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Home » Side Dishes » Grilled Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs

Published: July 7, 2022 Last Modified: July 7, 2022 By Sara 22 Comments

Grilled Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs

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This grilled zucchini is bathed in a flavorful garlic and herb marinade, then cooked to perfection on the grill.
This grilled zucchini is bathed in a flavorful garlic and herb marinade, then cooked to perfection on the grill.
This grilled zucchini is bathed in a flavorful garlic and herb marinade, then cooked to perfection on the grill.

This grilled zucchini is bathed in a flavorful garlic and herb marinade, then cooked to perfection on the grill. An easy side dish that’s quick to make and always gets rave reviews!

I adore grilled vegetables, especially asparagus, potato foil packets, and this amazingly delicious zucchini. Once you’ve tried zucchini on the grill, you won’t want to cook it any other way.

A plate of grilled zucchini garnished with lemon and herbs.

When the warmer months roll around, I find myself eating zucchini and other summer squash on a regular basis. Zucchini is inexpensive, widely available and healthy too! My favorite way to eat zucchini is in this grilled zucchini recipe. It’s so simple with ingredients you probably already have on hand, yet it tastes so delicious!

Grilled zucchini ingredients

Bowls of ingredients including zucchini, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs and spices.

This dish contains zucchini which is flavored with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Fresh parsley is used as a garnish.

How do you make grilled zucchini?

The first step in this recipe is to prepare your marinade, which is a blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried herbs, garlic and seasonings. You’ll want to let your zucchini soak up the marinade for at least 20 minutes, but it’s better if you have the time to let it sit for at least 2 hours. After the zucchini has marinated, it goes onto the grill – I use my charcoal grill, or if it’s not grilling weather, I opt for for my indoor grill pan on the stove. Grill the zucchini until it is tender, then add parsley and serve.

Step by step shots showing how to grill zucchini.

Tips for the perfect dish

  • I like to use small zucchini that I’ve cut into quarters. Cooking with larger pieces of zucchini helps to prevent it from getting mushy on the grill. If you prefer to slice your zucchini you can, just make sure the slices are at least 1/2 inch thick.
  • I use dried Italian seasoning in my marinade, which is widely available in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use equal parts of dried parsley, oregano and basil.
  • Fresh lemon juice is best here, do not use the kind in a bottle.
  • I like to garnish my grilled zucchini with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley. If you don’t have parsley on hand, other great options are fresh dill, basil or chives.
Zucchini spears cooked on a grill pan.

Ways to Use Grilled Zucchini

You can eat grilled zucchini as-is as a side dish, but I often make extra grilled zucchini to use in other recipes during the week.

  • Pasta: This zucchini recipe is the perfect addition to fettuccine alfredo.
  • Salad: Coarsely chop your zucchini and add it to a green salad.
  • Sandwiches: Layer grilled zucchini with roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella and pesto for an amazing sandwich.
  • Pizza: Chop your zucchini and add it on top of a frozen cheese pizza.
Grilled zucchini served with mashed potatoes and chicken.

Recipe FAQs

Is zucchini healthy?

Zucchini is full of vitamins and minerals including folate, riboflavin, Vitamin C and manganese. Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber. Zucchini is full of antioxidants and anti inflammatory compounds, so it’s a great way to enjoy your veggies and stay healthy at the same time.

What is the best way to slice zucchini for grilling?

There are a few different slicing methods that work well for grilled zucchini. The first is to quarter your zucchini like I’ve done in this recipe. You can also cut your zucchini lengthwise into long planks. The final option is to cut your zucchini into slices at a sharp diagonal. This will create slices that are large enough to avoid falling through the grill grates.

How do you grill zucchini without it getting soggy?

The best way to prevent soggy zucchini is to make sure you don’t overcook it! The more cooked the zucchini is, the softer it will get.

Once you try this grilled zucchini, you’ll find yourself eating it all summer long!

