Easy Grilled Zucchini

This easy recipe for Grilled Zucchini shows you exactly how to grill zucchini on a gas grill. A flavorful side dish with a lemon herb seasoning that makes a great summer side dish or can be used for meal prep!

In my house, I run the grill! I love making Crispy Grilled Chicken Wings, Grilled Asparagus In Foil Packet or a hearty Grilled Potato Salad!

There’s nothing like the taste of a char-grilled vegetable. And even though the grill can be intimidating, you don’t have to be a grill master to make zucchini on a gas grill! In fact zucchini is one of the easiest grilled vegetables because it cooks up quickly in just 6 minutes and you can visually see when it’s done unlike with grilled meats.

While you’re at it, throw some Mississippi Chicken on the grill for the ultimate summer meal!

🤔How To Choose Your Zucchini For Grilling

When I know I am grilling zucchini, I make sure I choose ones that are the same size and that are straight without too much of a curve. This ensures that everything will cook evenly and will be easier to cut. 

The best zucchini to use for grilling is also ones that are not too big. Large zucchini tend to hold a lot of water which could make for a mushy side dish. 

🥒Key Ingredients & Substitutions

• Zucchini: Green zucchini is a versatile vegetable that takes on whatever flavor you add to it. Pair that with the grill and you have a delicious side dish. I like using green zucchini but you could also throw in some yellow summer squash too.
• Olive Oil: This will keep the zucchini from drying out and burning and will also create lovely grill marks. For best results, use an oil that has a high smoke point like vegetable oil or avocado oil for a healthy option.
• Lemon Zest: Lemon adds a pop of fresh flavor to this side dish that brightens up the flavor of zucchini. Try using lime zest or even grapefruit zest to change up the flavor.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: You could use a combination of these or an all purpose seasoning to flavor your zucchini any way you prefer. You can even make a grilled zucchini marinade using Italian dressing.

🔪How Thick Should I Cut The Zucchini?

Zucchini should be cut lengthwise in quarter inch long slices. The best way to do this is to place the zucchini on it’s side and take a sharp knife and cut all the way down the length of the zucchini making 4-5 slices per one zucchini. I’ve found that this is the best thickness to make sure it grills through in about 6 minutes. 

📖How To Grill Zucchini On A Gas Grill

1️⃣ Preheat Your Gas Grill: Turn on your gas grill and heat it up until temperature stays around 350-400 degrees.

2️⃣ Prepare Your Zucchini: Wash zucchini and cut lengthwise into ¼” strips using a very sharp knife. You could also use a mandolin. You should be able to get 4-5 strips out of one medium zucchini.

3️⃣ Season Zucchini: Brush each zucchini strip on both sides with a light coat of olive oil. Once coated, sprinkle both sides with dried seasonings and lemon zest.

4️⃣ Grill Zucchini: Place zucchini on a preheated grill and cook on one side covered for 3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes covered or until zucchini is cooked through but not mushy.

5️⃣ Serve: Remove from grill and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for flavor. Serve hot.

📦Grilled Zucchini In Foil Packet

Grilling zucchini in a foil packet is a great option because it traps steam and flavors, ensuring the zucchini cooks evenly and remains moist and flavorful. This method also makes cleanup easier and prevents small pieces from falling through the grill grates.

Place the seasoned zucchini on a large piece of aluminum foil and fold the edges to seal it into a packet. Place the packet on a preheated grill over medium heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning once, until the zucchini is tender.

🍽️Zucchini Meal Prep Ideas

Leftover grilled zucchini will last in the fridge for 2-3 days but it will become more soggy over time. Use up grilled zucchini in many different ways so it doesn’t go to waste!

• Zucchini Lasagna: Replace traditional pasta sheets with thin slices of grilled zucchini for a low-carb version of this classic Italian dish.
• Zucchini Salad: Toss with mixed greens, nuts, cheese, and a vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing salad.
• Zucchini Tacos: Use sliced grilled zucchini as a filling for tacos, complemented with toppings like salsa, avocado, and sour cream.
• Zucchini Pasta: Mix with your favorite pasta along with a lemon dressing for a bright and fresh summer pasta dish.
• Grilled Zucchini Sandwich: Layer slices of grilled zucchini, cheese, and fresh basil between slices of crusty bread and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
• Zucchini Frittata: Combine grilled zucchini with beaten eggs, cheese, and herbs, then cook in a skillet until set for a tasty and filling frittata.
• Zucchini Stir-Fry: Add grilled zucchini slices to a stir-fry with other vegetables, protein of choice, and a savory sauce for a quick and healthy meal.
• Zucchini Hummus Wrap: Puree grilled zucchini into hummus, spread it on a wrap, and add lettuce, vegetables, and sliced meats for a healthy and flavorful lunch option.