Smoked zucchini on a pellet grill is an effortless summer side that delivers big flavor with only three ingredients. Tender, smoky, and slightly charred, these zucchini slices pair beautifully with grilled meats, salads, and pasta dishes. This straightforward method works on pellet grills, gas grills, or charcoal setups—any grill that can hold a steady medium-low temperature.
This smoked zucchini recipe is ideal when you have a surplus from the garden or want a simple, fresh side for a backyard meal. It cooks quickly, needs minimal prep, and highlights the vegetable’s natural sweetness while adding a pleasant wood-smoke note.
Zucchini is versatile: slice it, skewer it, or hollow it for boats and stuffings. The technique below focuses on even slices smoked until fork-tender with a touch of char for texture and visual appeal.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick to prepare and cook — ready in about 40 minutes total.
- Just a few pantry ingredients create a lot of flavor.
- Works with any main course from chicken to fish or steak.
- A smart way to use homegrown or market zucchini.
Smoked Zucchini Ingredients
A simple ingredient list keeps prep easy—quantities are listed in the printable recipe card below.
- Zucchini: Choose medium, firm zucchinis without soft spots.
- Avocado oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point (olive oil can be used instead).
- Greek seasoning: Or use your favorite all-purpose blend for a herb-forward flavor.
How to Make Smoked Zucchini
Step 1
Preheat your pellet grill to 250°F (or set a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat). Rinse and dry the zucchini. Slice each one lengthwise, then halve those pieces so your slices are about ¼ inch thick. Uniform thickness ensures even cooking.
Step 2
Brush or lightly spray each slice with avocado oil so they don’t stick and so the seasoning adheres. A thin, even coating is all you need.
Step 3
Season the slices with Greek seasoning or your chosen spice blend. Be generous—zucchini benefits from bold seasoning because it absorbs smoke and flavor readily.
Step 4
Arrange the zucchini in a single layer on the grill, leaving space between pieces for smoke circulation. Close the lid and smoke for 15 minutes.
Step 5
Flip each slice, brush with a touch more oil and seasoning, then smoke another 15 minutes. Remove when the zucchini is fork-tender and has a pleasant char around the edges. Serve immediately for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Dishes: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or smoked fish for a bright, smoky vegetable side.
- Salads: Chop smoked zucchini and toss into green salads or grain bowls for extra depth.
- Pasta & Bowls: Stir into pastas, grain salads, or veggie bowls for added texture and flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetable Swap: Yellow squash or eggplant work well with the same method; adjust cook time if pieces are thicker.
- Oils: Use extra virgin olive oil for flavor, or avocado oil for a neutral taste and higher smoke point.
- Spices: Try Italian seasoning, Cajun blend, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Temperature: Increase the grill to 300°F to shorten smoking by about 5 minutes per side if you’re pressed for time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Pellet, gas, or charcoal grills all work. Aim for a steady medium-low heat and adjust timing slightly if your grill runs hot.
Watch for fork-tender texture and remove the zucchini as soon as it’s cooked through but still holds its shape. Serve immediately for the best bite.
Store cooled zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat briefly on the grill or in the microwave before serving.
Milder fruit woods like cherry or apple complement zucchini well. Strong woods such as mesquite can overwhelm the delicate vegetable.
More Easy Smoked Vegetables to Try
- Smoked baked potatoes
- Smoked cheesy potatoes
- Smoked corn on the cob
- Smoked sweet potatoes
- Smoked stuffed bell peppers
- Smoked mushrooms in garlic butter
Printable Recipe
Smoked Zucchini on a Pellet Grill
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini, washed and dried
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning (or your favorite blend)
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet grill to 250°F or set a gas/charcoal grill to medium heat.
- Slice each zucchini lengthwise and then into halves so slices are about ¼ inch thick.
- Brush or spray slices with oil and season generously with Greek seasoning.
- Place zucchini in a single layer on the grill. Smoke for 15 minutes, flip, brush with oil and seasoning, then smoke another 15 minutes.
- Remove when fork-tender with a slight char. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Skewers: Cut into chunks and thread onto skewers for easier flipping.
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the hot zucchini for a savory finish.
- Dips: Serve with tzatziki, aioli, or yogurt-based dips.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 115 kcal | Carbs: 11 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g | Fiber: 5 g
Nutrition estimates are provided as a guideline and may vary.