Grilled Zucchini With Goat Cheese, Basil & Honey

The sun-drenched aroma of grilled zucchini wafts through the air as I slice into fresh, green vegetables, ready to create something delightful. Grilled Zucchini With Goat Cheese, Basil & Honey is a simple yet sophisticated dish that takes just 30 minutes to prepare. The combination of the smoky grill marks, creamy goat cheese, and the sweetness of honey provides a delicious contrast that works beautifully.

This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, light weeknight dinners, or as a side dish at festive occasions. You can prepare the zucchini ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The zucchini’s tender texture contrasts perfectly with the creamy goat cheese.
• Minimal prep time allows for quick cooking on busy nights.
• A touch of honey adds a delightful sweetness that elevates the dish.
• Fresh basil lends a fragrant, herby note that rounds out the flavors.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking!

For the Zucchini

• 5 medium zucchinis, ends removed and sliced 1/2-inch thick, lengthwise
• Salt, for seasoning
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil, for brushing

For the Toppings

• 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1.5 Tbsp honey, for drizzling
• Salt + pepper, to taste

Use avocado oil for a higher smoke point.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use feta cheese instead of goat cheese.
• Swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup.
• Fresh oregano can substitute for basil.
• Use grilled eggplant as a zucchini alternative.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create this delicious dish.

Remove ends and slice

Remove the ends from zucchini and slice into 1/2-inch pieces, lengthwise. Spread the sliced zucchini onto a plate or cutting board, then apply salt liberally, and let it sit for 20 minutes to drain excess water.

Pat dry

After 20 minutes, pat the zucchini slices dry using a clean cloth or paper towel.

Heat the grill

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush olive oil or avocado oil onto both sides of each zucchini slice.

Grill the zucchini

Place the zucchini slices onto the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway. The zucchini is done when tender with grill marks appearing. Be sure not to over-cook!

Serve and garnish

Remove zucchini from the grill and serve on a large plate. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and freshly chopped basil over the top. Drizzle honey and season with salt and pepper as desired. Enjoy!

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, zucchini will become mushy.
Reheat: microwave for 30-40 seconds or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Adjust salt to taste since the cheese adds flavor.
• Grill zucchini in batches for even cooking and to avoid crowding.
• Let the grilled zucchini rest for a minute before serving for the best texture.
• Use a grill basket if your zucchini slices are falling through the cracks.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• Pair with toasted bread and a light salad for a refreshing lunch.
• Include it in a summer potluck or barbecue spread for an inviting shareable dish.