There’s something magical about the way grilling brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables. When it comes to zucchini, grilling transforms this humble vegetable into a tender, smoky, and flavorful dish. This recipe for Quick Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan – A Tasty, Healthy Side! is perfect for any meal, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious and nutritious side dish in no time.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan

Grilled zucchini is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh flavors. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
• Healthy: Zucchini is low in calories and packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic butter, fresh parsley, and Parmesan takes this dish to the next level.
• Versatile: Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, fish, or even pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this flavorful grilled zucchini:

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Zucchini	3 medium
Butter (softened)	3 tablespoons
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves
Fresh parsley (chopped)	1 tablespoon
Parmesan cheese (grated)	½ cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Grill

1. Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

2. Slice the Zucchini

1. Cut each zucchini in half crosswise.
2. Slice each half lengthwise into 3 slices, making a total of 6 slices per zucchini.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

1. In a small bowl, mix together:
   • 3 tablespoons softened butter
   • 2 cloves minced garlic
   • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on both sides of each zucchini slice.

4. Sprinkle the Parmesan

1. Sprinkle ½ cup Parmesan cheese over one side of each zucchini slice.
2. Press gently to help the cheese adhere.

5. Grill the Zucchini

1. Place the zucchini slices, cheese side up, crosswise on the preheated grill to prevent them from falling through the grates.
2. Grill for about 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the zucchini is tender with beautiful grill marks.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the grilled zucchini to a serving platter and enjoy immediately. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Zucchini

1. Choose the Right Zucchini

Pick zucchini that is firm, medium-sized, and free of blemishes. Smaller zucchini tends to be sweeter and less watery.

2. Keep the Grill Hot

Preheating the grill ensures that the zucchini cooks quickly and develops nice char marks without becoming soggy.

3. Avoid Overcooking

Zucchini cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, which can make it mushy.

4. Customize the Seasoning

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the garlic butter for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/6 of recipe)
Calories	85
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	100mg
Total Carbohydrates	3g
Sugars	2g
Protein	3g

Creative Variations

1. Spicy Grilled Zucchini

Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.

2. Mediterranean Twist

Top the grilled zucchini with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

3. Lemon-Parmesan Zucchini

Add a splash of fresh lemon juice to the garlic butter for a tangy flavor boost.

4. Herb-Crusted Zucchini

Mix in dried Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to the butter mixture for an herby twist.

FAQ

1. Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes! Use a grill pan or a stovetop skillet to achieve similar results.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

3. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Yellow squash works just as well in this recipe.

4. What’s the best way to prevent zucchini from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grill grates are well-oiled and the zucchini slices are evenly coated in the garlic butter.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the grill?

Yes! Bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus pair beautifully with grilled zucchini.

6. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for better melting and flavor, but pre-grated cheese can work in a pinch.

Make This Dish Today!

With its rich garlic butter and cheesy topping, Quick Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan – A Tasty, Healthy Side! is a guaranteed hit at any meal. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and a great way to enjoy more veggies. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a stovetop, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.

Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy this irresistible side dish today!

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