How To Grill Zucchini Spears

Zucchini Parmesan Recipes Are So Healthy And Delicious

How to Grill Potato & Zucchini Spears: Cooking with Kimberly

You really cant go wrong with zucchini. It is so easy to cook and delicious.

Try this easy recipe and let us know how you like it. I bet your entire family will really love it.

We just love to grill. It is so easy and the flavor is like none other on the grill.

This is one of our favorite veggies on the grill. You can easily flavor it with whatever you have on hand.

It is sure to be a hit and a recipe to enjoy all summer long. Yum!

How Long Do Zucchini Take On The Grill On Skewers

Zucchini can be cooked on skewers by itself or alongside other vegetables. Zucchini takes 10 to 15 minutes to get tender, so if you are using other vegetables on your skewer or meats, look for vegetables with similar cooking times like tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, chicken, and steak cuts of beef.

How Long Do You Grill Zucchini

Zucchini will take about 10 minutes to grill on medium heat, with the grill between 350-375 degrees. This is the ideal temperature for grilling zucchini so that the zucchini doesn’t burn on the outside before it is cooked through.

For thinner sliced zucchini, like those cut into thin planks or coins, they may cook more quickly needing just 3-4 minutes per side.

Whenever you are grilling zucchini, you will want to flip it over so that you can get grill marks and that delicious charred taste on both sides.

Read Also: How To Grill Boneless Chicken Breast

What Zucchini Is Best For Grilling

Either Black Beauty Zucchini or Gourmet Gold are excellent for grilling but if you can get your hands on Green Griller Zucchini, then youve hit the jackpot. This type of zucchini boasts a fatter, blockier oblong shape which yields broad, more uniform slices that are easy to flip and a texture that holds well after cooking. Its flavor is also deliciously nutty.

Spices For Roasted Zucchini

Grilled Zucchini Spears From Barbecue In Serving Dish On ...

This recipe includes my go-to combination of Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and lemon. Its always a crowd pleaser and goes with just about anything.

For more options, you can also:

  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Add a clove of minced garlic.
  • Swap the Italian seasoning for chili powder and the lemon juice for lime.
  • Top the Roasted Zucchini with fresh herbs. Dill and basil are two of my favorites.
  • Swap the Parmesan for crumbled feta. Sprinkle the feta on after the zucchini has baked.

You May Like: How To Cook Grilled Cheese On Stove

How To Store Roasted Zucchini

In general, I do not recommend freezing zucchini due to its high water content. Frozen zucchini becomes mushy when thawed.

Roasted Zucchini, however, is easy to store in your refrigerator! Heres how:

  • After the Roasted Zucchini has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.
  • Roasted Zucchini can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat Roasted Zucchini: Arrange it in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Reheat at 400 degrees F, just until the zucchini is hot. Do not overbake, or it will become soggy.

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.

Also Check: How To Grill A Boneless Chicken Breast

How To Quarter Zucchini

For this recipe, I love the idea of zucchini spears. To cut zucchini into spears, first wash the zucchini in cold or lukewarm water. Next, cut off the two ends of the zucchini. Then, cut lengthwise in half. Cut in half again and you will have four zucchini spears per zucchini. If your zucchini is extra small, just cut them each in half.

Can You Freeze Oven Baked Zucchini

Easy Keto Grilled Zucchini Spears | Keto Recipes

Yes, you can also freeze roasted zucchini squash. Freeze in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag when its frozen solid.

TIP: If youre going to freeze zucchini, its best to under cook it a bit. That way, it wont be overcooked when you reheat.

Do not freeze raw zucchini, though. The enzymes in raw vegetables, especially those with high water content like zucchini, will ruin the texture if you freeze them raw.

You May Like: Weber Q3200 Vs Spirit E 210

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. Youll want to let your zucchini soak up the marinade for at least 20 minutes, but its 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 its not grilling weather, I opt for for my indoor grill pan on the stove.

What Toppings Can I Put On Grilled Zucchini

The grilled zucchini can be served as is or you can add toppings of your choice. We simply garnished it with a little parsley for added color. Here are a few more options:

  • cilantro
  • balsamic vinegar

How do you grill zucchini?

Preheat the grill and grease the grates. Add the sliced and seasoned zucchini. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Zucchini can be grilled directly on the grill grates, on skewers, in grilling baskets or in foil packets.

How do you cut zucchini for grilling?

Zucchini is often sliced into long pieces referred to as planks for grilling. It can also be sliced in half, cut into spears, or into circles . The slicing can be done with a sharp kitchen knife or with a mandolin slicer.

What should I serve with grilled zucchini?

Grilled zucchini goes well with grilled meat such as chicken, pork, fish, or steak.

Also Check: How Long Do You Grill Pork Tenderloin

Tips For Cooking Zucchini Recipes:

Zucchini cooks very quickly so make sure not to leave it too long. You dont want it to turn to mush.

In less than 10 minutes, your family can enjoy a delicious and healthy side dish! Try adding some red pepper flakes for a little kick.

I love that it is so quick to fix zucchini. It allows me to get dinner on the table fast and spend more time with my family.

