Balsamic Grilled Zucchini: A Flavor-Packed Summer Delight

Summer is the season for grilling, and what better way to celebrate the fresh produce of the season than with balsamic grilled zucchini? This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish is perfect as a side dish, a light meal, or even as an addition to salads and sandwiches. The combination of smoky grill marks, sweet balsamic glaze, and tender zucchini creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is ready in just minutes. Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this balsamic grilled zucchini recipe!

## Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Grilled Zucchini

* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this recipe takes less than 20 minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The balsamic marinade infuses the zucchini with a sweet and tangy flavor that’s enhanced by the smoky char of the grill.
* **Healthy:** Zucchini is low in calories and rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or add it to other recipes.
* **Impressive:** This simple dish looks and tastes like something you’d find in a fancy restaurant.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start grilling, gather these simple ingredients:

* **Zucchini:** Choose medium-sized zucchini that are firm and free of blemishes. Smaller zucchini tend to be more tender.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor. The thickness of the vinegar will affect the consistency of the glaze.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the zucchini grill without sticking.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and savory note.
* **Honey (or Maple Syrup):** Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar. Maple syrup is a great vegan alternative.
* **Dried Thyme (or Italian Seasoning):** Provides an earthy and herbaceous flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are recommended.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh basil, parsley, or grated Parmesan cheese.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Grill:** A gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a grill pan will work for this recipe.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For marinating the zucchini.
* **Whisk:** To combine the marinade ingredients.
* **Tongs:** For flipping the zucchini on the grill.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For preparing the zucchini and garlic.
* **Small Saucepan (Optional):** If you want to reduce the balsamic glaze further.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make perfectly grilled balsamic zucchini:

**1. Prepare the Zucchini:**

* Wash the zucchini thoroughly under cold water.
* Trim off the ends of the zucchini.
* Cut the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick slices. You can slice them lengthwise or into rounds, depending on your preference. Lengthwise slices tend to be easier to grill.

**2. Make the Balsamic Marinade:**

* In a mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, honey (or maple syrup), dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper.
* Taste the marinade and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more honey if you prefer a sweeter glaze, or more salt and pepper to enhance the savory flavors.

**3. Marinate the Zucchini:**

* Place the zucchini slices in the mixing bowl with the balsamic marinade.
* Gently toss the zucchini to coat them evenly with the marinade.
* Let the zucchini marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will be. However, don’t marinate them for too long, as they can become mushy.

**4. Preheat the Grill:**

* Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
* If using a gas grill, clean the grates with a grill brush.
* If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed and covered with a layer of ash.

**5. Grill the Zucchini:**

* Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the zucchini from sticking. You can use cooking spray or brush the grates with olive oil.
* Carefully place the marinated zucchini slices on the preheated grill in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the grill, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the zucchini from grilling properly.
* Grill the zucchini for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Use tongs to flip the zucchini carefully.
* Watch the zucchini closely, as they can burn easily. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.

**6. Reduce the Balsamic Glaze (Optional):**

* For a thicker and more intense balsamic glaze, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan.
* Bring the marinade to a simmer over medium heat.
* Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has reduced and thickened slightly.
* Be careful not to burn the glaze. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.

**7. Serve the Balsamic Grilled Zucchini:**

* Remove the grilled zucchini from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
* Drizzle the reduced balsamic glaze over the zucchini (if using).
* Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Grilling Perfect Zucchini

* **Don’t over-marinate:** While marinating enhances the flavor, too long and the zucchini will be soggy. 15-30 minutes is ideal.
* **Preheat the grill:** A hot grill ensures beautiful grill marks and prevents sticking.
* **Don’t overcrowd the grill:** Cook the zucchini in batches to maintain the grill’s temperature.
* **Watch the heat:** Zucchini can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on it and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Use a grill basket:** If you’re worried about the zucchini falling through the grates, use a grill basket.
* **Experiment with seasonings:** Try adding other herbs and spices to the marinade, such as oregano, rosemary, or red pepper flakes.

## Variations and Additions

This balsamic grilled zucchini recipe is delicious as is, but here are some variations and additions to customize it to your liking:

* **Add other vegetables:** Grill other vegetables alongside the zucchini, such as bell peppers, onions, or eggplant.
* **Make a salad:** Toss the grilled zucchini with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette.
* **Add protein:** Serve the grilled zucchini with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal.
* **Use different vinegars:** Experiment with other vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar.
* **Add nuts:** Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts over the grilled zucchini for added crunch and flavor.
* **Make a pesto:** Drizzle the grilled zucchini with pesto for a burst of fresh flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Balsamic grilled zucchini is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

* **Side Dish:** Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
* **Appetizer:** Arrange the grilled zucchini on a platter with other grilled vegetables and dips.
* **Salad Topping:** Add it to salads for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
* **Sandwich Filling:** Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
* **Pizza Topping:** Top homemade or store-bought pizza with grilled zucchini and other vegetables.
* **Pasta Dish:** Toss it with pasta, pesto, and Parmesan cheese for a simple and flavorful pasta dish.

## Make Ahead and Storage

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the balsamic marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also slice the zucchini ahead of time, but don’t marinate it until just before grilling.
* **Storage:** Store leftover grilled zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving. The zucchini may lose some of its crispness upon reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

* Calories: 80-100
* Fat: 6-8g
* Saturated Fat: 1g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 6-8g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 3-5g
* Protein: 1-2g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Recipe Card

**Balsamic Grilled Zucchini**

A simple and flavorful side dish made with grilled zucchini, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Marinate Time:** 15-30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 5-10 minutes
**Total Time:** 30-45 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 2 medium zucchini, sliced 1/4-inch thick
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: fresh basil, parsley, grated Parmesan cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Wash and slice the zucchini.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the zucchini slices to the bowl and toss to coat.
4. Let the zucchini marinate for 15-30 minutes.
5. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
6. Lightly oil the grill grates.
7. Place the zucchini slices on the grill in a single layer.
8. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and with grill marks.
9. (Optional) Reduce the remaining marinade in a saucepan for a thicker glaze.
10. Remove from grill and drizzle with glaze (if using).
11. Garnish with fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
12. Serve immediately.

**Enjoy your delicious Balsamic Grilled Zucchini!**

This balsamic grilled zucchini is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer. It’s easy to make, healthy, and incredibly delicious. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!