How to Make Grilled Zucchini with Lemon and Feta: A Delightful & Powerful Summer Side Dish 🌞

Grilled Zucchini with Lemon and Feta

Discover how to make grilled zucchini with lemon and feta in this delightful, flavour-packed summer side dish. Easy to prepare, healthy, and perfect for BBQs or weeknight meals.

Introduction🥒

Looking to elevate your vegetable game? Learn how to make grilled zucchini with lemon and feta—a vibrant, flavour-forward dish that transforms simple zucchini into a sensational summer side. This recipe blends smoky grill marks with tangy lemon, creamy feta, and fresh herbs for a dish that’s as stunning on the plate as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply craving something fresh and healthy, we’ve got you covered. The key here is to highlight how to make grilled zucchini with lemon and feta in a way that’s accessible for home cooks, yet impressive enough to serve guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 😊

  • It’s an effortless way to enjoy vegetables: once you know how to make grilled zucchini with lemon and feta, you’ll want to make it again and again.
  • The smoky char from grilling brings out the zucchini’s natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with tangy lemon and salty feta.
  • It’s versatile: serve it as a side dish, on top of grains, or even in wraps.
  • It’s nutritious and light: zucchini is low in calories, packed with vitamins and fibre.
  • Perfect for summer, cook-outs or a quick weeknight meal: once you know how to make grilled zucchini with lemon and feta, the prep is minimal.
  • The flavour combination is a real crowd-pleaser: juicy lemon juice, kalamata olives or herbs (optional), and creamy feta all come together brilliantly.

Ingredients Needed to Make Grilled Zucchini with Lemon and Feta 🥒

Here’s everything you’ll need to make grilled zucchini with lemon and feta:

  • 4 medium zucchini (about 1-1.2kg) — washed and trimmed.
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil — to coat the zucchini for grilling.
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice) — for that bright citrus punch.
  • 100g (approx) feta cheese — crumbled, for a creamy finish.
  • 1 garlic clove — minced.
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste).
  • Freshly ground black pepper — to taste.
  • A small handful of fresh herbs (e.g., chopped parsley or dill) — optional but elevates the dish beautifully.
  • Optional: a drizzle of balsamic glaze or chopped kalamata olives for added richness.

Each ingredient has a purpose: the zucchini is the base, the olive oil helps create that lovely grill char, lemon brightens, feta adds richness, garlic gives savoury depth, and herbs/optional extras give colour and personality.

Equipment Needed 🔧

  • A grill or grill pan (pre-heated) — for that perfect char on the zucchini.
  • A sharp knife and chopping board — for trimming and slicing.
  • A mixing bowl — to toss zucchini slices with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • A small bowl — to mix lemon juice + zest and to crumble the feta.
  • Tongs or spatula — to flip zucchini on the grill.
  • Serving platter — to plate the finished grilled zucchini with lemon and feta and garnish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Grilled Zucchini with Lemon and Feta 🔥

Step 1: Prepare the zucchini

  • Trim the ends off the zucchini and slice each one lengthwise into ½-inch thick slabs.
  • Place the zucchini slices into a large mixing bowl.
  • Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper — toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 2: Pre-heat the grill or grill pan

  • Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat (about 200-220 °C / 400-430 °F) until hot and grill lines will sear nicely.
  • Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill the zucchini

  • Place the zucchini slices on the hot grill in a single layer.
  • Grill for about 2–3 minutes on one side, until you see nice char lines.
  • Flip each slice and grill another 2–3 minutes on the opposite side.
  • Remove from grill and transfer to the serving platter.

Step 4: Add lemon and feta

  • While the zucchini is still warm, drizzle the fresh lemon juice evenly over the grilled slices, and sprinkle the lemon zest on top.
  • Crumble the feta cheese over the zucchini slices, distributing it across the platter.
  • Finish with fresh chopped herbs (parsley/dill) and optionally a few kalamata olives or a light balsamic glaze for extra flavour.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

  • Serve immediately while the zucchini is warm and the feta creamy.
  • If you like, add a few extra lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze more juice.

