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Lemon Garlic Grilled Zucchini

Lemon garlic grilled zucchini with charred edges and a bright lemon-garlic glaze. Quick grilling time yields tender, glistening planks finished with parsley and flaky sea salt.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
resting 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 132

Ingredients
  

Zucchini
  • 4 medium zucchini halved lengthwise or sliced into 1/3-inch planks
Lemon-garlic oil
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 garlic minced
  • 1 lemon zest zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 salt to taste
  • 1 black pepper to taste
Finish
  • 1 fresh parsley for garnish
  • 1 flaky sea salt for finishing

Equipment

  • 1 grill

Method
 

Make the lemon-garlic oil
  1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until combined.
  2. Use a spoon to ensure the garlic and lemon zest are evenly distributed so the zucchini surface stays glossy.
Season and rest
  1. Brush the zucchini all over with the lemon-garlic oil, then let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavor.
  2. Keep the zucchini at room temperature while it rests so the oil clings before grilling.
Grill the zucchini
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  2. Place zucchini on the grill and cook 3–4 minutes per side until char marks form and the zucchini is tender.
  3. Remove from the grill and drizzle immediately with any remaining lemon-garlic oil for a glistening finish.
Serve
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving.

Notes

For best char and tender-crisp bite, slice zucchini into even 1/3-inch planks and avoid moving them for the first 3 minutes per side. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat briefly on a hot grill pan or skillet. Freezing is not recommended as the zucchini texture will soften. For a dairy-free option, this recipe already is dairy-free—just choose a vegan or dairy-free finishing salt if needed.