Zucchini on the Grill Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, flavor-packed veggie side, this Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini is about to become your new summer obsession. Charred on the outside, tender in the center, and bursting with punchy lemon and savory garlic, every bite celebrates the best of zucchini’s natural sweetness with a bright, Mediterranean twist.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini so irresistible is how each simple ingredient shines and works together. Every element in the marinade—zippy lemon, fragrant garlic, and dried herbs—helps turn humble zucchini into something worthy of center stage!

• Zucchini (6 small to medium): Choose firm, glossy zucchini for best results; slicing them into 1/3-inch planks ensures even grilling and those perfect grill marks.
• Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Provides moisture and richness, keeps zucchini from sticking, and gives a luscious finish.
• Lemon juice (3 tbsp) and zest of 1 lemon: Fresh lemon doubles up for tang and aromatic brightness—don’t skip the zest!
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): This adds a punch of savory flavor that infuses right into the zucchini as it grills.
• Dried parsley & dried basil (1 tsp each): These herbs add Mediterranean flavor and a hint of earthiness—it’s amazing how much depth they give.
• Kosher salt (1 tsp) and pepper (1/2 tsp): Don’t underestimate seasoning! Salt and pepper make the other flavors pop and highlight zucchini’s natural sweetness.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how endlessly customizable it is! There’s plenty of room to play and adjust Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini to fit your table, your mood, or even that bunch of fresh herbs in the fridge you’ve been meaning to use.

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for subtle heat that pairs beautifully with lemon.
• Fresh Herb Swap: Use fresh basil, parsley, or oregano instead of dried for a burst of garden flavor—just double the quantity.
• Add Cheese: Finish with crumbled feta or shaved parmesan for a savory, salty punch right before serving.
• Citrus Twist: Swap some or all of the lemon for lime or orange zest and juice for a whole new citrus vibe.

How to Make Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried parsley, dried basil, kosher salt, and pepper in a large freezer bag or bowl. Whisk or shake thoroughly to blend the flavors. This marinade is the secret to ensuring every bite of zucchini is savory, zesty, and fragrant!

Step 2: Marinate the Zucchini

Add the sliced zucchini planks to the marinade, making sure every piece is coated. Marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes, or in the fridge for up to 2 hours if you want to prep ahead. Don’t rush this step—the short rest allows the zucchini to soak up all that gorgeous flavor.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Grill

While the zucchini marinates, preheat your grill to 400–425°F or heat an indoor grill pan over medium-high. Give your grill grates a good clean and brush them lightly with oil—this helps prevent any sticking and achieves those perfect sear marks.

Step 4: Grill the Zucchini

Let any excess marinade drip off (no need to wipe or dry the pieces), then arrange the zucchini in a single layer on the hot grill. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, just until the planks are crisp-tender and lightly charred. Try not to overcook—zucchini should still have a bit of bite for the best texture!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the grilled zucchini to a serving platter, brushing with a bit of leftover marinade if you like extra flavor. Serve right away, when they’re at their most irresistible—warm, juicy, and full of sunshine.

How to Serve Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini

Garnishes

This dish absolutely loves a quick sprinkle of finishing salt, cracked black pepper, or a shower of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. For a little extra color and tang, add a dusting of lemon zest or a few crumbles of tangy feta cheese right before serving—instant wow factor!

Side Dishes

Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini pairs effortlessly with grilled chicken, salmon, steak, or your favorite veggie burgers. For a Mediterranean-style plate, serve alongside creamy hummus, fluffy couscous, or a fresh tomato salad—simple, summery perfection.

Creative Ways to Present

Spread the grilled zucchini out on a rustic wood platter for casual BBQs, or roll up the slices and skewer them for a quirky, elegant twist. Layer leftovers into sandwiches or toss into salads to give your next meal a bright, lemony kick!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge. For the best texture, keep the planks separated with parchment if stacking. They’ll stay fresh up to three days—perfect for easy lunches!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe, since zucchini is nearly all water and tends to get mushy after thawing. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy grilled zucchini within a few days of making it.

Reheating

To reheat, lay the zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 5–10 minutes, or pop in the microwave for brief 20-second intervals. Just heat until warmed through—any longer and the zucchini may soften too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Take this as your invitation to fire up the grill and let summer veggies shine! Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini is one of those dishes that wows everyone with its fresh, simple flavors—no fuss, just pure deliciousness. Give it a try soon and let your table soak up every zesty, sunshine-filled bite!

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