Grilled Zucchini with Honey, Feta & Basil
Looking for a light and flavorful side dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer? Look no further than grilled zucchini with honey, feta, and basil! This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a weeknight win.
Zucchini, a readily available summer squash, takes center stage. Sliced and grilled to tender-crisp perfection, it delivers a mild, refreshing flavor. A drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness that beautifully complements the salty tang of crumbled feta cheese. Fresh basil, with its bright and herbaceous notes, ties everything together for a truly satisfying taste experience.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a great option for a variety of dietary needs. Plus, it’s highly customizable. Want a smoky twist? Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the olive oil before grilling. Don’t have fresh basil? Substitute dried basil or even chopped fresh mint.
So fire up your grill and whip up this delightful dish. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or even enjoyed on its own as a light lunch.
Questions I often get asked about this recipe:
Can I use another type of cheese besides feta?
Yes, absolutely! Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even parmesan cheese would all be delicious options.
I don’t have fresh herbs. Can I use dried herbs instead?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried basil leaves for the 1/4 cup of fresh basil.
What if I don’t like honey?
You can leave the honey out altogether, or try another drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
How can I tell when the zucchini is done grilling?
The zucchini is done when it’s tender-crisp and has nice grill marks on both sides. You can check for doneness by gently pressing a fork into a slice.
My zucchini slices are sticking to the grill. What can I do?
Make sure your grill grates are hot and well-oiled before placing the zucchini slices. You can also use a grill spatula to gently loosen them if they start to stick.
What you need to make Grilled Zucchini with Honey, Feta & Basil:
2-3 medium zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oilS
alt and freshly ground black pepper1
/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1-2 tablespoons honey
How to make it:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-fry the zucchini on a stovetop grill pan.
Wash and dry the zucchini. Slice them lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices.
In a bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Once the grill is hot, place the zucchini slices directly on the grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender-crisp and grill marks appear.
While the zucchini is grilling, crumble the feta cheese and chop the fresh basil leaves.
Once the zucchini is cooked, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving plate.
Sprinkle the grilled zucchini with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil.
Drizzle the zucchini with honey to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
For a smoky flavor, you can add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the olive oil before grilling the zucchini.
If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute it with 1 tablespoon of dried basil leaves.
You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra pop of flavor.
This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
Leftover grilled zucchini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Latest Reviews:
This recipe was a lifesaver! I had zucchini overflowing from my garden and needed a new way to use them. The honey-feta combo is genius, and the fresh basil adds the perfect summery touch. Natalie S.
This is officially my new go-to side dish! It’s so easy to throw together and always a crowd-pleaser. The zucchini grills up beautifully, and the flavors are just amazing. Thanks for sharing! Bessie K.
Where has this recipe been all my life? Simple, healthy, and absolutely delicious. I loved the smoky twist from the paprika I added. Perfect with grilled chicken and a side salad. Definitely making this again! Gene G.
Printable Recipe:
Grilled Zucchini with Honey, Feta & Basil
This recipe is a delicious and easy way to prepare zucchini as a light and flavorful side dish. The sweetness of the honey complements the salty feta cheese, and the fresh basil adds a bright touch.
Ingredients
- 2-3 medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don't have a grill, you can pan-fry the zucchini on a stovetop grill pan.
- Wash and dry the zucchini. Slice them lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- In a bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Once the grill is hot, place the zucchini slices directly on the grill grates. - Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender-crisp and grill marks appear.
- While the zucchini is grilling, crumble the feta cheese and chop the fresh basil leaves.
- Once the zucchini is cooked, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle the grilled zucchini with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil.
- Drizzle the zucchini with honey to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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