Ready to bring something fresh and utterly irresistible to your summer festivities? This Grilled Zucchini Recipe for Memorial Day is a true show-stealer, layering up beautifully charred zucchini rounds with the simplest seasonings. Each bite captures the essence of the season: smoky from the grill, zippy with fresh herbs, and a touch savory from the garlic. Even those who claim not to love zucchini can’t help but reach for seconds. Whether you’re a dedicated grill master or just starting out, this recipe transforms humble squash into a dish you’ll crave at every backyard gathering.

Grilled Zucchini Recipe for Memorial Day Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things blissfully simple with ingredients you can always count on, yet each one adds a little magic. The fresh zucchini becomes the star, while savory olive oil, bold garlic powder, and a handful of herbs do all the flavor heavy lifting. Here’s what you’ll need for a Grilled Zucchini Recipe for Memorial Day that tastes as vibrant as it looks!

2 medium zucchinis: Look for firm, richly colored zucchinis for the best texture and flavor on the grill.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds luscious richness and keeps those zucchini slices from sticking to the grates.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives the dish an instant punch of savoriness without overpowering the zucchini’s freshness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the zucchini and keeps every bite perfectly seasoned.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), for garnish: Brightens the finished dish and adds a pop of color—use whichever you love most.

How to Make Grilled Zucchini Recipe for Memorial Day

Step 1: Prep the Grill

Kick things off by preheating your grill to a steady medium-high heat. While it heats, use a grill brush to give the grates a quick scrub. This step is crucial: a hot, clean grill means your zucchini will release without sticking and will develop those beautiful grill marks everyone loves.

Step 2: Season the Zucchini

Slice those bright green zucchinis into neat 1/4-inch rounds for even grilling. Pop the slices into a large bowl, then drizzle in the olive oil and sprinkle over the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every piece glistens and is coated with all that gorgeous flavor.

Step 3: Grill with Care

Now the real magic begins! Lay the zucchini slices in a single layer right onto the hot grill. Give each side about 3-4 minutes, resisting the urge to fuss too much—you want those dark grill marks and tender centers. Watch closely, as the thin rounds cook quickly and have a tendency to go from golden to charred in a flash.

Step 4: Herb Finish

Just before you’re ready to pull the zucchini off the grill, sprinkle your chopped fresh herbs over the sizzling rounds. The quick burst of heat releases the herbs’ aroma and marries their brightness with the savory zucchini.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer the grilled zucchini to a serving platter while it’s still piping hot. For an extra hit of flavor, squeeze a bit of lemon juice or scatter additional fresh herbs right before serving. You’ll be amazed how such a simple finishing touch wakes up every bite.

How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Recipe for Memorial Day

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly chopped basil or parsley makes this dish pop both visually and taste-wise. Thin lemon zest curls or a quick squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors even more. For those who want a little savory richness, a light dusting of grated Parmesan is a welcome twist atop the warm zucchini.

Side Dishes

Pair the Grilled Zucchini Recipe for Memorial Day with grilled chicken, burgers, or a hearty grain salad for a full Memorial Day spread. It also shines alongside other veggie-forward dishes—think tomato salad, corn on the cob, or a big bowl of leafy greens tossed in a punchy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Make a beautiful composed platter, alternating zucchini rounds with cherry tomato halves for vibrant stripes of color. Skewer the grilled rounds for easy serving at parties, or chop leftovers and fold them into pasta salads for a delicious twist. You can even layer them on rustic bread with a smear of goat cheese for sophisticated summer toasts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The zucchini will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it a great veggie sidekick for quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

While zucchini is best enjoyed fresh and hot from the grill, you can freeze grilled rounds for later use in casseroles or pasta. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, and use within two months for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the zucchini in a skillet over medium heat, or give them a quick blast in the microwave. If you want to recapture that grilled texture, a few minutes under a hot broiler can crisp them up nicely.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe on a grill pan or indoor grill?

Absolutely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan on your stovetop works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s preheated and lightly coated with oil to get those signature grill marks and smoky flavor.

What other herbs can I use besides basil or parsley?

Feel free to customize! Fresh mint, dill, chives, or even a little thyme can all work beautifully with the grilled zucchini, so play around to suit your tastes or what’s in your garden.

Can I cut the zucchini a different way?

Of course—zucchini rounds are classic, but you can also slice the zucchini lengthwise into planks for a slightly different presentation and texture. Just keep the thickness around 1/4 inch for best grilling results.

How do I prevent the zucchini from falling through the grill grates?

Cutting the zucchini into larger rounds or planks helps, as does placing them perpendicular to the grates. If you’re still worried, use a grill basket or lay down a piece of foil with holes poked in for the smoky flavor.

Is this Grilled Zucchini Recipe for Memorial Day vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a standout option for guests with various dietary needs at your Memorial Day table.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing side, give this Grilled Zucchini Recipe for Memorial Day a spot on your cookout lineup. It’s quick, bursting with flavor, and fits seamlessly into any summer menu. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe—after all, sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones we remember most.

Grilled Zucchini Recipe for Memorial Day Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious grilled zucchini recipe that’s perfect for Memorial Day or any summer gathering. The zucchini is seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then grilled to perfection for a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini:

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and clean the grates to prevent sticking.
Prepare Zucchini: In a large bowl, combine zucchini slices, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well until evenly coated.
Grill Zucchini: Place the zucchini directly on the grill in a single layer. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes until you see grill marks.
Add Herbs: In the last minute of grilling, sprinkle fresh herbs over the zucchini for added flavor.
Serve: Remove from the grill and serve immediately with optional lemon juice or additional herbs as garnish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American