Smoked Zucchini

Smoked Zucchini is the best way to cook zucchini slices. You can easily eat this as a main dish or make it into a simple side dish to share. All you need for this easy recipe is four simple ingredients. Minimal meal prep, maximum flavor. 

​Out of all the different vegetables, I love the taste of zucchini. Not only does it make an easy side dish, but it's simple to flavor and pair will all types of foods. You can even use fresh herbs or dried herbs to take the taste to the next level, and this dish is always a great option to share with family and friends. With so many favorite ways to cook it, it's a must for the summer months. 

If you're lucky enough to have your own garden, you can even use your own homegrown zucchini in this dish. It's the perfect way to cut costs and make a simple zucchini recipe from your own hard work and land. Otherwise, head to the grocery store or farmer's market and grab a few to cook and eat. 

Be sure to check out my Lemon Orzo with Spinach as another great side or main dish option. This recipe is hearty and delicious, and a great vegetarian meal idea. 

Ingredients

Zucchini - Make sure that you choose a zucchini that is ripe and ready. Read below for my tips on how to pick the best one. 

Salt - This is added for flavor. 

Black pepper - Best when paired with salt for flavor. 

Olive oil - I like to use extra virgin olive oil for this recipe. Coconut oil could be used, too. 

How to Make Smoked Zucchini

Step One: Wash and clean the zucchini. Use a sharp knife to cut the zucchini in half, then slice the halves longways into thirds. 

Step Two: Drizzle the slices of zucchini with olive oil and then add salt and pepper on top.

Step Three: Put the zucchini slices directly on the grill grate and smoke at 225 degrees for one hour. The zucchini should be fork-tender once done. You'll also love the grill marks on them.

Step Four: remove and serve.

Variations 

Seasonings - While I stick to using salt and pepper, you can easily use other seasonings like red pepper flakes, paprika powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, chili flakes, or anything else that you'd like. 

​Cook more easy smoked vegetables - Just because this recipe is for zucchini, don't stop there! You can easily use this recipe for cooking yellow squash, sweet onion, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and more. We have recipes for Smoked Cauliflower, Smoked Onions, Smoked Garlic, and Smoked Asparagus you can reference. 

Add toppings - Once the zucchini is done cooking, don't forget that you can add toppings like parmesan cheese, sunflower seeds, or even drizzle a little bit of Italian dressing on top. 

​Common Questions 

What is the best vegetable to smoke?

This all depends on what flavor you like. Zucchini is obviously on that list, but you can easily smoke most vegetables on the pellet grill or in your smoker and love the outcome and taste. Just use the best vegetables that your tastebuds like, and then create the perfect side dish. The fun part about changing the veggies and recipe is that it makes it taste new and different each time. 

Can I cook zucchini on a gas grill?

You can! Just know that you won't get that smoky flavor that you would use a smoker or wood pellets, but it's still a super effective way to cook up one of your favorite side dishes. I like to cook on a gas grill as well from time to time, but I do prefer the overall smoke flavor and taste that a smoker can give. 

How do I know when zucchini is ripe? 

These humble vegetables are really forgiving, but you do want to make sure that you're choosing a smaller zucchini and one that is green in size without any knicks out of it. 

If the zucchini is squishy and soft at all, I would move on and find one that is firm when you squeeze it. 

What are zucchini boats? 

These are a delicious recipe as well but have a totally different outcome. Zucchini boats are typically when the zucchini has been halved, with the insides scooped out. It is then filled with ingredients like cream cheese, bacon, chives, or anything else that you want, and eaten. Check out our recipe for Stuffed Zucchini with Rice to see an example.