This Grilled Zucchini features sliced zucchini marinated in a lemony herb blend, grilled to tender perfection with a hint of smokiness. It's a simple and delicious side dish, that pairs well with any main course.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Grilled Zucchini Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Grilled Zucchini
• 🔪 How to Grill Zucchini
• 💡 Tips for Grilling Zucchini
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Marinated Zucchini
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Use Summer Squash?
• Can I Use This Grilled Zucchini in Other Dishes?
• Can I Use Frozen Zucchini?
• Can I Make Grilled Zucchini in Advance?
• 🍽️ More Healthy Side Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Grilled Zucchini Recipe

• Freshly sliced zucchini
• Marinated in tasty vinaigrette
• Grilled to give it a smokey flavor
• Quick and easy healthy side dish

What better way to take advantage of summer grilling season than with this grilled, marinated zucchini? It checks all the boxes for the perfect side dish. It's easy, healthy, delicious, and pairs wonderfully with other grilled foods or any main course.

The lemon marinade adds a bright and refreshing flavor that complements the zucchini's natural sweetness and the delightful charred taste from the grill. As a bonus, it's a fantastic option to serve when you’re entertaining guests because it's vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, and Keto-friendly.

If you love zucchini and are looking for other tasty recipes, you should also try this Zucchini Parmigiana or this Air Fryer Zucchini.

🛒 Ingredients for Grilled Zucchini

• Zucchini
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Thyme
• Dijon mustard
• Salt

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Outdoor grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

🔪 How to Grill Zucchini

Add the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, lemon thyme, dijon mustard and salt to a small mixing bowl.

Whisk to combine, then set aside.

Wash, dry and slice each zucchini into semi-thick slices, lengthwise.

Place the slices in a food storage bag, then pour in the olive oil mixture.

Make sure the marinade is coating all the zucchini.

Allow the zucchini to sit at room temperature, marinating in the bag, while you heat up your grill.

If you don't have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan instead.

Grill the zucchini for a few minutes on each side, then serve warm.

💡 Tips for Grilling Zucchini

Slice evenly: Ensure that you slice the zucchini into uniform thickness to ensure they cook evenly.  

Preheat the grill: To get those beautiful grill marks you want to make sure you add the slice to a preheated grill.

Oil the grates: Brushing the grill grates with oil before cooking can help prevent the zucchini from sticking to the grill.

Consider a grill basket: If you're concerned about the zucchini slipping through the grill grates, consider using a grill basket.

Watch the time: Zucchini cooks relatively quickly on the grill, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. Aim for a tender texture with a slight char, but be careful not to let it become mushy.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store leftover grilled zucchini in an airtight container for up to a few days in the fridge. Because it has such a high water content, I do not recommend that you freeze it.

🍴 What to Serve with Marinated Zucchini

Zucchini goes well with any main course. Here are some of my favorites:

• Filet Mignon with Mushroom Sauce
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Pork Marsala
• Lemon Pepper Baked Drumsticks
• Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Cheesy topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or goat cheese over the grilled zucchini while it’s still warm.

• Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts, chopped almonds, or walnuts over the top for a little crunch.

• Fresh herbs: Feel free to add some freshly chopped basil, parsley, mint, or cilantro.

• Balsamic glaze: Drizzle some of this homemade balsamic glaze over the grilled zucchini just before serving for a touch of sweetness.

• Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or cumin for extra flavor.

• Sauces: Serve the grilled zucchini with a side of homemade pesto, or a drizzle of homemade chipotle aioli.

Can I Use Summer Squash?

You sure can. The marinade taste wonderful with summer squash.

Can I Use This Grilled Zucchini in Other Dishes?

Absolutely! Grilled zucchini is incredibly versatile and can be used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, pasta dishes, and more.

Can I Use Frozen Zucchini?

Grilling frozen zucchini isn't ideal because the excess moisture from freezing can result in a mushy texture and cause the zucchini to fall apart on the grill.

Can I Make Grilled Zucchini in Advance?

While grilled zucchini is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, you can grill it ahead of time and reheat it briefly before serving. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly softer after reheating.

🍽️ More Healthy Side Recipes

• Mexican Street Corn
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Glazed Carrots
• Garlic Potatoes and Green Beans
• Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes