If you are looking for a vibrant, healthy dish that bursts with fresh flavors, the Grilled Zucchini with Fresh Herbs and Optional Toppings Recipe is an absolute must-try. This simple yet delicious recipe highlights tender grilled zucchini strips infused with a garlicky olive oil blend and brightened with fresh herbs. The optional toppings like toasted pine nuts and crumbled feta add delightful texture and richness, making this dish as satisfying as it is colorful. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, light dinners, or as a standout side that everybody will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients come together in this dish, each one playing a crucial role in creating a balance of smoky, savory, and bright flavors. The simplicity of the ingredients lets the zucchini shine while the herbaceous notes and optional toppings elevate every bite.
- 3 medium zucchini, cut into long, 1/4 inch strips: Choose firm, fresh zucchini for the best texture when grilled.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: This adds rich flavor and prevents the zucchini from sticking to the grill.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the zucchini.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a mild kick and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a fragrant base note without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness at the end.
- Optional toppings – chopped fresh basil leaves: Beautiful for extra green color and aromatic lift.
- Optional toppings – 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts: Brings a buttery crunch to contrast the soft zucchini.
- Optional toppings – 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese: Adds a savory, tangy creaminess that complements the grilled vegetables.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini with Fresh Herbs and Optional Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Whether using a traditional grill or a grill pan on the stovetop, start by heating it to medium-high. This temperature is perfect for getting those lovely grill marks without burning the delicate zucchini strips.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Cut the zucchini into long strips about a quarter inch thick. This size ensures the zucchini cooks evenly and quickly while holding together nicely on the grill. Place the strips in a large mixing bowl to get ready for seasoning.
Step 3: Make the Olive Oil Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. This blend brings out the zucchini’s natural flavor while adding just the right amount of seasoning.
Step 4: Toss Zucchini with Seasoning
Pour the olive oil mixture over the zucchini strips and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. This step is essential to prevent the zucchini from drying out during grilling and ensures every bite is flavorful.
Step 5: Grill the Zucchini
Place the zucchini strips carefully on the preheated grill. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side until you see beautiful grill lines forming. Flip the strips over and grill for another 2 to 4 minutes until tender but still firm. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs and Optional Toppings
Arrange the grilled zucchini strips on a large serving platter. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. If you like, add chopped basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and crumbled feta cheese for extra dimension and taste. These toppings bring a gourmet touch that turns a simple dish into something spectacular.
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini with Fresh Herbs and Optional Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and basil are the stars of this dish’s garnish, lending lively green color and fragrant notes that brighten every bite. Toasted pine nuts provide a lovely crunch while feta cheese adds a creamy, salty balance. Feel free to experiment with lemon zest or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an added zing.
Side Dishes
This grilled zucchini pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a hearty addition to a grain bowl. It can also stand alone as a light vegetarian option or complement summery salads and crusty bread for a casual yet elegant meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack the grilled zucchini strips in a colorful layered salad or roll them up with goat cheese for bite-sized appetizers. You can also chop them into chunks and mix with quinoa or couscous for a refreshing, herbaceous salad. The versatile Grilled Zucchini with Fresh Herbs and Optional Toppings Recipe adapts easily to your creative whims.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled zucchini should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick meals or snacks throughout the week without sacrificing freshness.
Freezing
Freezing grilled zucchini is possible but not ideal as it can become watery and lose texture upon thawing. If you must freeze, place cooled strips in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, and use them within 1 to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the zucchini in a skillet over low heat or use a microwave. Avoid high heat to maintain the tender texture without drying them out. You can also enjoy them cold or at room temperature tossed into salads or wraps for added convenience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?
Absolutely! Yellow squash or pattypan squash work wonderfully in this recipe and can be grilled using the same method to provide a slightly different flavor and color variation.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
No worries, you can roast the zucchini strips in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, to achieve similar results with a slightly different texture.
Are the optional toppings necessary?
The recipe is perfect as-is with just fresh herbs, but the toppings like pine nuts, basil, and feta add fantastic layers of flavor and texture if you want to dress it up.
How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming mushy on the grill?
Cut the strips evenly and keep them about 1/4 inch thick. Also, avoid overcooking by grilling just until tender with nice grill marks, which preserves a pleasant bite.
Can I prepare the zucchini ahead of time before grilling?
Yes, you can slice and season the zucchini a few hours ahead and refrigerate it covered, then grill right before serving for maximum freshness and ease.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about the simplicity and freshness of the Grilled Zucchini with Fresh Herbs and Optional Toppings Recipe. It’s a dish that feels light but packs a flavorful punch, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try at your next meal and watch just how quickly this beautiful, easy recipe becomes a new favorite!
Print
Grilled Zucchini with Fresh Herbs and Optional Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and healthy recipe for grilled zucchini strips seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then topped with fresh parsley and optional basil, pine nuts, and feta cheese. Perfect as a flavorful side dish or light appetizer.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini, cut into long, 1/4 inch strips
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Grill. Heat your grill or a grill pan on the stovetop to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the zucchini strips.
- Prepare Zucchini. Slice the zucchini into long, thin strips about 1/4 inch thick and place them in a large mixing bowl to get ready for seasoning.
- Make Seasoning Mix. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, stirring to blend all the flavors together.
- Toss Zucchini with Seasoning. Pour the olive oil mixture over the zucchini strips in the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Grill Zucchini. Arrange the zucchini strips on the preheated grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until grill marks appear, then flip and continue grilling for another 2 to 4 minutes until tender.
- Serve with Toppings. Transfer the grilled zucchini to a large platter, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, top with fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and crumbled feta cheese for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure zucchini strips are evenly sliced for consistent grilling.
- Use a grill pan if outdoor grilling isn’t available.
- Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
- To toast pine nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a Mediterranean meal.
