Easy Memorial Day Grilled Zucchini Recipe

If there’s one dish that deserves a permanent spot on your holiday menu, it’s this Easy Memorial Day Grilled Zucchini Recipe. Imagine smoky slices of tender zucchini, kissed with olive oil and a hint of garlic, finished with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s effortless, irresistible, and the kind of side everyone reaches for first. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving a taste of summer, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about simplicity—the ingredients for this Easy Memorial Day Grilled Zucchini Recipe are beautifully basic, but each plays an important role. This isn’t just about throwing veggies on the grill, it’s about embracing their natural beauty, drawing out every ounce of their flavor, and making the most of the season.

• 2 medium zucchinis: Choose firm, glossy zucchinis for the best texture and a gorgeous green hue on the plate.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps the zucchini caramelize and prevents sticking, while adding a subtle richness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: It gives a gentle, savory kick that mingles perfectly with the smoky grill notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for drawing out excess moisture and enhancing the natural sweetness of the squash.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to offer a warm, peppery finish without overwhelming the fresh flavors.
• Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), for garnish: These herbs bring the whole dish to life with bright color and aroma—don’t skip them!

How to Make Easy Memorial Day Grilled Zucchini Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Take a moment to clean the grates—this keeps the zucchini from sticking and helps those beautiful grill marks shine. A well-prepped grill makes all the difference for that perfect Easy Memorial Day Grilled Zucchini Recipe experience!

Step 2: Season the Zucchini

Grab a large bowl and toss in your zucchini rounds. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough toss so each slice is evenly coated. The oil helps the seasonings cling and ensures a luscious texture after grilling.

Step 3: Get Grilling

Arrange the seasoned zucchini in a single layer directly on the hot grill. Let them sizzle away for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden grill marks appear and the zucchini turns tender. Resist the urge to move them around—patience is how you get those Instagram-worthy char lines!

Step 4: Herb Infusion

In the final minute of grilling, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the zucchini. The herbs will release their aroma in the heat, mingling beautifully with the smoky flavors and transforming your Easy Memorial Day Grilled Zucchini Recipe into something unforgettable.

Step 5: Serve Right Away

Remove the zucchini from the grill and immediately transfer to a serving platter. Give it a final flourish of fresh herbs (and perhaps a squeeze of lemon for extra zing). Serve while warm—for both maximum flavor and that irresistible just-grilled texture.

How to Serve Easy Memorial Day Grilled Zucchini Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing elevates the look and taste quite like fresh garnishes. Scatter extra chopped basil or parsley over the finished dish for a bright pop of color, or try a quick zest of lemon for a citrusy twist. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt also adds a little gourmet crunch to the experience.

Side Dishes

This Easy Memorial Day Grilled Zucchini Recipe pairs naturally with nearly anything you’re already planning for your cookout. It’s wonderful alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or juicy steaks, but also feels at home next to pasta salads or a simple bowl of quinoa. You’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, layer the grilled rounds on a rustic board with other colorful grilled veggies—think vibrant red peppers or sweet onions—or arrange them in a fan shape on a platter drizzled with balsamic glaze. You can even thread the zucchini onto skewers before grilling for a playful, shareable spin on the classic Easy Memorial Day Grilled Zucchini Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftovers (it’s rare!), let the zucchini cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch extra special.

Freezing

While zucchini can be frozen, it’s best to know that the texture will soften after thawing. If you do want to freeze, arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then place in a zip-top bag. Use within 2 months for best results—ideal for soups or tossing into omelets later!

Reheating

To recapture some of that irresistible just-grilled flavor, briefly reheat zucchini in a hot skillet or pop them back on the grill for a minute or two. Microwaving works if you’re in a rush, but the texture won’t be quite as firm. A splash of olive oil will help revive any lost moisture!

FAQs

Can I use other squash in this recipe?

Absolutely! Yellow squash or even thinly sliced eggplant work beautifully here—just keep an eye on grilling times, as each veggie softens at its own pace.

What’s the best way to cut the zucchini for grilling?

Slicing into 1/4-inch rounds ensures the zucchini cooks quickly without falling apart on the grill. For a different look, try cutting on a diagonal for longer, elegant planks.

Do I need to salt the zucchini first to draw out water?

Salting before grilling isn’t necessary for this Easy Memorial Day Grilled Zucchini Recipe—the short cook time and direct heat keep everything perfectly tender without turning mushy.

Can I make this without an outdoor grill?

You bet! A grill pan on the stovetop or even an electric indoor grill will give you fantastic results (and those coveted grill marks), so go ahead and get grilling rain or shine.

How do I keep my zucchini from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grates are clean, evenly heated, and that you’ve coated the zucchini with olive oil. A quick swipe of oil on the grill grates just before cooking is a smart extra step!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the kind of side dish that’s as memorable as it is effortless, the Easy Memorial Day Grilled Zucchini Recipe is your answer. Whether you serve it fresh off the grill or enjoy leftovers tossed in tomorrow’s salad, this colorful, flavor-packed dish is sure to become a go-to favorite for holidays and every day. Try it once and you’ll see why I come back to it again and again—it’s summer on a plate!

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