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Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini

Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini
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Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini is a fresh, vibrant side dish perfect for summer gatherings. Featuring tender zucchini slices marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic blend, then grilled to smoky perfection, this recipe is quick, healthy, and full of flavor. Ideal for BBQs and light meals, it offers a versatile, customizable option that pleases a variety of palates.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 medium fresh zucchinis, washed and sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, chopped (to garnish or mix in)
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne (for a spicy kick)
  • Chopped basil, oregano, or rosemary (for herbal twist)
  • Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese (for cheesy finish)
  • Balsamic or apple cider vinegar (as alternative to lemon juice)
  • Avocado oil and nutritional yeast (for vegan dressing alternative)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Zucchini: Wash the zucchinis thoroughly, then slice them lengthwise into about 1/4-inch thick strips to ensure even grilling. Thicker slices keep their moisture, offering a perfect balance of tender and crisp.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple mixture will soak into the zucchini, infusing each slice with a zesty, aromatic punch.
  3. Marinate the Zucchini: Place the sliced zucchini in a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly, then let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb all those fresh flavors.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Get your grill hot, aiming for medium-high heat. You want those classic grill marks without burning the tender zucchini.
  5. Grill the Zucchini: Lay the zucchini slices directly on the grill grates. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until you see grill marks and the zucchini becomes tender but still holds its shape. Avoid overcooking to keep the vibrant texture.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the grilled zucchini to a serving platter. Optionally, drizzle a little extra lemon juice or sprinkle fresh herbs before serving for a final fresh boost.

Notes

  • Avoid sogginess: Pat zucchini dry before marinating to prevent watery grilling results.
  • Use fresh lemon: Freshly squeezed juice and zest make a huge flavor difference compared to bottled lemon juice.
  • Don’t overcrowd the grill: Leave enough space between slices for even cooking and grill marks.
  • Watch timing closely: Grill zucchini just until tender to keep it from becoming mushy.
  • Try a grill basket: If your grill grates are wide, use a grill basket to keep the zucchini slices from falling through.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled zucchini, lemon garlic zucchini, summer side dish, healthy grilling recipe, BBQ side dish, vegan zucchini recipe, gluten free side

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/grilled-lemon-garlic-zucchini/