Grilled Zucchini

I definitely love my veggies grilled: Grilled Beets, Grilled Asparagus, even Grilled Stuffed Tomatoes, and now: Grilled Zucchini!
Zucchini is great because it’s so plentiful during the summer, and frankly, it’s our fault if we can’t find different ways to cook it.
As you may know, I prefer to grill on a hot summer day rather than heat up the house. And this grilling method has the added “ingredient” of simplicity. As long as the grill is fired up for the main course, why not use it for side dishes, too, right?
And don’t mistake this for a one-note dish. Later, I will give some ideas for changing up the flavor (especially useful for those gardeners out there. You know who you are – you planted a little too much zucchini and now you don’t know what to do with it. Stay tuned for the answer).
You’re welcome. 😀
There are really only a couple steps. First, mix up the simple marinade (see below for optional flavors.) Then, cut the zucchini. Your first instinct might be to cut thick slices of the zucchini. I’ve tried this, and don’t care for the texture this yields. When grilled, zucchini slices tend to get to soft and “floppy.”
I prefer to cut lengthwise into quarters. Cutting in quarters seems to give more structure to a spear, mainly due to the skin. For a smaller zucchini, cutting in half will suffice.
Pour the marinade over the zucchini and let it sit to absorb the flavors. I recommend at least 30 minutes marinating time, but a couple of hours works, too. Very handy when you’re preparing in advance.
Then, place the zucchini on a preheated grill. Use medium to high heat to crisp up the edges. Each “side” will need about 4-5 minutes. Note: Be sure to monitor this. Every grill has areas that are a little hotter than others, so you might end up moving the pieces around to control the cooking time. You also might have to turn some pieces faster than others.
That’s it! You’re done.
Remove from heat and serve! Have it with your pork tenderloin or Chinese chicken skewers.
I keep it basic with just olive oil and garlic, but you can certainly add more spices to change up the taste. Here are a few ideas:
Zucchini is full of vitamins and minerals including folate, riboflavin, manganese and Vitamin C. Low in calories and high in fiber, zucchini seems to work with pretty much any diet!
Curious factIs Zucchini a vegetable or a fruit? The answer is: Yes. First, Zucchini is a type of squash and in a culinary context, it’s treated as a vegetable. However, botanically speaking, zucchinis are fruit, a type of botanical berry that comes from the zucchini flower. ( Wikipedia)
- Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole
- Zucchini and Corn Fritters
- Microwaved Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Grilled Zucchini
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 1 – 1 1/2 pounds zucchini about 3 medium
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove minced (or 1 teaspoon powder)
Instructions
- Add garlic to olive oil and mix well. Set aside.
- Wash zucchini and cut off ends. Cut lengthwise into quarters.
- Place zucchini in a pan and pour olive oil mixture over the top. Toss to coat well. Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place zucchini spears directly on the grill grates. Grill each side until grill marks appear (about 4-5 minutes), then turn the piece and grill the next side. Continue until all three sides are charred and the zucchini is fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes total.
- Serve immediately.

Comments
Share your thoughts, or ask a question!
Grilled zucchini is my favorite! I love adding yellow squash with it on the grill with a sprinkle of seasoned salt over them, too.