Grilled Zucchini Recipe

This grilled zucchini recipe is the perfect way to use up all that zucchini from your summer garden and still want to eat more!

There’s just something about barbecued food. And summer squashes are never a bad choice!

A dish filled with Grilled Zucchini on a wooden surface.

It seems like no matter what I put on the grill, I’m pretty much always guaranteed a tasty outcome. Even veggies! In fact, the grill is fast becoming my absolute favorite way to prepare almost any vegetable.

I love the smokey flavor that the grill imparts, and in this case, the zucchini can be cooked to any level of “doneness” and end up being rock-star-delicious! I prefer to cook mine a little less so that the zucchini maintains a slight bit of crunch. But you can also cook them long enough to turn them into something just shy of a tasty mush. It really is up to you!

Health Benefits Of Zucchini

Zucchini is marvelous stuff. Particularly off the grill! But delicious flavors aside, here are some more reasons to enjoy plenty of zucchini this season!

Is It Okay To Eat Raw Zucchini?

Absolutely!! Raw zucchini is highly nutritious and mild in flavor, so you can really develop other flavors in a recipe that includes this delicious vegetable.

  • Low in calories
  • High in vitamin A
  • High in antioxidants
  • It’s possible that zucchini aids in digestion
  • It’s low in carbs

What Is The Best Way To Cut Zucchini For Grilling?

The best way is to cut them lengthwise. You can cut them as thick or thin as you want, but thicker pieces tend to hold up better on the grill. For most average-sized zucchini you get in the store, this will mean cutting the zucchini in half lengthwise and then cutting each half, in half again. So basically, cutting it into quarters.

Can I Cook This On A Stovetop?

You can! But you will need a grill pan that will put grill marks on your zucchini if that matters to you.

Simply cook it in a grill pan on the stovetop until the zucchini squash is tender, not mushy.

Should You Salt Zucchini Before Grilling It?

Yes and no. It’s not a requirement for it to turn out well, but it does tend to help your zucchini stay firmer and get crisper by pulling out a bit of the moisture.

How Do You Keep Zucchini From Getting Soggy When Roasting?

Aside from the above suggestion of making sure it’s salted, you shouldn’t have too much trouble with this if you are cooking it on a grill. The open grates will help the water evaporate quickly, so as long as you don’t cook it for too long, it shouldn’t get too soggy. That being said, if you are roasting these in the oven, you’ll want to use a wire rack that you set on top of a baking pan to allow the hot air to get all the way around the zucchini. Air flow is your best defense against soggy zucchini!

Recipe Variations

If you want to play with the flavors a bit, here are some suggestions:

  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Include a bit of fresh lemon zest with the spices.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs
  • Drizzle the grilled zucchini spears with a balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar.
  • Sprinkle fresh lemon juice over the top
  • Sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese at serving.

Recipe Tip For Grilled Zucchini

For crispier/crunchier zucchini, cook on higher heat for a shorter time. For a softer zucchini, cook on lower heat for a longer time.

About The Ingredients

Zucchini – cut into quarters or eighths, depending on the thickness of your zucchini.

Garlic powder – Or garlic granules. But not garlic salt.

Onion powder – Or onion granules.

Salt – I used pink Himalayan salt, but you can use whatever salt you normally cook with.

Ground black pepper

Oil – Keep smoke points in mind. Avocado oil and coconut oil both have higher smoke points which is better for grilling. Avoid olive oil.

How To Make Grilled Zucchini

Place all ingredients into a plastic bag, and gently shake until the zucchini is coated in the oil and spices

Place on grill and cook. (Much of the oil will be left behind in the bag. That’s okay. I just toss it out with the bag.)

When the zucchini is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and allow it to cool. These retain A LOT of heat. So cooling time is essential.

Recipe Supplies

Indoor grill sold on Amazon, perfect for making grilled zucchini in your kitchen. (Affiliate link)
Portable grill sold on Amazon. (Affiliate link)
Outdoor grill sold on Amazon that is great for making grilled zucchini. (Affiliate link)

Raw Zucchini Recipes

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Clean Eating BBQ Zucchini Recipe

Grilled Zucchini Recipe

A delicious way to use up all that zucchini and still want more!
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Course: Side Dish, Vegetables
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 105kcal

Equipment

  • Grill

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. zucchini (cut into quarters)
  • 2 tbsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp. onion powder
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup oil

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a plastic bag, and gently shake until the zucchini is coated in the oil and spices
  • Place on grill and cook. (Much of the oil will be left behind in the bag. That's okay. I just toss it out with the bag.)
  • When the zucchini is cooked to your liking, remove from the grill and allow to cool. These retain A LOT of heat. So cooling time is essential.
  • NOTE: For crispier/crunchier zucchini, cook on higher heat for a shorter time. For a softer zucchini, cook on lower heat for a longer time.

Notes

Please note that the nutrition data below is a ballpark figure. Exact data is not possible.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 74mg | Potassium: 376mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 225IU | Vitamin C: 21.2mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 0.8mg


Recipe from the Gracious Pantry® website, originally published on 7/26/11.

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22 Comments

  1. Anonymous says:

    Anne – You could certainly try that, I’m sure it would be yummy! I have a clean BBQ sauce recipe that would be just fabulous with that!

  2. Dancyn216 says:

    Zucchini is great on the grill as are the other squashes, such as yellow squash comes out really tasty as well. I even tried sliced beets on the grill! Unbelievable just how good they were! Asparagus is wonderful cooked on the grill.

    1. Anonymous says:

      Dancyn – I agree! I love bbq asparagus! I’ve never tried the beets though. I just cannot seem to get into the flavor. But maybe the bbq will help with that?

  3. I love any on the grill, but have recently tried 2 new veges that were awesome. Skewered green beans, brush with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper and BBQ’d broccoli (toss with olive oil and seasoning then grill for a bit; take off and toss with a little BBQ sauce and put back on).

    1. Anonymous says:

      Lori – I’ve never tried grilling green beans. How interesting! I’ll have to try that, thanks!

  4. Michelle @ The Cooking Life says:

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE zucchini and this looks so amazing! I’ll have to put it in my dinner rotation next week. Do you think I can make this on a cast-iron grill (stove-top)?

    1. Anonymous says:

      Michelle – I’m sure it would work! You might not get that bbq flavor, but it should still be yummy!

  5. Seemichellecook says:

    I agree…bbq food is just better

  6. Yum, love zucchini! I don’t have a grill, would it work in the oven? And for how long and what temp would you think?

    1. Anonymous says:

      Elaine – Definitely! Cook it at 350 degrees F. for about 15 minutes and then check it at 5 minute intervals until it gets to the “doneness” you like. I would also turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes so you get that charred color and flavor. Yum!

  7. MMM!! Made this and it was sooo good! My 15 month old was even devouring it (in small bites)! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Anonymous says:

      Shanna – that’s awesome!!! Thanks for the feedback!

  8. Oh my goodness–this was so incredibly delicious. I love zucchini and I’ve been looking for ways to change up my vegetables. I am so thankful that you have so many options for veggies.

    1. graciouspantry says:

      Emily – Thanks! I’m so happy you liked it!

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  11. We got summer squash in our csa this week….do you think this would work with summer squash?

    1. The Gracious Pantry says:

      Rose – Sure! 🙂

  12. Denise Passero says:

    Just served this. Delicious way to do something different with fresh vegetables. Excellent.

    1. The Gracious Pantry says:

      Denise – Thanks! Glad you liked it! 😀