipe works for both zucchini and summer squash.
Can I cut the zucchini into spears instead of flat slices?
Yes, zucchini spears will work for this recipe, but you won’t get the same beautiful grill marks as with thin slices. You’ll also need to adjust the cooking time for thicker pieces of zucchini.
Do I have to serve grilled zucchini with feta crumbles?
No, feel free to serve them as they are, or sprinkle over some slivered almonds, toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, oregano or basil, or even a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. We also like to serve it with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt.
Is grilled zucchini gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is free of gluten.
Is grilled zucchini a good choice for a low-carb diet?
Yes, zucchini is low in carbs, making it a good choice for a lower carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly diet.
Can grilled zucchini be frozen?
We don’t recommend freezing it, mainly because after it thaws it almost always gets soggy. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
We hope you love this recipe as much as we do! Let us know in the comments below, what’s your favourite food for grilling? We’d love to know!
More Grilling Recipes
- Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Peaches
- Easy Potato Salad
- Grilled Chicken Legs
- Easy Cajun Grilled Chicken
- Watermelon Salad
- Grilled Turkey Burgers with Spinach and Sriracha Mayo
- Crunchy Broccoli Salad
- Ginger Soy Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges with Sweet Curry Aioli
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Grilled Zucchini
Recipe: Equipment
Recipe: Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 cups water
- 4 zucchini medium-sized
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- olive oil for brushing on the grill or grill pan
- 1/2 cup feta cheese optional
Recipe: Instructions
- In an large airtight container, add the water and the salt and mix or shake to dissolve.
- Wash and slice the zucchini in 1 cm thick slices. Add them to the container and let them sit in the brine for 20 minutes.
- Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Once your zucchini slices have soaked in the brine for 20 minutes, remove them from the container and pat dry with paper towels. Add the garlic powder and black pepper on both sides.
- Brush some olive oil on your grill or grill pan and grill the zucchini slices for 2-3 minutes on both sides.
- Place the zucchini slices on a plate and crumble some feta cheese over top. Serve warm.
Recipe: Notes
Storage Instructions
The grilled zucchini keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Recipe: Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.