Grilled and Smoked Zucchini (3 Simple Steps)

When you are planning your menu for a cookout, don’t forget the humble vegetables.

Smoked vegetables are a great side dish, as they are!

Zucchini is one such vegetable that’s perfect for the pellet grill. 

Adding the element of smoke takes this humble vegetable to the next level.

Just follow my simple steps for smoked zucchini below!

Why You Should Try Smoked Zucchini?

Anyone with a zucchini plant in the vegetable garden will tell you how abundant they are!

Zucchinis are low-carb, low-glycemic, vegan, and gluten-free.

They are suitable for a wide range of diets and are a healthy smoked dish that anyone can eat. They are also rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B6.

Zucchini is an excellent replacement for pasta and lasagna sheets. It holds its form when cooked and has a mild flavor.

Are Other Vegetables Suitable for Smoking?

Vegetables like yellow squash, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and eggplant are perfect on a grill. They all soaked up the delicous smoky flavors!

Plus grilled vegetables are easy to throw on while you are cooking your main dish.

What Temperature to Smoke Zucchini At?

I recommend smoking your zucchinis at 195°F for the first 60 minutes, then increasing the temperature for the final 30 minutes to 300°F. However, if you want to stick with one temperature, smoke your zucchini at 225°F for two hours.

How Flavoring to Add to Zucchini

To get the best out of your zucchini make sure you season them.

Coat with olive oil and salt and pepper at the very least.

Zucchini has a very subtle flavor so you can go a little crazy with adding bold flavor. 

For a spicy kick, try cumin, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes. For something more mellow, try cinnamon.

How to Slice Zucchini for Smoking

Try to have all the slices at an even thickness. I like to cut them in half lengthways and then in half again.

Having different thicknesses will result in uneven cooking.

You’ll have a job trying to keep an eye on what’s ready and what’s still cooking.

What Size Zucchini to Use

Go for smaller zucchini and halve lengthwise.

Smaller zucchinis will have smaller, softer seeds.

You won’t have to worry about cleaning them out or having the taste affect your food.

What Color Should Zucchini Be

The darker the skin, the richer the nutrients, so go for deep dark green-skinned zucchinis. 

How to Serve Smoked Zucchini

Serve up and eat as soon as they are ready.

Zucchinis tend to get soft and mushy as they sit. If grilling, leave the zucchini until right before serving.

How To Smoke Zucchini

Grilling zucchini is super easy.

• Marinade or season the slices for several hours before cooking. Drain off when it’s their time on the grill grates.
• Set the pellet smoker to 190°F. Cook at a medium-high temperature.
• Pre-spray the grill if there is no oil in the marinade.
• Lay the zucchini on the grill grate and cook for 60 minutes. Then increase the temperature to 300°F and cook for a further 30 minutes. 

• Make sure you rotate around to get those fabulous grill marks across the slices. Flip over after 5-6 minutes.
• Zucchini should take around 10-12 minutes in total. If you prefer a little crunch in your vegetables cook a few minutes less.
• You’ll know they’re ready when the flesh softens and the edges appear charred and brown.

Serving Ideas for Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is fantastic on its own, or paired with just about anything else you serve.

Add to pasta or salad dishes, layer onto a pizza, or add some slices to your burgers.

Top with your favorite creamy dressing or vinaigrette salad dressing.

Add some fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, garlic, or rosemary for a fresh dimension of flavor.

Top with tomato and olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Smoked Zucchini

This recipe involves a minimum of fuss, no cleanup, and a delicious meal!

What You Need

• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 zucchini cut in half
• Olive oil

Method

Step 1 – Prepare the Grill

Set the pellet smoker to 190°F.

Load up the wood chip pellets – for this recipe, we are using cherry wood pellets, but you can use whatever you like.

Step 2 – Prepare the Zucchini

Lay the zucchini out, rub with olive oil then add salt and pepper to taste

Step 3 – Cooking the Zucchini

Lay the zucchini on the grill grate and cook for 60 minutes.

Then increase the temperature to 300°F and cook for a further 30 minutes. 

Make sure you rotate around to get those fabulous grill marks across the slices.

You’ll know they’re ready when the flesh starts to soften and the edges appear charred and brown.

Step 4 – Serving

Serve immediately. You can garnish with anything you like, We have used red pepper flakes, feta, olives and fresh herbs.

In no time at all, you’ll have a fantastic low-carb side dish that the whole family will love.

Next time you are grilling on the Pit Boss, throw some zucchini in and give them a try!

Smoke On!

Charlie

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