Memorial Day Marks the Start of Grilling Season: Master Grilled Zucchini

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, excitement for the official commencement of grilling season grows. In just three weeks, we'll be savoring the flavors of grilled pork neck and sausages. Let's not overlook the vegetables, though. Grilled zucchini comes highly recommended.

Memorial Day is just around the corner! While meteorologists predict less-than-perfect weather, a mild chill won't dampen our grilling spirits. Memorial Day is celebrated as the beginning of the grilling season.

In merely a few days, we'll be enjoying everything from grilled sausage and pork neck to skewers. And for vegetarians, there's a bounty of grilled vegetables to look forward to. Which vegetables grill best? Onions, bell peppers, eggplants, and zucchinis lead the pack, with a special focus on zucchini. But how does one prepare a delicious grilled zucchini?

Zucchini, a member of the squash family, is available all year but shines brightest in its August to late September season. It's incredibly low in calories, with just 16 kcal in 3.5 oz, allowing guilt-free indulgence by the pound.

Zucchini's versatility shines in dishes like risotto, cream soup, or lecho, but aficionados argue it's unparalleled when grilled. Grilled zucchini is a culinary treat. Its preparation? Effortless. Simply slice, drizzle with olive oil and grill. Within minutes, zucchini softens and takes on a delightful smoky flavor.

To enhance its flavor, marinate the zucchini for a few hours before grilling. It soaks up marinade incredibly well. A touch of soy sauce and smoked paprika transforms it into delicious, umami-rich rings that could entice any meat lover.

For delectable grilled zucchini, adhere to these straightforward guidelines: Slice the vegetable into 0.4-0.6-inch pieces and season with salt. Coat with oil or olive oil before grilling, unless your marinade already contains oil. Grill each side for no more than three minutes.

Grilled zucchini can be a delightful snack or an ingredient in various dishes. For an exquisite appetizer, spread a slice with cream cheese, add a piece of avocado, smoked fish, grilled chicken, or other fillings, and roll it up. This snack is perfect for gatherings or as an elegant hors d'oeuvre.

Grilled zucchini can stand alone or enhance numerous dishes. With these tips, you're now ready to grill zucchini to perfection.