✅Your Grilled Zucchini with Lemon and Feta is ready to enjoy!🎉 

Zucchini recipes
Grilled Zucchini with Lemon and Feta

Tips for a Perfect Result ✅

  • Choose zucchini that are medium-sized and firm (not overly large or soft) — they’ll grill more evenly.
  • Pat the zucchini dry after washing to remove excess moisture; this helps create better grill marks.
  • Don’t overcrowd the grill — give each zucchini slice space so it chars nicely instead of steaming.
  • Let the grill heat up well before placing the zucchini slices — you want that instant sear.
  • Monitor the zucchini closely; over-grilling will make them limp instead of crisp-tender.
  • For a flavour boost, you can marinate the zucchini slices briefly (10 minutes) with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest before grilling.
  • If using a grill pan indoors, turn on your kitchen fan! A little smoke is fine, but you don’t want the smoke alarm going off.
  • For vegan option: skip the feta, and add toasted pine nuts + a sprinkling of nutritional yeast for “cheesy” flavour.

Serving Suggestion 🍽️

  • Serve the grilled zucchini with lemon and feta as a side to grilled chicken, fish, or lamb for a Mediterranean-style meal.
  • Alternatively, use it as a topping for warm quinoa or bulgur salad to create a complete vegetarian entrée.
  • You can also wrap slices inside flatbread or pita along with hummus and fresh veggies for a tasty grill-inspired sandwich.
  • Add toasted nuts (almonds or walnuts) for crunch, or a dollop of Greek yoghurt alongside for creaminess.

Variations 🎨

  • Spicy version: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or smoked paprika to the oil-garlic mixture before grilling.
  • Herb-rich version: Use a mix of fresh basil, mint, and oregano instead of parsley/dill.
  • Cheese alternative: Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta salata if you want a different flavour profile.
  • Veggie mix: Add sliced red bell peppers or eggplant alongside the zucchini and grill together for a mixed-veggie platter.
  • Saucy finish: Serve with a drizzle of tahini-lemon sauce or pesto for an extra layer of flavour.

📝Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Source: Based on raw zucchini values from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) & adapted for additions. (Verywell Fit↗)

NutrientAmount% Daily Value*
Calories~503%
Total Fat~3 g4%
Saturated Fat~1 g5%
Sodium~300 mg13%
Total Carbohydrate~5 g2%
Dietary Fiber~1.5 g6%
Sugars~3 g
Protein~3 g6%
Vitamin C~20 mg22%
Potassium~350 mg10%

Based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual values will vary depending on the exact quantities used.

Health Benefits & Advice 🌿

When you know how to make grilled zucchini with lemon and feta, you’re not just creating a delicious dish — you’re offering your body a range of health-supporting nutrients.

  1. The zucchini itself is low in calories and rich in water, fibre and vitamins; it supports digestion, hydration and overall wellness.
  2. The lemon adds vitamin C, which is great for immune support and skin health.
  3. The feta (in moderation) adds protein and calcium.
  4. Serving this dish regularly can help boost your vegetable intake and diversify your nutrient profile.

Advice:

For those monitoring sodium or fat, you can reduce the amount of feta or choose a lower-salt cheese version.

Note: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use yellow zucchini instead of green zucchini?
👉Yes — you can absolutely substitute yellow zucchini. The process is the same and the flavour will be virtually identical.

Q2: Can I prep this ahead of time?
👉You can slice and coat the zucchini ahead (up to 1 hour in advance) and keep it covered in the fridge, but for the best grill char and texture, it’s best to grill just before serving.

Q3: What if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
👉No problem — a hot grill pan or cast-iron skillet indoors will work well. The key is high heat and minimal flipping.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
👉Store any leftover grilled zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or serve cold as part of a salad.

Q5: Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?
👉Yes — zucchini is very low in carbohydrates, and when you know how to make grilled zucchini with lemon and feta, you’ve got a low-carb friendly side dish that’s full of flavour.

Final Thought ✨

Mastering how to make grilled zucchini with lemon and feta gives you a standout side dish that’s both flavour-packed and health-conscious. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, everyday meals, or when you simply want to enjoy something vibrant and fresh. With simple ingredients, minimal prep and maximum taste, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation. So fire up that grill (or grill pan), grab those zucchini, and get ready to delight your taste-buds and nourish your body. Grill on!

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