This Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini might become your new favorite way to cook zucchini for a side dish! With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or even quick weeknight meals. The combination of olive oil, Greek seasoning, and feta cheese elevates this humble vegetable into a delicious treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Healthy Side Dish: Packed with nutrients, zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber.
- Flavorful Seasoning: The generous use of Greek seasoning enhances the natural taste of zucchini.
- Versatile Pairing: Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini complements a wide range of main dishes from grilled meats to pasta.
- Easy Cleanup: Minimal equipment means less time spent on cleanup after cooking.
Tools and Preparation
For this recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools to ensure smooth cooking. Having the right tools will make grilling your zucchini much easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stovetop Grill Pan
- Basting Brush
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Serving Platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Stovetop Grill Pan: This tool allows you to achieve those beautiful grill marks indoors, adding flavor and presentation.
- Basting Brush: Use this to evenly apply olive oil and seasoning on your zucchini for better flavor infusion.
- Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for preparing your zucchini quickly and safely.
Ingredients
This Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini might become your new favorite way to cook zucchini for a side dish!
For the Zucchini
- 4 small zucchini
- 2 T olive oil to brush zucchini (use the best quality)
- 2 T Greek Seasoning (generous amount recommended)
For Garnish
- 3/4 cup crumbled Feta Cheese (more or less to taste)
How to Make Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim both ends.
- Cut each small zucchini into four lengthwise pieces; cut larger zucchinis into six lengthwise pieces.
- If using larger zucchinis with many seeds, trim away excess seeds along the edges.
Step 2: Season the Zucchini
- Brush both sides of the cut zucchini with olive oil.
- Sprinkle generously with Greek seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill Pan
- Preheat your stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat until hot enough for grilling.
Step 4: Grill the Zucchini
- Lay the zucchini crosswise on the grill grates with the flat side down.
- Cook for about 3 minutes or until nice grill marks appear.
- Flip the zucchini so that the other flat side is down, cooking for another 3 minutes until marked.
- Finally, turn each piece so that the green skin side is down and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Serve
- Arrange the grilled zucchini on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini as a unique side dish that brings fresh flavors to any meal!
How to Serve Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini
Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini is a delightful and versatile dish that can complement many meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Fresh Salad Topping
- Crisp Greens: Add grilled zucchini on top of mixed greens for a refreshing salad.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Combine with olives, cherry tomatoes, and red onion for a Greek-inspired salad.
With Grains
- Quinoa Bowl: Serve the zucchini over a bed of quinoa for added texture and protein.
- Rice Pilaf: Pair with fragrant rice pilaf to create a filling side dish.
In Wraps or Sandwiches
- Pita Wraps: Stuff grilled zucchini into pita bread with hummus and fresh veggies.
- Panini Delight: Layer in a panini with feta cheese and roasted red peppers for a hearty sandwich.
As Part of a Charcuterie Board
- Colorful Addition: Include in a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, nuts, and other grilled vegetables.
- Dippable Treat: Serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
How to Perfect Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini
To ensure your Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.
- Bold Seasoning: Use generous amounts of Greek seasoning for enhanced flavor.
- High-Quality Olive Oil: Brush your zucchini with the best olive oil for richer taste.
- Proper Heat: Make sure your grill pan is preheated to achieve beautiful grill marks.
- Even Cooking: Turn the zucchini frequently for even cooking on all sides.
- Check Tenderness: Use a fork to test the tenderness; it should pierce easily when done.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving for extra flair.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini
Pairing Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options you might consider.
- Lemon Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with lemon juice and herbs complements the flavors perfectly.
- Greek Couscous Salad: A light salad made from couscous, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta adds freshness.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty balance.
- Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad featuring chickpeas, bell peppers, and feta enhances the dish’s nutrition.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Quinoa tossed with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley offers ample flavor.
- Tzatziki Sauce Dip: This cooling yogurt-based dip pairs beautifully and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the Olive Oil: Failing to brush the zucchini with olive oil can lead to sticking on the grill. Always use a good-quality olive oil for flavor and to prevent sticking.
- Not Preheating the Grill: Cooking on a cold grill can result in uneven cooking and fewer grill marks. Preheat your stovetop grill pan for best results.
- Over-seasoning or Under-seasoning: Using too little or too much Greek seasoning can affect flavor. Start with a generous sprinkle and adjust according to taste.
- Cutting Zucchini Unevenly: Inconsistent sizes can cause uneven cooking. Make sure all pieces are cut uniformly for even grilling.
- Ignoring Cooking Time: Overcooking zucchini can make it mushy. Keep an eye on your zucchini, aiming for a tender yet firm texture.
- Not Using Fresh Feta: Using pre-crumbled feta might not provide the same taste as fresh feta. Opt for fresh feta cheese for richer flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store grilled zucchini in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini
- Place grilled zucchini in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place zucchini on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place zucchini in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and sauté until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What is the best way to serve Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini?
This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone appetizer. You can also serve it over salads or grain bowls.
Can I customize Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables or change the seasoning according to your preference.
How do I know when my zucchini is done grilling?
Zucchini is done when it’s tender but still firm enough to hold its shape, usually after about 9-10 minutes of grilling.
Final Thoughts
Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini is not only a simple side dish but also incredibly versatile. Its delightful flavors make it perfect alongside any meal, while customization options allow you to cater it to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it fresh off the grill or reheated later, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini
Easy Grilled Greek Zucchini is a delicious and healthy side dish that transforms simple zucchini into a flavorful delight. With a quick preparation time of just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners. The combination of high-quality olive oil, bold Greek seasoning, and creamy feta cheese elevates the humble vegetable, making it a favorite among family and friends. Whether served alongside grilled meats, tossed in salads, or enjoyed on its own, this versatile dish adds a burst of Mediterranean flavor to any meal.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 small zucchini
- 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Wash and trim zucchini; slice lengthwise into quarters.
- Brush both sides with olive oil and generously sprinkle with Greek seasoning.
- Preheat a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill zucchini for 3 minutes on each flat side until grill marks appear. Cook skin side down for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Serve on a platter topped with crumbled feta cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving. You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or eggplant for variety.