How to Make Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini with Dill Yogurt: Step-by-Step Guide

Recipe Ingredients:

Preparing this delightful dish requires just a few fresh, high-quality ingredients, all easily found at your local grocery store. Below is a comprehensive list, with exact quantities detailed in the full recipe card further down this page.

Ingredient Notes and Expert Substitutions:

• Zucchini: When selecting zucchini, opt for small to medium-sized specimens. They tend to be more tender, have fewer seeds, and boast a sweeter flavor compared to their larger counterparts, which can often be watery and bland. Aim for firm, blemish-free zucchini for the best grilling results.
• Greek Yogurt: For unparalleled richness and creaminess in your sauce, we highly recommend using whole milk or full-fat Greek yogurt. Its robust flavor and thick texture provide a perfect base. However, if you prefer or are accustomed to lower-fat or nonfat Greek yogurt, feel free to use it; just be aware that the sauce may be slightly thinner.
• Fresh Dill: The essence of this dish relies heavily on the bright, aromatic notes of fresh dill. While dried dill can be used in a pinch (use about one-third the amount of fresh), nothing compares to the vibrant flavor and beautiful feathery texture of fresh dill sprigs.
• Feta Cheese: Salty, tangy, and crumbly, feta cheese is a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine and perfectly complements the grilled zucchini. For the freshest taste and best texture, we suggest crumbling it yourself from a block. Pre-crumbled feta is a convenient alternative. If feta isn’t to your liking, a creamy goat cheese makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar tang with a milder flavor.
• Pistachios: These vibrant green nuts not only add a wonderful crunch but also a beautiful pop of color to the finished dish, making them an appealing garnish. If pistachios are unavailable or you have a preference for other nuts, almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts can be used, though they will alter the visual appeal slightly. For those with nut allergies, roasted sunflower seeds are a fantastic, safe alternative that still provides a satisfying textural contrast.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A staple of Mediterranean cooking, extra virgin olive oil provides rich flavor and helps the zucchini char beautifully on the grill. Divided usage ensures some goes into the yogurt sauce (if needed) and the rest coats the zucchini.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dill yogurt sauce, adding a zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the yogurt and feta.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth to the dill yogurt, enhancing its savory profile.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the zucchini and the yogurt sauce, always adjust to your personal taste.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): A light dusting of cayenne pepper offers a subtle warmth and a gentle kick, balancing the cool flavors of the yogurt and adding another layer of complexity.

Chef Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini

• Achieving the Ideal Yogurt Consistency: Greek yogurt brands vary significantly in thickness. If your preferred brand is quite thick (like Fage), a small amount of olive oil added to the yogurt sauce can help thin it to a more spreadable, luxurious consistency while adding a layer of rich flavor. Conversely, if your yogurt is on the thinner side, you can strain it through cheesecloth set over a colander for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This process removes excess whey, resulting in a wonderfully thick, velvety sauce base that clings beautifully to the zucchini.
• Uniform Zucchini Slices for Even Cooking: The secret to perfectly grilled zucchini that’s tender but not mushy is uniform slicing. Cut your zucchini into planks of consistent thickness, ideally around 1/3-inch. This ensures each piece cooks at the same rate, preventing some from becoming overcooked while others remain raw. Thicker planks, like those used here, are less likely to fall through grill grates compared to thinner cuts.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: When grilling the zucchini, resist the temptation to pack too many slices onto the grill at once. Overcrowding lowers the grill’s temperature and steams the vegetables instead of searing them, leading to less flavorful, soggy zucchini without those coveted char marks. Grill in batches if necessary, allowing enough space around each piece for proper airflow and direct heat contact.
• Serving Temperature Versatility: While this dish is undeniably delicious served hot off the grill, its flavors also meld and deepen beautifully when served at room temperature. This makes it an incredibly convenient option for entertaining, as you can prepare it ahead of time and allow it to sit out, freeing you up to enjoy your guests without last-minute cooking stress.
• Proper Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper on your zucchini before grilling. Zucchini has a high water content, and proper seasoning helps to draw out some moisture and enhances its natural flavors, preventing a bland outcome.
• Clean Grill Grates: Always start with clean grill grates to prevent sticking. Lightly oiling the grates (or the zucchini, as instructed) also helps in this regard.

Creative Variations to Try

• Eggplant Instead of Zucchini: For a slightly different texture and flavor profile, substitute grilled eggplant rounds for the zucchini. Ensure the eggplant is salted and left to drain for about 30 minutes before grilling to remove excess moisture and reduce bitterness.
• Add Other Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs in the yogurt sauce. Mint, parsley, or a combination of herbs can add unique nuances to the flavor.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the yogurt sauce for an extra fiery kick.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Incorporate thinly sliced roasted red peppers (jarred or freshly roasted) into the platter alongside the zucchini for added color and sweetness.
• Different Cheese: While feta is traditional, you can try other crumbly or soft cheeses like crumbled goat cheese (as suggested above) or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a different cheesy dimension.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Grilled Zucchini

This versatile Mediterranean grilled zucchini dish is a stellar companion to a variety of main courses, enhancing any meal with its fresh flavors:

• Mediterranean Fish Recipe en Papillote: The lightness of the fish wrapped and cooked in parchment paper perfectly complements the fresh, vibrant flavors of the zucchini. Discover the recipe here.
• Mediterranean Fish and White Bean Skillet: A hearty yet healthy skillet meal that balances the grilled zucchini’s freshness with robust flavors and satisfying protein. Find the recipe.
• Chicken with Romesco: The smoky, nutty Spanish Romesco sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, creating a rich main dish that contrasts beautifully with the zesty zucchini. Get the recipe here.
• Middle Eastern Meatballs in Tomato Sauce: The savory, spiced meatballs offer a comforting and flavorful pairing, making for a well-rounded and exciting meal. Explore the recipe.

More Great Zucchini Recipes You’ll Love!

If you find yourself with an abundance of zucchini or simply can’t get enough of this versatile vegetable, here are more delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Zucchini Quiche: A savory and satisfying dish perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
• Zucchini Ricotta Fritters: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – these fritters are a delightful appetizer or side.
• Zucchini Corn Fritters with Basil Buttermilk Sauce: A fresh and summery combination that’s bursting with flavor.
• Zucchini Corn Casserole: A comforting and flavorful casserole perfect for family gatherings.

Explore all my delicious vegetable side dish recipes at Vegetable Side Dish Recipes – From A Chef’s Kitchen.