How to make sliced zucchini on the grill! These delicious and charred grilled zucchini slices are simple, easy, and super quick. They take less than 20 minutes and make the perfect side dish for any summer meal.
What Makes This Recipe Great
Summertime is zucchini time! Zucchini is one of my favorite veggies, and here in California, they are available year-round!
I absolutely love cooking zucchini on the grill and am always amazed at how much the grill enhances its delicious flavor. This grilled zucchini recipe is very simple and easy, but it makes a stellar side that goes with any of your favorite main dishes! It also happens to be paleo, Whole30, vegan, keto, and low carb so that you can serve it for various dietary needs.
If you are looking for a bbq side to wow your guests with minimal effort, this grilled sliced zucchini is it! I’ve found that slicing them to about 1/4 inch thickness lengthwise is one of the best ways to grill zucchini. These slices are big enough not to fall through the grill grates but thin enough to cook quickly and easily.
You’ll have a delicious and tender side dish in no time!
Ingredient Notes
I love the simplicity of this zucchini dish. Once you have your zucchini, you are likely to have the rest of the ingredients already stocked in your kitchen! Here are the items you need for cooking sliced zucchini on the grill.
- fresh zucchini: I used about 3 medium zucchini squash for this recipe. If you have large zucchini, you can use 2.
- extra virgin olive oil: You can also use avocado oil or another neutral oil if preferred.
- lemon juice
- garlic powder: I used garlic powder, but you can also use fresh garlic if desired.
- sea salt
- black pepper
- garnish: I also like to add some chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes for garnish to add some extra flavor! If you’re not dairy-free, you can also garnish it with parmesan cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
You are going to love how easy this recipe is. The marinade and the spices can be switched up easily depending on what you have on hand. Switch things up with your favorite fresh herbs and spices! But pay attention to how long to grill sliced zucchini since they can burn easily. Here are the details steps on how to cook zucchini on the grill.
- Trim the ends and slice the zucchini lengthwise to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. Pour over the zucchini slices and toss together.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- How long to cook zucchini on the grill: Add zucchini to the grill in a single layer. Cover for 3-4 minutes until the bottoms are nicely charred with grill marks. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Remove from the grill, and garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes. Taste and sprinkle additional salt and lemon juice if needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Expert Tips
- Air Fryer Zucchini: You can also make this sliced zucchini recipe in the air fryer. Simply follow all of the same instructions to prepare the zucchini, then place it in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Oven Method: If you prefer to roast zucchini in the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Follow the same instructions to prepare the zucchini, then place the sliced zucchini in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Cook for 10-12 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes. To get the charred element, you can always broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Slices
- There are so many delicious ways to serve this vegetable side. It’s such an easy, healthy side dish for your next bbq. Serve with veggie burgers, turkey burgers, grilled beef, pasta, roasted chicken, and more!
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Keep in mind that leftovers can turn into mushy zucchini, so I recommend reheating it in a skillet over the stovetop to cook off the excess moisture. The microwave will also work, but the texture will be softer.
Recipe FAQs
Use a sharp knife or a mandolin if you have one on hand. Place your zucchini on a cutting board and slice longways, paying attention to the thickness of the slices.
No! Zucchini skin gets really soft and tender while cooking, so it’s not necessary to peel.
Yes, you can use yellow summer squash. The cooking time will remain the same!
Since zucchini has such a mild taste, it’s so versatile for spices. You can use basil for a more summery flavor or top with parmesan cheese while the zucchini is still hot off the grill. You can also use garlic salt or Italian seasoning- it’s totally up to your flavor preferences! Remember that if you are following a paleo, Whole30, or vegan diet, you should omit the cheese.
You can use a grill pan or a cast iron skillet and cook it the same way indoors! You won’t get the same charred flavor for the grill, but it’ll still be delicious.
I don’t recommend marinating the zucchini beforehand since the salt in the marinade will make the zucchini release too much liquid and get soggy. If you want, you can add everything except salt, marinate for a maximum of a day, and add salt just before grilling.
More Zucchini Recipes
Sautéed Asian Zucchini and Onions
Keto Zucchini Fries in the Air Fryer
Paleo & Whole30 Salmon Cakes with Zucchini
How to Make Perfect Zucchini Egg Nests
Roasted Red Pepper Zucchini Hummus
Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Paleo Tuna Casserole with Zucchini Noodles
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The Best Grilled Sliced Zucchini (Easy Recipe!)
Ingredients
- 1½ lb zucchini squash about 3 medium
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp sea salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper omit for AIP
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for garnish – omit for AIP
Instructions
- Trim the ends and slice the zucchini lengthwise so each piece is about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic power, salt, and ground black pepper. Pour over zucchini slices and toss together to coat.
- Preheat grill to medium high heat while the zucchini marinates.
- Add zucchini to the grill in a single layer. Cover for 3-4 minutes until the bottoms are nicely charred with grill marks. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Remove from the grill, and garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes. Taste and add more salt and/or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Air Fryer Zucchini: You can also make this sliced zucchini recipe in the air fryer. Simply follow all of the same instructions to prepare the zucchini, then place it in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Oven Method: If you prefer to roast zucchini in the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Follow the same instructions to prepare the zucchini, then place the sliced zucchini in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Cook for 10-12 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes. To get the charred element, you can always broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Slices
- There are so many delicious ways to serve this vegetable side. It’s such an easy, healthy side dish for your next bbq. Serve with veggie burgers, turkey burgers, grilled beef, pasta, roasted chicken, and more!
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Keep in mind that leftovers can turn into mushy zucchini, so I recommend reheating it in a skillet over the stovetop to cook off the excess moisture. The microwave will also work, but the texture will be softer.
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Delicious and so easy. Thank you for the recipe!
Love grilled zucchini – so easy and such a tasty side dish!
This is one of my favorite ways to make zucchini!!
Yes, it always comes out so delicious!!
So delicious! Love that grilled flavor! Perfect for Summer!
These were so good & simple to grill! Will add these everytime I grill 🙂
I love this recipe. Zucchini is my favorite veggie, and it’s so nice to now know exactly how to make it just perfect when we grill!! 🙂
Normally my grilled zucchini is kind of bland so thank you for showing how to add more flavor with the garlic, pepper flakes, etc.