If you are looking for a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make vegetable dish, the Grilled Zucchini with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan Recipe is your new go-to. Combining the smoky char of grilled zucchini with a vibrant herb marinade and a nutty Parmesan finish, this dish offers an irresistible balance of textures and tastes. It’s perfect as a light side or a standout appetizer, bringing a bright touch to any meal with its luscious olive oil base, fragrant herbs, and savory cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this grilled zucchini dish so memorable. Fresh herbs brighten the palate, garlic gives it a savory punch, and Parmesan adds just the right amount of richness.
- Olive oil: The base of the marinade, it helps coat the zucchini evenly and keeps it juicy during grilling.
- Chopped fresh herbs (basil, thyme, parsley): These add vibrant color and a fresh, aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.
- Minced garlic: A classic pairing that introduces a warm, savory depth.
- Onion powder: Offers a subtle sweet-savory undertone without overpowering the herbs.
- Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of zucchini and herbs.
- Ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Zucchini: Fresh and sliced into perfect half-inch strips for quick grilling and a tender bite.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A nutty, salty topping that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
Begin by whisking together the olive oil, chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. This mixture is the heart of the recipe, infusing the zucchini with bright, layered flavors as it marinates.
Step 2: Reserve Some Marinade
Set aside about one-third of the marinade for drizzling later. This allows you to enhance the finished zucchini without washing away those beautiful herb-infused grilling marks.
Step 3: Marinate the Zucchini
Place the sliced zucchini in a casserole dish and pour the remaining marinade over it. Toss gently so each slice is coated well, then cover and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes. This step is what transforms simple zucchini into a flavor-packed delight.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium heat, ideally between 350-375°F. This temperature is perfect for achieving tender zucchini with attractive, caramelized grill marks without burning the fresh herbs.
Step 5: Grill the Zucchini
Grill each zucchini slice for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’ll notice the zucchini soften beautifully and develop a subtle, smoky char that complements the herbaceous marinade perfectly.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Marinade
Once grilled, arrange the zucchini on a serving plate, drizzle with the reserved marinade, and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an irresistible salty, creamy finish.
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, consider garnishing with extra fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A light squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish beautifully, offering a zesty contrast to the rich Parmesan.
Side Dishes
This grilled zucchini pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or a hearty grain salad. It’s also fantastic alongside crusty bread and a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Use the grilled zucchini strips as colorful layers in a vegetable terrine or roll them around soft goat cheese for an elegant appetizer. You can also chop the grilled zucchini and toss it into pasta or a salad for a quick flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after resting, making leftovers just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
While zucchini’s texture changes after freezing, you can freeze grilled zucchini if necessary. Place cooled zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Use frozen zucchini mainly for cooked dishes later, as the texture softens.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture when reheating, warm leftover zucchini gently in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or use the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the zucchini from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs provide the brightest, most vibrant flavor in this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, dried herbs can work. Use about one-third of the amount listed, and add them to the marinade early so they have time to rehydrate.
Is Parmesan cheese optional?
Absolutely! Parmesan adds a savory, nutty element that many love, but including it is optional. You can also substitute with Pecorino Romano or skip cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.
Can this recipe be made on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes! A grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully and allows you to enjoy the grilled zucchini flavor even without an outdoor grill. Just watch the heat to prevent burning.
How long can the zucchini marinate?
Marinating for a minimum of 30 minutes is ideal to let the flavors soak in, but zucchini can marinate safely for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator without losing texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the grill?
Definitely! This marinade complements many other veggies like bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus. Just adjust grilling times accordingly, since some veggies cook faster or slower than zucchini.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Grilled Zucchini with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s simple but bursting with fresh flavor and the perfect way to celebrate summer’s bounty. Whether you serve it as a light side or a star appetizer, it promises to brighten your table and your taste buds!
Print
Grilled Zucchini with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Zucchini recipe is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy fresh summer squash. Marinated with olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection, this dish is perfect as a healthy side or a light vegetarian main. The subtle smokiness from the grill complements the bright herb marinade, and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish.
Ingredients
Marinade
- â…” cup olive oil
- ½ cup chopped fresh herbs (basil, thyme, and/or parsley)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Zucchini
- 3 zucchini, sliced into ½-inch strips
Optional Topping
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together the olive oil, chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Reserve Marinade: Set aside â…“ cup of the marinade for serving later, ensuring the remaining marinade is used for soaking the zucchini.
- Marinate Zucchini: Place the sliced zucchini into a casserole dish and pour the remaining marinade over it. Toss the zucchini to coat evenly.
- Let It Rest: Allow the zucchini to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the herb and garlic flavors fully.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, approximately 350-375°F, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
- Grill Zucchini: Place the marinated zucchini strips on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they have nice grill marks and are tender but not mushy.
- Serve: Drizzle the reserved marinade over the grilled zucchini and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm as a side dish or light entree.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; basil, thyme, and parsley can be mixed as per your preference.
- Do not overcook the zucchini on the grill to maintain a firm texture and prevent sogginess.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the zucchini on a grill pan or under a broiler.
- Parmesan is optional but adds a nice umami touch to the dish.
- Leftover grilled zucchini can be refrigerated and used cold in salads or reheated gently.
