I have a whole section of my website dedicated to grilling. Not just burgers, but all kinds of protein and vegetables! I would grill everything all the time if I could! I love adding fun twists on traditional grilled recipes and this grilled zucchini recipe is the perfect example of that.

This zucchini is technically marinated, but not in the way you’d assume. Marinating usually happens before cooking, but in this case, the marinade happens afterward!

This is the Best Grilled Zucchini

Adding a drizzle of herby vinaigrette (that’s only a few ingredients!) AFTER the zucchini comes off the grill is what makes this recipe special.

Why do this? The heat from the freshly grilled zucchini wakes up the marinade and allows the briny, herby flavors to shine. It tastes fresher. And you won’t risk burning the olive oil on the grill. Try it. You’ll love it.

What you’ll need to cook Zucchini on the Grill

• Zucchini
• Garlic
• Vinegar: red wine & balsamic are my favorites for this recipe
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh minced herbs: Sometimes dried herbs will do, but in this case, I highly recommend using fresh. Mint, rosemary, thyme, basil, or dill would be especially good.
• Kosher salt & black pepper

How to Grill Zucchini

1. Preheat a BBQ grill or stove-top grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Add zucchini slices to hot grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until nice grill marks form.
3. Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients.
4. Place grilled zucchini on a platter and drizzle the vinaigrette over it while it’s still hot. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

How to cut zucchini for grilling

I like to cut my zucchini into diagonal pieces that are 1/3-1/2 inch thick or into long planks. Small pieces will fall easily between the grill grates. If your zucchini is sliced really thin you’ll want to keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

How long to grill zucchini slices

If the zucchini is about 1/2-inch thick it should only need to cook 2-3 minutes on each side.

Grilled Zucchini Recipe Variations

• Experiment with vinegars and herbs to find a combination that you especially love.
• Give this recipe some heat by adding a few pinches of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Use this method with other types of vegetables! Other vegetables that would work well include yellow squash, thinly sliced eggplant, bell pepper halves, cherry tomatoes (use a grill skillet), and even halloumi cheese or blocks of feta cheese.

Serving Marinated Zucchini

Pair this zucchini with just about any type of grilled meat or burgers! It makes a great potluck option, too, that is a fun change from a traditional green salad.

You can also put a few of these ON your burger, or a hot sandwich! Steve and I recently made some grilled turkey sandwiches and added some of these leftover grilled zucchini pieces to them and… wow. So so good.

Storing Grilled Zucchini Slices

This dish is best eaten right away, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. You could pull it out later, chop it up and add it to a breakfast scramble or rice bowl.