Mediterranean Sweet & Spicy Grilled Zucchini
This Mediterranean Sweet & Spicy Grilled Zucchini recipe is a vibrant side dish that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for summer grilling or indoor grill pans year-round, the zucchini is brushed with a sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy marinade that caramelizes beautifully. Fresh herbs and a drizzle of lemon or tahini at the end take it to a whole new level. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and full of Mediterranean flair.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time (optional): 15–30 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Total Time: 25–40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
3 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into ¼-inch thick strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili flakes or Aleppo pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon harissa paste for added spice
For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh mint or parsley, chopped
Crumbled feta or vegan feta
Toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds
Lemon wedges
Drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey/maple syrup, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add harissa if using.
Marinate the Zucchini:
Place sliced zucchini in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 15–30 minutes (optional but enhances flavor).
Preheat the Grill:
Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan.
Grill the Zucchini:
Grill zucchini slices for about 3–4 minutes per side or until grill marks appear and zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Finish & Serve:
Transfer grilled zucchini to a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, crumbled feta, nuts/seeds, and a drizzle of tahini or squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
Uniform Slicing: Slice zucchini evenly (¼-inch thick) so it grills uniformly without burning or becoming too soft.
Avoid Overcrowding: Grill in batches if needed—this prevents steaming and helps achieve beautiful grill marks.
Marinate for Depth: Even 15 minutes of marinating enhances the sweet, smoky, and spicy flavor. For stronger taste, marinate up to 2 hours in the fridge.
Pat Zucchini Dry: Before grilling, gently pat the zucchini with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture and encourage caramelization.
Grill Alternatives: No grill? Use a stovetop grill pan, cast iron skillet, or roast in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes.
Variations
Zucchini Boats: Instead of slices, cut zucchinis in half lengthwise and score the flesh. Brush with marinade and grill cut side down.
Add More Veggies: Use the same marinade for eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms and grill alongside the zucchini.
Spice Swap: Try using chipotle powder, cayenne, or sumac in place of chili flakes for different spice profiles.
Cheese Boost: For a creamier finish, serve with a dollop of whipped feta, labneh, or Greek yogurt.
Sweet Note: Add a touch of balsamic glaze or pomegranate molasses before serving for added sweetness and acidity.
Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey and vegan feta for a fully plant-based version.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this zucchini recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Grilled zucchini can be made in advance and served chilled or at room temperature. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add garnishes right before serving.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have a grill?
A: Use a stovetop grill pan, cast iron skillet, or roast the zucchini in a 425°F (220°C) oven on a baking sheet for about 15–18 minutes, flipping once.
Q: Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
A: Absolutely. Yellow squash works perfectly in this recipe and adds extra color.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It has a mild to medium heat. You can reduce or omit the chili flakes and harissa for a milder version.
Q: What main dishes pair well with it?
A: Grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, couscous, quinoa bowls, or falafel all pair wonderfully with this zucchini side.
Nutrition Info
(Estimated per serving – based on 4 servings without optional toppings)
Calories: ~110
Protein: ~2g
Carbohydrates: ~9g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~5g
Fat: ~8g
Saturated Fat: ~1g
Sodium: ~150mg
Nutrition will vary depending on garnishes like cheese, nuts, or sauces.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Sweet & Spicy Grilled Zucchini brings together the best of smoky grill flavor, bright herbs, and just the right touch of sweet heat. Whether served hot off the grill or chilled as a refreshing side, it’s an easy and elegant dish that fits into any Mediterranean-inspired menu. With endless variations and minimal prep, it’s a go-to recipe for summer BBQs, healthy lunches, or plant-based meals done right.