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Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a simple, versatile side dish that pairs with any meal—especially your favorite grilled meat recipes. The zucchini cooks over indirect heat, so it’s tender with a little char—always crisp, never soggy.

Grilled zucchini in a serving dish.

Key ingredients

If your garden is anything like mine in the early summer, you’ve got zucchini coming at you from all directions. I make it all—Amish zucchini bread, zucchini lasagna, and here’s what you need to make this easy grilled zucchini recipe.

  • Zucchini: Zucchini is a versatile and mild-tasting vegetable with various uses. Slice it into ½-inch thick strips to grill—just thick enough to get a beautifully seared exterior and tender inside.
  • Salt: Sprinkle kosher salt over the zucchini to remove any excess moisture.
  • Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil adds flavor and ensures the zucchini won’t stick to the grill.
  • Black Pepper: Generously season the zucchini strips with coarse black pepper.

Additions and Substitutions

  • What seasoning should I put on grilled zucchini? This recipe primarily teaches my favorite method for grilled zucchini rather than focusing on the flavor since I tend to adjust the seasoning depending on what I am serving the veggies with. You can’t go wrong with salt and pepper, but here are a few of my favorite seasonings for grilled vegetables.

How to Grill Zucchini

The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Cut the zucchini and sprinkle the strips with kosher salt. Set them aside for 10 minutes. Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Transfer to a mixing bowl and toss with olive oil and pepper.

Strips of zucchini in a mixing bowl.

Grilling Tip

Preheat the grill by setting all the burners to high heat for about 10 minutes. Then, use a wooden grill paddle to clean the grates.

Step 2: Lower the heat to 350℉ (176℃) and use the tongs to place the zucchini strips onto the preheated grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side to create a sear.

Set the zucchini strips on the grill furthest away from the flame.

Step 3: Move the strips to the warming rack and grill for 20-30 minutes.

Flip halfway and cook the other side.

How long to grill zucchini?

I use an indirect grilling method to grill zucchini, which takes 20-30 minutes. However, if you cook zucchini directly on the grates, I recommend cooking them at 450°F (232°C) for 3-5 minutes for the best results.

Expert Tips

  • Cut uniformly. Slice the zucchini strips the same size for even cooking.
  • Salt the squash. Sprinkle the squash slices with kosher salt and set them aside for a few minutes. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Preheat the grill. Give the grill 10 minutes to heat up so the veggies start cooking right away.

Make the grilled zucchini and pair it with one of these dinner recipes!

Zucchini cooking on the grill with chicken grilling in the background.

Serving Suggestions

What I love about this grilling method is that you can grill the zucchini alongside any protein, saving time and effort. Pair these perfectly charred veggies with anything from burgers and brats to grilled bison steaks and grilled tandoori chicken.

What To Do With Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Store the leftover zucchini in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: For best results, spread the strips onto a baking sheet and freeze them for an hour. After they are solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Grilled zucchini freezes for 2-3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm zucchini strips on a baking sheet for 5 minutes at 350°F (176°C).
  • Repurpose: Prepare a breakfast scramble by mixing the leftover zucchini with eggs, shredded cheese, and other vegetables. You can add the zucchini strips to a salad, stir them into soup recipes, or use them as a topping for homemade pizza.

More Grilled Vegetables:

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Grilled zucchini in a serving dish.

Grilled Zucchini

Tressa Jamil
Grilled zucchini cooks low and slow, making it the perfect side dish; cook them on the warming rack with protein below for a perfect summer meal.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 57 kcal
Ingredients
  
Instructions
 
  • Cut the zucchini and sprinkle the strips with kosher salt. Set them aside for 10 minutes. Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Transfer to a mixing bowl and toss with olive oil and pepper.
  • Preheat the grill by setting all the burners to high heat for about 10 minutes. Then, use a wooden grill paddle to clean the grates.
  • Lower the heat to 350℉ (176℃) and use the tongs to place the zucchini strips onto the preheated grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side to create a sear.
  • Move the strips to the warming rack and grill for 20-30 minutes.
Notes
Expert Tips: 
  • Cut uniformly. Slice the zucchini strips the same size for even cooking.
  • Salt the squash. Sprinkle the squash slices with kosher salt and set them aside for a few minutes. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Preheat the grill. Give the grill 10 minutes to heat up so the veggies start cooking right away.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 57 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 4 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g | Sodium: 593 mg | Potassium: 390 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 4 g | Vitamin A: 297 IU | Vitamin C: 26 mg | Calcium: 26 mg | Iron: 1 mg
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and follow @thejamilghar or tag #thejamilghar on Instagram!
5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating




TW

Tuesday 7th of June 2022

These came out perfect cooked!

Tressa Jamil

Sunday 12th of June 2022

I am happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe.