Grilled zucchini with feta and basil is a fresh and tasty dish! The zucchini gets a lovely char on the grill while the feta adds a creamy touch, and the basil brings a garden flavor.
I love how quick this recipe is! Just slice the zucchini, toss it on the grill, sprinkle with feta, and finish with a few basil leaves. Perfect as a side or a light snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium zucchinis are your best choice for this dish. They’re mild and absorb flavors well. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash makes a great substitute!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu marinated in lemon juice or a plant-based feta.
Pine Nuts: These nuts provide a lovely crunch. If they’re too pricey or hard to find, use chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
Olive Oil: This is essential for grilling. I recommend using extra virgin for its rich flavor. If you want to keep it lighter, you can replace half of it with vegetable or avocado oil.
Fresh Basil: The fresh basil in this recipe is wonderful, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute it with dried oregano or parsley, although the flavor will differ.
How Do You Grill Zucchini Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Getting the zucchini right on the grill can be tricky. You want them to be tender, but not mushy! Here’s how to do it:
- Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch rounds for even cooking.
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat, as this helps to achieve those nice grill marks.
- Oil your grill grates or brush the zucchini slices with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking—remove them as soon as they are tender.
Trust me, this will keep your zucchini deliciously textured and flavorful! Enjoy the grilling process!
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
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 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 (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled zucchini dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus around 10 minutes to cook on the grill. Just 20 minutes in total, and you’ll have a fresh and tasty side dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This step is important for achieving those lovely grill marks on your zucchini!
2. Coat the Zucchini:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced zucchini, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the zucchini slices are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This will give them a yummy flavor while they grill.
3. Grill the Zucchini:
Place the zucchini slices directly on the hot grill grates. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be tender and nice and charred with grill marks. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
4. Add the Toppings:
After grilling, carefully transfer the zucchini to a serving bowl. While they are still warm, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, chopped basil, and toasted pine nuts over the top. This adds a delicious contrast to the warm zucchini.
5. Drizzle and Toss:
Next, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the zucchini and gently toss everything together to combine. The lemon juice will brighten up the flavors beautifully!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your grilled zucchini immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if you like. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish as a side or light snack!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! You can substitute zucchini with vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, or asparagus. Just be mindful of their cooking times, as some may grill faster or slower than zucchini. Aim for similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Feta Cheese?
No worries! If feta isn’t available, you can use goat cheese for a similar creamy texture or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just crumble or slice it as you would feta before sprinkling it on the grilled zucchini.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the grilled zucchini cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, a quick warm-up on the grill or in the microwave is best! Just be careful not to overcook it again.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can! To make this dish vegan, simply leave out the feta cheese or opt for a plant-based feta alternative. You can also add extra nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy!
