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If you find yourself with an abundance of zucchini every summer, this grilled zucchini recipe is for you. This grilled zucchini recipe is one of my favorite ways to use it because it's simple, inexpensive, and goes with just about anything we're making for dinner. It's one of those easy side dishes I come back to all summer long.
This easy grilled zucchini recipe is seasoned with Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, olive oil, and fresh lemon before being grilled until tender with delicious grill marks. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's an easy side dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, and all your favorite summer meals.
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Ingredients You'll Need
- Zucchini - Medium zucchini works best for grilling because it will cook evenly and won't get too watery. Look for zucchini that are firm with smooth, blemish-free skin. If your zucchini are very large from the garden, you may want to scoop out some of the larger seeds before grilling. You don't need to peel zucchini before grilling. The skin softens as it cooks and helps the zucchini hold its shape on the grill.
- Italian seasoning - Adds classic Italian herb flavor without overpowering the zucchini.
- Lemon pepper seasoning - Gives the zucchini a bright, citrusy flavor with a little extra seasoning. If your lemon pepper contains salt, you may want to reduce the additional salt in the recipe.
- Olive oil - Helps prevent the zucchini from sticking to the grill.
- Fresh lemon - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice after grilling brightens all of the flavors and complements the smoky zucchini perfectly.
Recipe Variations
- Use yellow squash - Swap the zucchini for yellow squash or use a combination of both for a colorful grilled vegetable side dish.
- Make it spicy - Add ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a little heat.
- Add Parmesan cheese - Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini right after grilling so it melts slightly.
- Fresh herbs - Finish the grilled zucchini with chopped fresh basil or parsley for extra freshness.
- Balsamic glaze - Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze just before serving for a sweet and tangy finish.
How to Grill Zucchini
Prepare the zucchini - Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and brush the cut sides with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with the Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, and salt.
Grill the Zucchini - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the zucchini cut-side down on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 6-8 minutes. Flip and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender with golden brown grill marks. Cooking over medium-high heat helps the zucchini brown while keeping it tender instead of mushy.
Finish and serve - Transfer the grilled zucchini to a serving platter, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and serve immediately while it's hot.
Other cooking methods
- Grill pan - Cook over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side until tender with grill marks.
- Oven - Roast at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and lightly browned.
Storage instructions
Store leftover grilled zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat it in a skillet, air fryer, or a 350°F oven until warmed through. While you can microwave it, the zucchini will be softer and won't retain its texture as well.
What to Serve with Grilled Zucchini
If you're planning a summer cookout or an easy weeknight dinner, pair this grilled zucchini with one of these family favorites:
Recipe
Italian Grilled Zucchini
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini
- 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ medium lemon, juice only
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium high heat.
- Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and brush each half with olive oil. Sprinkle halves with italian seasoning, lemon pepper and salt.
- Place zucchini halves on the preheated grill, flesh side down and close the cover. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Flip the zucchini, close cover and continue to cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until lightly browned on the other side. Zucchini should be softened, but still slightly firm.
- Remove zucchini from the grill and place on a serving platter. Squeeze with fresh lemon juice and serve.
Notes
- Look for zucchinis that have a firm texture and are free from nicks and cuts.
- Make sure to preheat your grill to ensure proper browning and grill marks on the zucchini without making it mushy.
- Serve this italian zucchini right off the grill so it is fresh and not soggy.
Substitutions and Variations
- Yellow Squash - This recipe can be used to season and grill yellow squash instead of the zucchini or can be used with a combination of both!
- Spicy - Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes onto the zucchini with the other seasoning for an extra zesty kick.
- Cheese - Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the grilled zucchini after the lemon juice.
Alternative Cooking Methods
- Grill Pan - If the weather doesn't allow for grilling outside, this zucchini can be made inside on a grill pan on the stovetop. Cooking times will be similar to using an outdoor grill. Look for each side to be lightly browned and tender.
- Roasted - These seasoned zucchini halves can also be roasted in the oven at 375˚ for approximately 15-20 minutes. Zucchini should be tender and lightly browned on top.
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