Grilled zucchini with lightly charred edges, Original Desert Dust and a squeeze of lemon. Cut it into sturdy planks, use a hot grill and stop while the centres still hold their shape. An easy vegetable side for barbecue nights.
Heat the grill. Preheat to medium-high, about 400–450°F. Clean and lightly oil the grate. Leave a cooler area available in case the seasoning colours too quickly.
Cut sturdy planks. Trim the ends of the zucchini and slice lengthwise into planks about 1/2 inch thick. Pat the cut surfaces dry. Keep the skin on to help the pieces hold together.
Oil and season. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with Original Dust. Season just before grilling rather than leaving the zucchini to sit and release water.
Grill until tender. Lay the planks across the grate and grill for about 3–5 minutes per side, turning once with tongs. Look for browned patches and tender centres that still hold their shape. Move to the cooler side if they darken before softening.
Finish and serve. Transfer to a platter and squeeze a little lemon over the warm zucchini. Taste before adding more Dust. Serve straight away alongside grilled meat, fish or beans.
The Dust In This Recipe
The Original Desert Dust
$12.99
Make it with Original Desert Dust. Taste before adding extra salt or seasoning.
✦The Date Is the DifferenceOrganic Coachella Valley dates bring sweetness, body and depth.
✦Smoky & EarthyA balanced all-purpose blend made for everyday cooking.
No. The skin is edible and helps the planks keep their shape. Wash the zucchini, trim the ends and leave the skin on.
HOW THICK SHOULD I CUT IT?
Aim for planks about 1/2 inch thick. Very thin slices can turn floppy or fall through the grate. If your zucchini is small, halving it lengthwise may give the right thickness.
WHY IS MY GRILLED ZUCCHINI SOGGY?
Thin slices, low grill heat and overcooking can all soften it too much. Dry the cut surfaces, season just before cooking and use a hot grate. Stop when tender with a little structure left.
CAN I USE YELLOW SUMMER SQUASH?
Yes. Cut it to a similar thickness and watch it as it cooks; smaller pieces may finish sooner. The oil, Dust and lemon work the same way.
CAN I USE A GRILL PAN?
Yes. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook in a single layer, in batches if needed. Avoid crowding and turn once the first side has browned.
WHICH DUST WORKS BEST?
Original is the base version here. Savory can replace it in the same amount. For Spicy, start with 1 tsp across the batch and adjust after tasting. Keep these as variations of this recipe.
CAN I KEEP LEFTOVERS?
Refrigerate cooled leftovers promptly and use within 3–4 days. The zucchini will soften as it sits. Reheat to 165°F or enjoy properly chilled leftovers in a salad; add fresh lemon just before serving.
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