This grilled zucchini dish is a fantastic summer treat! The tender zucchini is paired with creamy feta cheese and fresh basil for a burst of flavor. It’s light, tasty, and oh-so-easy to make!
I love how the grill adds a nice char to the zucchini. Plus, who can resist that combo of feta and basil? It makes my taste buds dance! After grilling, I often drizzle a little olive oil for extra yum.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are key for this recipe. They should be firm, shiny, and heavy for their size. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash can be a tasty substitute.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a mild vegetable oil like canola can work too.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a nice crunch. If pine nuts are hard to find, sunflower seeds or sliced almonds can make a great alternative.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is essential for that aromatic lift. In a pinch, use fresh parsley or even dried basil (though fresh is preferred!) to get some herbal notes.
How Do I Grill Zucchini Perfectly?
Grilling zucchini can be tricky if you don’t watch the cooking time. The key here is to cut zucchini evenly, so they cook at the same rate. Here’s how to grill them just right:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for great searing.
- Slice zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds for easy cooking and even grilling.
- Make sure to coat the zucchini well with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Lay them on the grill and don’t move them around too much; allow 3-4 minutes per side to get those lovely grill marks and a tender bite.
- Keep an eye out, as grilling too long makes zucchini mushy. Remove them once they’re just tender.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Basil?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 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 delicious grilled zucchini dish will take you about 10-15 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes for grilling. So, you can have a delightful side or main dish ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will help achieve those lovely grill marks and ensure the zucchini cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
In a large bowl, add the sliced zucchini along with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together using your hands or a spatula until all the zucchini slices are well coated and seasoned.
3. Grill the Zucchini:
Carefully place the seasoned zucchini slices on the grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and have beautiful grill marks.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Once grilled, take the zucchini off the grill and transfer it to a large serving bowl. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, chopped basil leaves, and toasted pine nuts on top of the zucchini.
5. Finish with Lemon:
Drizzle the lemon juice over the zucchini mixture and toss gently to combine all the flavors together. Be careful not to mash the zucchini!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled zucchini immediately, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy your tasty and healthy creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or even mozzarella for a milder taste. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, or you can eat them cold in salads!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the zucchini by slicing and seasoning them a few hours in advance. However, grill them right before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful. You can also prepare the feta, basil, and pine nut mixture ahead of time and store it separately.
What Can I Substitute for Pine Nuts?
If you don’t have pine nuts, you can easily substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds. Each option brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish!
