This grilled zucchini recipe is the best way to prepare this summer vegetable. Rings of zucchini, seasoned and grilled to a crisp and juicy perfection. This is the perfect summer side dish to add to your bbq rotation.

When it comes to summer, nothing beats vegetables on the grill, and zucchini is always a hit! When grilled, zucchini develops a great flavor and texture that makes you forget you’re eating a vegetable.
Zucchini, the Greatest Vegetable of All Time?
I know, I know, it’s a bold statement, but hear me out! Zucchini can be enjoyed in so many ways! From cheesy zucchini fritters to our crispy zucchini fries! Even this simple grilled zucchini packs so much flavor, but it’s so quick to throw together!
Zucchini Bites:
One of our all-time favorite appetizers is our fried zucchini bites! Use this grilled zucchini to make a healthier version of the classic!
Love at First Bite – Yes!
This grilled zucchini recipe makes a simple side that is both healthy and delicious. Zucchini is packed with nutrients and tastes so good it feels like a snack!
Once you bite into the zucchini, you’ll want to make it whenever you get your grill going.
Grilled Zucchini Ingredients:
- Zucchini – when grilling, we prefer to use medium-sized zucchini, but large ones work well too.
- Marinade – a simple blend of olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and ground black pepper is all you need.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and quantities.
How to Grill Zucchini?
It doesn’t get easier than these simple instructions

- Prep zucchini. Wash the zucchini and slice into ¾-inch rings. In a large bowl, toss zucchini with olive oil and seasoning.

2. Grill. Add the zucchini to a preheated grill and cook on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once to get the perfect grill marks.
Zucchini Grilling Tips:
- High-heat: When grilling zucchini, it’s essential to grill it at a high temperature for a short time. This gives the exterior the perfect char without overcooking it and making it soggy.
- Garnish: Elevate your grilled zucchini experience! Place zucchini on a pretty plate, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This creates a simple yet stunning dish.
Summer Side Dishes:
When it comes to a summer meal, we love to grill chicken and serve it with this grilled zucchini, but what else can we add?
Summer is a great time to prepare a make-ahead broccoli salad or even a quick cucumber tomato onion saladwith fresh vegetables from the garden. We seem to really enjoy easier recipes during the summer days, so we can enjoy family time.

Recipe FAQs
The simple marinade adds flavor to the zucchini and can be grilled right away! You can however, marinate up to one day in advance.
To prevent zucchini from becoming soggy, it is essential to cook it over high heat and quickly. Cooking zucchini on low heat will cause it to release too much moisture and be soggy.
You can cut zucchini into circular rings, angled rings, or long spears. Chef’s tip: The thickness of the zucchini slices will result in a quicker or longer cook time, so keep an eye on your zucchini.
Store & Reheat
- Storage. Store leftovers of zucchini in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Reheat. Leftover zucchini can be reheated on the pan until warmed through.
- Freeze. We don’t recommend freezing cooked zucchini, as it will not reheat well.
More Vegetable Side Dish Recipes
If you enjoyed this zucchini recipe, be sure to try our other side dish recipes; here are some of our favorites:
If you tried this grilling zucchini recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below – we appreciate it!
Grilled Zucchini
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini 1 pound, sliced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to high heat. Trim off the ends of each zucchini and cut into ¾-inch rings.
- In a large bowl, toss zucchini in oil and seasonings.
- Combine the seasonings and drizzle on both sides.
- Add the zucchini to the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once.
- Serve and enjoy, friends.
Notes
- Cook perfectly: To achieve the best crispy and juicy zucchini, cook it over high heat. Cooking it on a low heat can result in a soggy end result.
- Serve: When serving zucchini, you can elevate it to the next level! Garnish the zucchini with fresh herbs and drizzle with olive oil!
- Store: Keep leftover zucchini in the fridge for up to 3 days for peak freshness.
