This tasty grilled zucchini is a summer favorite! The fresh zucchini is cooked to perfection, then sprinkled with creamy feta and fragrant basil. It’s healthy and oh-so-easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: I love using medium zucchinis. Their mild flavor becomes sweet when grilled. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash works as a perfect substitute and adds a similar texture and taste.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives a tangy bite to this dish. If you prefer something milder, goat cheese or ricotta can be a good swap. They’ll change the flavor a bit but keep the creaminess!
Basil: Fresh basil is wonderful for its aromatic touch. If you can’t find fresh basil, dried basil can work, but use it sparingly as the flavor is much stronger. Fresh parsley also makes a nice alternative.
Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add crunch and a slight richness. If you have nut allergies, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can give a similar texture without the nuts.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is key for brightness. If you’re out of lemons, a splash of apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar can provide a nice tang.
How Do You Grill Zucchini to Perfection?
Grilling zucchini might seem tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can nail it every time! Start by ensuring your grill is preheated properly; this helps in getting those beautiful grill marks.
- Slice the zucchini into 1/4 inch rounds for even cooking. Thinner slices break more easily, while thicker ones take longer to cook.
- Coat the zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This not only adds flavor but also helps prevent sticking.
- Place the zucchini on the grill across the grates to maximize those impressive grill marks!
- Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side until tender and marked. Don’t skip checking — overcooked zucchini can become mushy.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Basil
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 10-15 minutes to grill. In just about 25-30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and healthy side dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
First, fire up your grill and set it to medium-high heat. This will ensure the zucchini gets nice and charred with grill marks.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
In a large bowl, add the sliced zucchini along with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to toss everything together until the zucchini is well coated in the oil and seasonings. This step really helps enhance the flavor while grilling!
3. Grill the Zucchini:
Now, place the zucchini slices directly on the grill. Let them grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for them to become tender and to develop those beautiful grill marks. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t need a bit longer!
4. Transfer and Top:
Once the zucchini is perfectly grilled, carefully transfer it to a serving bowl. While it’s still warm, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, chopped basil, and toasted pine nuts over the top. These toppings will add fantastic flavors and texture!
5. Drizzle with Lemon:
Finally, squeeze the juice of one lemon over the grilled zucchini and toppings. Gently toss everything together with a spatula to mix the delicious flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your grilled zucchini warm and add lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy this tasty veggie delight with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Cheese Instead of Feta?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a creamier texture, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste profile will change slightly, so pick a cheese you enjoy!
How to Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the feta cheese. You can replace it with crumbled tofu seasoned with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Additionally, consider adding extra toasted nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor.
Can I Prepare the Zucchini In Advance?
Yes, you can slice the zucchini and marinate it in olive oil, salt, and pepper up to 3 hours in advance. Just cover the bowl and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This will enhance the flavor and make your prep easier!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss the zucchini in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or you can enjoy it cold in salads for a refreshing dish!