The kids even enjoy helping and we have the best time together.

Want More Vegetable Side Dish Recipes Try These Next:

Grilled Zucchini Spears with Lemon Vinaigrette

A Tomato Cucumber Salad with fresh summer vegetables is always a hit at barbecues and picnics. This quick, easy side dish can be prepared ahead of time.

Heres how to grill corn on the cob with the husks. Its so easy to do with no prep, no soaking, and no peeling the sweet corn beforehand.

Bloomin Grilled Potatoes are a fun, delicious side dish to serve at a backyard barbecue or cookout. Everyone will love this recipe for grilled veggies.

This Fried Corn recipe with crumbled bacon is a quick, irresistible side dish that your family will ask for again and again!

Recommended Reading: Cook Prime Rib On Gas Grill

What To Serve With It

This marinated grilled zucchini is the perfect summer side dish for just about any meal. But since youre already firing up the grill, might as well throw the rest of the meal on there as well! I like to pair the zucchini with grilled meats and sometimes another grilled vegetable.

Here are a few of the recipes weve made to pair with the zucchini over the last two years!

Is Grilling Zucchini Difficult

There are really only a couple steps. First, mix up the simple marinade Then, cut the zucchini. Your first instinct might be to cut thick slices of the zucchini. Ive tried this, and dont care for the texture this yields. When grilled, zucchini slices tend to get to soft and floppy.

I prefer to cut lengthwise into quarters. Cutting in quarters seems to give more structure to a spear, mainly due to the skin. For a smaller zucchini, cutting in half will suffice.

Pour the marinade over the zucchini and let it sit to absorb the flavors. I recommend at least 30 minutes marinating time, but a couple of hours works, too. Very handy when youre preparing in advance.

Then, place the zucchini on a preheated grill. Use medium to high heat to crisp up the edges. Each side will need about 4-5 minutes. Note: Be sure to monitor this. Every grill has areas that are a little hotter than others, so you might end up moving the pieces around to control the cooking time. You also might have to turn some pieces faster than others.

Thats it! Youre done.

Read Also: How To Grill Boneless Chicken Breast

Additional Information And Faq

What other spices can I use in the zucchini marinade?

I keep it basic with just olive oil and garlic, but you can certainly add more spices to change up the taste. Here are a few ideas: – Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the olive oil and garlic marinade. Mix it well before pouring over the zucchini. – Use Italian seasoning and garlic per above. Grill per normal. Then, when the zucchini is nearly done, brush each piece with a little balsamic vinegar. Sear each edge again quickly, then remove and serve. – Add a touch of Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper or hot sauce to give the zucchini a spicy kick! – This doesnt go in the marinade, but I really enjoy a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right before serving. Add quantity as desired.

Is grilled zucchini healthy?

Zucchini is full of vitamins and minerals including folate, riboflavin, manganese and Vitamin C. Low in calories and high in fiber, zucchini seems to work with pretty much any diet!

Curious fact

Is Zucchini a vegetable or a fruit? The answer is: Yes. First, Zucchini is a type of squash and in a culinary context, its treated as a vegetable. However, botanically speaking, zucchinis are fruit, a type of botanical berry that comes from the zucchini flower. Mind. Blown.

More About Recipe For Grilled Zucchini Spears

How to Cook Grilled Zucchini
ROASTED PARMESAN GARLIC ZUCCHINI SPEARS | THE RECIPE CRITIC

FromReviewsServingsCuisineCategory

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut zucchini lengthwise into quarters, then cut in half widthwise. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Lay the zucchini on the cookie sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • In a small bow whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon peel, garlic, and oregano. Drizzle over zucchini spears. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. To give more of a crisp edge, broil for the last 3 minutes.
GARLIC GRILLED ZUCCHINI – SLENDER …

FromCuisineCategoryServingsTotal Time

  • Cut the zucchini into spears. Start by cutting the zucchini in half and then in half again so you have four quarters. For large zucchini, you may need to cut them into eights.
  • Place directly on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes and then flip over carefully using tongs. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the other side or until tender with dark grill marks. Serve immediately.
BEST GRILLED ZUCCHINI RECIPE – HOW TO GRILL ZUCCHINI …

FromOccupationCuisineTotal Time

  • Preheat grill on medium-high. In a large bowl, toss zucchini with oil, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Once grill is hot, carefully use tongs to rub an oiled paper towel over grates.
GRILLED ZUCCHINI SPEARS – EASY GRILLED ZUCCHINI RECIPE

FromReviewsServingsCuisineCategoryFromFrom

Don’t Miss: Should The Grill Be Open Or Closed

How To Roast Zucchini Without It Getting Soggy

The key to perfect roasted zucchini is high heat. Roast at 400 degrees F, and not for too long. The roasting time will vary depending on the size and shape of your zucchini pieces, so check on it occasionally.

TIP: Broil your zucchini at the end, if you want to brown it more without making it more soggy.

How To Slice Zucchini For Grilling

When it comes to slicing zucchini for the grill, you have two options: Cut the zucchini lengthwise into thick steaks, or thinly shave zucchini into ribbons. Avoid slicing zucchini into rounds, which require constant flipping and can easily fall between the grates.

