If you love simple, fresh flavors that come together effortlessly, you are going to adore this Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Basil Recipe. The tender smoky zucchini, creamy salty feta, and bright, aromatic basil blend perfectly to create a dish that is as vibrant in taste as it is colorful on the plate. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or a charming appetizer to impress guests, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Let me walk you through why this dish should be a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Basil Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special, from texture to taste to visual appeal, creating a harmonious and fresh dish you can whip up in no time.
- 4 medium zucchinis: The star of the dish, sliced lengthwise for perfect grill marks and a tender bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the zucchini develop that irresistible char while grilling.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances the natural sweetness of the zucchini and balances the feta’s saltiness.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds depth and a slight kick to complement the fresh flavors.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy contrast that melts beautifully on the warm zucchini.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: Adds a burst of herbal brightness, making every bite feel fresh and lively.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: A quick squeeze lifts the entire dish with zesty citrus pop.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by heating your grill to a medium-high temperature. Getting the grill nice and hot ensures those perfect grill marks and a slightly smoky flavor that really brings this dish to life.
Step 2: Slice the Zucchini
Slice each zucchini lengthwise into even slices about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness strikes the perfect balance between tender and sturdy, so the slices hold up well on the grill without becoming mushy.
Step 3: Season and Oil the Slices
Brush both sides of the zucchini slices generously with olive oil. Then sprinkle on salt and black pepper to your taste. This step is crucial — the oil helps prevent sticking and enhances the grilling, while the seasoning sets up the foundational flavor for the dish.
Step 4: Grill the Zucchini
Place your zucchini slices on the preheated grill. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they become tender and develop beautiful grill marks. This grilling process adds a delicious smoky undertone that elevates the whole dish.
Step 5: Arrange and Add Feta
Remove the zucchini from the grill and arrange the slices neatly on a serving platter. While still warm, generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top so it can soften just slightly, melding that salty, creamy goodness with the smoky zucchini.
Step 6: Garnish with Fresh Basil
Scatter torn or chopped fresh basil leaves over the platter. The basil’s bright green color and fragrant aroma add the perfect fresh contrast that makes this dish truly irresistible.
Step 7: Serve with Lemon Wedges
Place lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add a little squeeze of citrus. The lemon juice adds a bright zing that ties together all the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra crumbled feta or a few whole basil leaves can add a lovely finishing touch, making the plate even more inviting. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving also enhances the richness without overpowering the fresh notes.
Side Dishes
This grilled zucchini pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Think grilled chicken or fish for a light summer meal, or alongside a hearty grain salad like quinoa or farro for a vegetarian feast. It also works as a flavorful addition to a mezze platter featuring olives, hummus, and crusty bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer the grilled zucchini and feta in a pretty stack or skewer slices with tomatoes and chunks of feta for easy-to-eat kebabs. Use the dish as a topping for toasted baguette slices to create a simple yet elegant bruschetta, perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to blend, making for a delicious cold salad or quick reheat the next day.
Freezing
Because fresh basil and the texture of grilled zucchini change when frozen, this recipe is best enjoyed fresh. If necessary, freeze the grilled zucchini separately without the feta and basil, but expect a softer texture upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the zucchini slices in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave for just a minute or two to avoid drying them out. Add fresh basil and feta after reheating to keep that vibrant, fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a grill pan if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan works perfectly for this recipe. It gives you those lovely grill marks and smoky flavor indoors, especially when you brush the pan with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Is it possible to use other cheeses instead of feta?
Yes, though feta’s crumbly texture and salty tang are ideal, you can experiment with cheeses like goat cheese or halloumi for different textures and flavors. Just keep in mind that firmness and saltiness vary.
Can I prepare the zucchini ahead of time?
You can slice and season the zucchini a few hours before grilling, but it’s best to grill the zucchini fresh to keep the texture and flavor at their peak. Avoid pre-oiling too far in advance as the slices can become soggy.
What if I want to make this recipe vegan?
Simply replace the feta with a vegan cheese alternative or add toasted nuts like pine nuts for extra richness and a delightful crunch while keeping all the fresh flavors alive.
How do I ensure the zucchini doesn’t stick to the grill?
Make sure your grill is well preheated and clean before cooking. Brushing the zucchini with olive oil on both sides also helps prevent sticking. If you find sticking is still an issue, lightly oil the grill grates as well.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Basil Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that never fails to impress with its fresh, vibrant flavors and simple preparation. It’s perfect for any season and easy enough for every day but special enough to serve guests. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how this humble vegetable transforms into a crowd-pleaser that everyone will want seconds of.
Print
Grilled Zucchini with Feta and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 8m
- Total Time: 0h 18m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Zucchini with Feta & Basil is a simple and flavorful summer side dish featuring tender, charred zucchini slices topped with salty feta cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts looking to elevate their vegetable game with minimal prep and quick cook time.
Ingredients
Zucchini and Seasoning
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for cooking zucchini evenly and achieving nice grill marks.
- Slice Zucchini: Carefully cut the zucchinis lengthwise into even slices approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking and prevent them from falling apart.
- Season Zucchini: Brush both sides of each zucchini slice with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Grill Zucchini: Place the seasoned zucchini slices on the preheated grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until tender and grill marks develop, signaling they are perfectly grilled.
- Arrange on Platter: Remove the grilled zucchini from the grill and arrange the slices neatly on a serving platter for presentation.
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the warm zucchini slices for a tangy and creamy contrast.
- Garnish with Basil: Scatter fresh torn or chopped basil leaves over the dish to add a bright herbaceous flavor and vibrant color.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh juice over the dish, adding a refreshing citrus note that complements the flavors.
Notes
- Use medium zucchinis to ensure even-sized slices that cook uniformly.
- Adjust grilling time slightly depending on the thickness of the zucchini slices and the heat level of your grill.
- Feta cheese can be replaced with goat cheese or vegan cheese for dietary preferences.
- For extra flavor, drizzle additional olive oil or balsamic glaze before serving.
- Best served immediately while warm for the optimal combination of textures and flavors.