More veggie side dishes

  • Glazed Carrots
  • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
  • Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
  • Garlic Butter Mushrooms
  • Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A plate of grilled zucchini garnished with lemon and herbs.
Print Pin
5 from 17 votes

Grilled Zucchini

This grilled zucchini is bathed in a flavorful garlic and herb marinade, then cooked to perfection on the grill. An easy side dish that’s quick to make and always gets rave reviews!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 76kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 1 pound small zucchini ends trimmed off, then cut into quarters lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves chopped
  • lemon wedges for serving optional

Instructions

  • Place the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and minced garlic in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
  • Add the zucchini to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  • Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium high heat.
  • Add the zucchini to the grill in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until tender and browned. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
  • Remove zucchini from the grill and place on a serving plate. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  1. I like to use small zucchini that I’ve cut into quarters. Cooking with larger pieces of zucchini helps to prevent it from getting mushy on the grill.
  2. I use dried Italian seasoning in my marinade, which is widely available in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use equal parts of dried parsley, oregano and basil.
  3. This recipe will work on an outdoor grill or on an indoor grill pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 11mg | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 4.4mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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Filed Under: Gluten Free, Grilling, Light & Healthy, Side Dishes

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    Comments

    1. Tayler says

      July 14, 2022 at 10:01 am

      5 stars
      This grilled zucchini is the ultimate summer side dish. We made it last night and it was incredible!

      Reply
    2. Liza says

      July 14, 2022 at 9:59 am

      5 stars
      We’re always looking for good ways to cook fresh summer zucchini, and this recipe is SO tasty. Love the way the fresh lemon enhances the flavors. Another winner from Dinner at the Zoo!

      Reply
    3. Mirlene says

      July 14, 2022 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      Having grilled zucchinis are my favorite. This was a perfect to have with my steak for dinner.

      Reply
    4. Gwynn says

      July 14, 2022 at 9:32 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is so flavorful and will be my new go-to recipe whenever I grill zucchini!

      Reply
    5. Ali says

      December 29, 2021 at 5:54 am

      5 stars
      Sounds really good! I was hoping to find a recipe for spears vs round slices and I finally found one!

      I might just do some salt and pepper though. I am not a fan of Italian seasoning.

      Reply
    6. Carla says

      January 25, 2021 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      Quick, easy and delicious! Perfect recipe!

      Reply
    7. Gretha says

      August 24, 2020 at 8:02 pm

      5 stars
      Grilled these tonight along with tuna, onions, and peppers, with home baked bread on the side. I was lazy and used bottled lemon juice but next time will use fresh; didn’t have Italian seasoning or parsley so I used dried oregano, thyme and a smidgeon of chopped fresh rosemary. It was very good. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    8. AJ says

      May 6, 2020 at 3:07 pm

      Have you tried this with yellow squash? I was thinking of doing a mix of both and wondering if the same prep/ingredients would work for yellow too.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        May 6, 2020 at 4:36 pm

        Yes, a mix of both would be great!

        Reply
    9. Nicholas Boldt says

      February 5, 2020 at 4:32 pm

      5 stars
      Makes for a good side.

      Reply
    10. Sonia says

      December 10, 2019 at 11:42 am

      How many zucchini’s are used for this recipe? Also, how many slices per serving?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        December 10, 2019 at 1:38 pm

        1 pound of small zucchinis is approximately 4 zucchinis, so it would be one zucchini per serving.

        Reply
    11. Jen Reilly says

      May 27, 2019 at 9:55 am

      I love how versatile zucchini is but this is probably my favorite way to serve it! This was a great side dish with dinner last night, but I like it as a quick snack too; so delicious!

      Reply
    12. Jacque Hooper says

      May 27, 2019 at 9:31 am

      5 stars
      This was a great side dish with dinner last night! Just what I was looking for and even my picky eaters cleaned their plates!

      Reply
    13. Catalina says

      May 23, 2019 at 7:41 am

      5 stars
      Zucchini are my favorite! I can never get enough!

      Reply
    14. Beth Pierce says

      May 22, 2019 at 12:16 pm

      5 stars
      I love how versatile zucchini is and this is no exception! Made a great side with our grilled chicken last night; delicious!

      Reply
    15. Melanie Bauer says

      May 22, 2019 at 9:14 am

      5 stars
      Oh wow, looks really amazing! So easy to make yet incredibly delicious, definitely making this!

      Reply
    16. Katerina @ diethood .com says

      May 22, 2019 at 9:04 am

      5 stars
      Oh my, these look incredible!! My kids would LOVE them!!

      Reply
    17. Jade Manning says

      May 22, 2019 at 6:16 am

      5 stars
      Who needs Fries with these bad boys! I will be making these tonight!

      Reply
    18. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      May 21, 2019 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      This looks incredibly delicious! This couldn’t look any more perfect!

      Reply
    19. Chrissie Baker says

      May 21, 2019 at 11:44 am

      5 stars
      These look great. Your recipes are just fantastic. Thank you for creating and sharing them!

      Reply
    20. Osaka says

      May 21, 2019 at 12:54 am

      5 stars
      It really looks delicious. I want to do the same. Thanks.

      Reply

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