Thick zucchini steaks have a large surface area for grill marks, and therefore pick up a lot of smoky flavor. Theyre easy to maneuver, too. Serve these veggie steaks as-is, or chop them into 1-inch pieces and toss with herbs and salty cheese.

Zucchini ribbons are much more delicate and cook more quickly. Thinly shave zucchini into ribbons with a Y-peeler or mandoline, then weave them accordion-style onto skewers. Toss the grilled ribbons with other grilled veggies for a summery salad, pile them high atop tender shrimp or planks of grill-marked halloumi, or swirl them into grilled gnocchi.

Also Check: What Temperature To Grill Pork Chops

More Easy Zucchini Recipes

Zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables to add to pastas, stir-fries, soups and more. Here are a few zucchini recipes youll love:

  • If youre looking for low carb Zucchini Lasagna, this recipe is the comforting, hot, meaty, cheesy, saucy, low-carb, gluten free, keto answer. You will be obsessed!
  • You can also make zucchini into low carb spiralized noodles, then top them with any of your favorite comfort foods such as Chicken Stroganoff or Beef Stroganoff, Bolognese,Chicken Florentine, Tuscan Salmon, or Alfredo Sauce.
  • This Zucchini Casserole recipe is a creamy indulgent side made with layers of sliced zucchini, drenched with cheesy cream sauce that has been simmered with herbs and then topped with bubbly golden Gruyere cheese and buttery, crispy panko.
  • These Stuffed Zucchini Boats are loaded with juicy, fiesta seasoned shrimp, sweet corn, crunchy bell peppers, punchy red onions, spicy jalapenos all tossed with fresh lime juice and zesty cilantro. They are quick, easy, tangy, bright, refreshing, guilt-free, low-carb, and a healthier dinner the whole family will love!
  • My Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins are super low calorie but bursting with triple the chocolate!
  • How To Make Grilled Zucchini Spears With Lemon Vinaigrette

    Roasted Zucchini Spears

    Adapted recipe by For the Love of Cooking.netOriginal recipe from Cuisine at Home, August 2010

    • Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
    • 1 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
    • 1 tbsp low fat feta cheese
    • 1 tbsp basil, chopped

    Toss the zucchini with olive oil then season with sea salt and pepper in a bowl. Grill the zucchini on the grill on one side until the grill marks appear, about 2 minutes. Flip wedges and grill an additional 1-2 minutes. Cut each quarter in half crosswise, return to bowl.

    Pour the vinaigrette over the zucchini. Add the pine nuts, feta cheese, and basil then toss gently to coat evenly. Serve warm. Enjoy.

    Recommended Reading: Where Are Pit Boss Grills Manufactured

    How To Make Perfect Grilled Zucchini:

  • I like to use a mandoline slices to slice the zucchini in perfectly even slices, and I cut them on the diagonal for more surface area on the grill.
  • Mix together your favorite low-sugar vinaigrette, garlic powder, and a few teaspoons of dried Italian herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary.
  • I almost always use Newmans Own Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing but any dressing thats low in sugar will work.
  • Put the zucchini in a single layer in a heavy Ziploc bag, dump in the marinade, and let it marinate in the fridge for several hours
  • When its time to cook, let the zucchini drain well in a colander placed in the sink while you preheat the grill to medium-high.
  • There is oil in the marinade to keep the zucchini from sticking, but if you have non-stick spray for the grill Id use it before you start heating the grill.
  • When the grill is not, lay zucchini on an angle to the grill grates and cook 3-4 minutes.
  • Then lift one piece to see if grill marks are showing, and when they are, rotate each piece going the opposite direction to get those criss-cross marks.
  • Then turn and cook a few minutes more on the second side.
  • I cook zucchini about 10-12 minutes total, or slightly less if you want more crunch left in them.
  • Season with salt and fresh-ground black pepper and enjoy!
  • How Are You Going To Cook Grilled Zucchini Spears Enjoy

    You seriously cant go wrong however you decide to cook the zucchini spears. They are flavorful and delicious.

    I love when I find something that does not bust the budget and everyone loves. Plus, it is so easy to fix.

    This is perfect for large families or if you need to feed a crowd. Put some of these zucchini spears on the grill and you will have the perfect side dish for your Summer BBQs.

    In as little as 3-4 minutes on each side, you will have perfectly grilled zucchini every time. If I am in a hurry, I just season with salt and olive oil.

    It is easy and delicious. I also love balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. Add a dash of garlic powder and so good.

    We love grilled zucchini. Sometimes, we add in a little squash with the zucchini and so good.

    I love to use what we have because it saves money and time. This really helps to keep the budget reasonable.

    Don’t Miss: Beer Can Chicken Stand Lowes

    How Thick Should You Slice The Zucchini And Squash

    I recommend slices around 1/2 inch thick and no thinner than 1/3 inch. If your slices are too thin theyll cook too quickly and may stick to the grill. Thicker slices will require more cook time. The most important thing is to try to keep your slices the same so everything cooks evenly and in the same amount of time.

    Popular Articles

    More Recipes Like This