This grilled zucchini dish is fresh and tasty, topped with crumbled feta and fragrant basil. It makes a beautiful side that brightens up any meal!
Who doesn’t love veggies on the grill? I like to serve this with a sprinkle of extra basil—it’s so good I sometimes eat it straight from the bowl! 😄
Making this is super easy. Just slice the zucchini, grill until soft, and add the feta and basil. It’s a perfect way to enjoy summer flavors in your kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchini works best here. If you’re out of zucchini, yellow squash is a great substitute, just remember to keep the slices about the same thickness for even cooking.
Feta Cheese: I love the tangy flavor of feta in this dish. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based feta or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a lovely crunch. If you can’t find them, sunflower seeds or walnuts can work well too. They’ll still give a nice texture to the dish.
Basil: Fresh basil is key for that vibrant flavor. You can swap it with parsley or even mint if you prefer a different herb profile.
Lemon Juice: The fresh juice brightens the dish. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice is a solid alternative and offers a nice zesty twist!
How Do I Grill Zucchini Perfectly?
Grilling zucchini can be tricky, but a few simple steps will help you get it just right. The goal is to have those beautiful grill marks and a tender texture without becoming mushy.
- Slice the zucchini into even 1/4-inch rounds. This helps them cook evenly.
- Before grilling, coat them well with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The oil adds moisture and helps with browning.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat for a few minutes. This ensures they cook quickly and get those nice char marks.
- Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Flip only once for the best marks!
- Check for tenderness when grilling. You want them soft but not falling apart.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Basil
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 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 (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 10-15 minutes for grilling. In total, you’ll need around 20-25 minutes to grill and prepare this delicious side dish or appetizer. It’s quick and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot so you can get those beautiful grill marks on your zucchini!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
In a large bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure every slice is well-coated so they grill up nicely. This will enhance the flavor and prevent sticking!
3. Grill the Zucchini:
Once your grill is hot, place the zucchini slices directly on it. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to have nice grill marks and be tender when finished. Once done, carefully remove them from the grill and set them aside to cool slightly.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In a serving bowl, combine the grilled zucchini with crumbled feta cheese, chopped basil, and toasted pine nuts. These ingredients will add delicious flavors and textures to your dish!
5. Add Lemon Juice:
Drizzle the lemon juice over the top of the zucchini mixture. Gently toss everything together to combine, making sure the flavors mix well without breaking the zucchini pieces.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
This dish is best served warm or at room temperature. If you like, serve it with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy your tasty grilled zucchini with feta and basil!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If feta isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture. Just remember that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Zucchini?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep the zucchini from becoming too mushy.
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Yes! Other vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus would also work well on the grill. Just make sure to cut them to a similar thickness for even cooking. Adjust grilling times as necessary based on the vegetable.
How to Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also add extra nuts or seeds for texture and flavor!
