Grilled Zucchini

My Simple Grilled Zucchini Recipe: A Summer Garden Staple

Summer is my absolute favorite time of year, not just for the sunshine and long days, but also for the abundance of fresh produce from my garden. This year, my zucchini plants have been particularly prolific, resulting in a mountain of these versatile green vegetables. I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to use them, beyond the usual zucchini bread (though I do love that too!).

That's where this incredibly simple, yet incredibly delicious, grilled zucchini recipe comes in. I actually owe this one to my friend Mike – he came up with the idea, and I've been hooked ever since. It's the perfect side dish for any summer barbecue, adding a touch of freshness and flavor to the usual suspects. But it's more than just a side; it's a star in its own right. The grilling process brings out a subtle sweetness in the zucchini that's absolutely irresistible, and the simple seasoning allows that natural flavor to shine through.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. Even on a busy weeknight, when time is short, this recipe is quick enough to fit into even the most jam-packed schedule. The prep time is minimal, and the cooking time is even less. You can have this amazing dish ready to serve in under fifteen minutes.

Beyond the Barbecue:

While I love this grilled zucchini as a summer barbecue staple, it's incredibly versatile. It's equally delicious as a side to grilled chicken or fish, or even added to a fresh summer salad. The slightly charred edges and tender interior add a wonderful textural contrast to any meal.

Making it Your Own:

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. While I love the simple garlic, pepper, and Cajun blend, you could easily swap it out for Italian herbs, lemon pepper, or even a smoky paprika for a different flavor profile. You can also add other vegetables to the grill alongside the zucchini – bell peppers, onions, and even eggplant would all be wonderful additions.

More than just a recipe; it’s a memory. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a connection to a friend, a celebration of summer, and a testament to the simplicity of truly delicious food. It's the kind of recipe that will become a staple in your summer cooking repertoire, bringing the flavors of sunshine and fresh produce to your table time and time again.

A quick note on serving:

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can serve it as is, right off the grill, or let it cool slightly before adding it to your favorite summer dish. Either way, it's sure to be a hit. I often serve it alongside grilled meats or fish, but it's also fantastic as part of a vegetarian or vegan-friendly menu. No matter how you choose to serve it, you can be sure of one thing: your taste buds will thank you.

So, this summer, don't let those zucchini languish in your garden. Give this easy grilled zucchini recipe a try. It's a surefire way to enjoy the bounty of summer, one delicious bite at a time.

Let me know in the comments how you like to prepare zucchini!

Step-by-step

• Slice the zucchini into 1/4 inch fillets - longways.
• Mix the olive oil and all the seasonings in a one cup mixing container or small bowl.
• Coat all of the zucchini pieces in the mixture and place on a plate to take out to the grill.
• Make sure the grill is pre-heated and place the seasoned zucchini slices on the grilling surface.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side.
• Note The zucchini should be soft throughout when poked with a fork and have nice grill marks on each side when they are done. Some pieces may need to be rotated and cooked a little longer if they are on the edge of the grill or out of the sweet spot. Now you have a great side dish or something special to treat your vegetarian friends that you can cook alongside the dogs and burgers at your next cookout or family gathering.