There’s just something about summer that immediately makes me want to fire up the grill and chill! And when zucchini season rolls around, it’s the perfect excuse to let this humble, versatile squash shine. This easy Grilled Zucchini is one of my favorite go-to sides during summer. It’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly, making it a low-effort weeknight side dish (or an easy hit at any cookout). The quick balsamic and honey marinade takes seconds to mix, and the whole thing cooks up fast, giving the zucchini a sweet-and-savory flavor with just the right amount of char from the grill.
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Easy Recipe for Grilled Zucchini
I know this recipe might seem simple, but it’s one of those dishes that totally over-delivers. The quick marinade paired with the smoky flavor from the grill? SO good. This grilled zucchini is also really easy to dress up depending on what you serve it with, and I always make extra for meal prep. Add it hot or cold to salads, sandwiches, omelets, or grain bowls for a healthy dose of veggies throughout the week! It’s one of those sides that quietly makes everything else on your plate taste even better.
Grilled Zucchini
Servings 4 servings (2-3 slices each)Ingredients
- 1½ lbs zucchini (sliced into ¼-½“ planks, (700g) $2.24*)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil ($0.08)
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar ($0.17)
- 1 tsp honey ($0.06)
- ½ tsp garlic powder ($0.06)
- ½ tsp salt ($0.02)
- ¼ tsp dried basil ($0.07)
- ¼ tsp dried parsley ($0.07)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, $0.03)
Instructions
- Gather all of your ingredients and preheat your grill** to 400°F.
- Carefully remove both ends from your zucchini and slice into 1/4” -1/2” planks.
- In a small bowl, stir together oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and spices.
- Pour the marinade over the sliced zucchini and toss until evenly coated with the marinade.
- Once the grill is hot, place zucchini directly on the grates. Grill for about 2 – 4 minutes per side until grill marks form and zucchini are tender.
- Remove from the grill and serve with fresh herbs or as desired. Enjoy!
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Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Plate
- Grill
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @budgetbytes or tag #budgetbytes on Instagram!how to make Grilled Zucchini step-by-step photos
Gather all of your ingredients and preheat the grill to 400°F. If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a grill pan on the stovetop.
Slice the zucchini: Cut both ends off 1½ lbs of zucchini and slice it into 1/4”-1/2” planks. You can either use a mandolin slicer or a knife. If cutting the zucchini into planks is a little tricky, you can cut them into any shape you like! Try to keep them 1/4”-1/2” thick so they grill in the time specified below.
Make the marinade: Add 2 Tbsp oil, 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp dried basil, ¼ tsp dried parsley, and ¼ tsp black pepper to a small bowl and mix.
Season the zucchini: Pour the marinade mixture over the zucchini slices and toss to coat.
Grill the zucchini: When the grill is hot, place the zucchini directly onto the grates. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your grill. Grill for 2-4 minutes on one side until the zucchini becomes tender and grill marks form.
Flip the zucchini and grill for a further 2-4 minutes on the other side.
Serve: Once the zucchini is tender and has visible char marks, remove it from the grill. Serve with fresh herbs or however you like (see my suggestions below), and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This grilled zucchini recipe is super versatile and easy to pair with whatever you’ve got going on the table. It’s great alongside turkey burgers, grilled proteins, or pasta salad for a summery dinner, but also works beautifully tucked into wraps or tossed into leafy salads. You can also add different flavors and toppings to match the vibe of your meal. Try adding:
- Fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze (as shown in the photo above)
- A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled feta
- A spoonful of basil pesto or romesco sauce
- Chili crisp and toasted sesame seeds
- Whipped ricotta and a drizzle of honey
- White bean hummus and fresh herbs
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil
Storage & Reheating
This grilled zucchini recipe is perfect for meal prep! Keep your leftovers stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold or reheat them in a skillet or on the grill until heated through.
