Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

Summer barbecues at my house always need a simple vegetable side, and these zucchini skewers became an instant favorite when my sister first made them for us last July.

I was skeptical that something so easy could taste so good, but the first time these came off the grill with those gorgeous char marks and smelled like garlic heaven, I was sold.

Ingredients

• 3 medium zucchini: Look for firm, evenly sized squash so the rounds cook at the same rate on the grill
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melt it completely so it brushes evenly onto every zucchini round
• 3 cloves garlic: Freshly minced releases more oils and flavor than jarred garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Adds brightness and color to the butter sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Cuts through the rich butter and enhances the zucchini

Instructions

Preheat the grill:

Get your grill or grill pan heating to medium-high so it is ready when the zucchini is prepped

Whisk the garlic butter:

Combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until fully incorporated

Thread the zucchini:

Pierce through the center of each zucchini round, leaving small gaps between pieces for heat circulation

Brush with butter:

Coat all sides of the zucchini generously with the garlic butter mixture using a pastry brush

Grill to perfection:

Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until tender with beautiful char marks, basting with extra butter halfway through

Save

My kids who normally turn their noses up at zucchini started eating these right off the skewers, standing around the grill with butter dripping down their chins.

Making Ahead For Grilling

You can thread the zucchini onto skewers up to a few hours before grilling and keep them in the refrigerator, but wait to brush with the garlic butter until just before they hit the heat.

Best Grilling Temperature

Medium-high heat creates those beautiful grill marks without burning the delicate zucchini before the centers become tender and creamy.

Serving Suggestions

These skewers pair beautifully with almost anything from the grill, from burgers to chicken to fish.

• Set out extra garlic butter for brushing at the table
• Squeeze fresh lemon over the skewers just before serving
• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet finish

Save

These skewers turned summer vegetables from an afterthought into the dish everyone reaches for first.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the zucchini from falling off the skewers?

Cut zucchini into generous ½-inch thick rounds and thread them carefully, leaving small spaces between pieces. Metal skewers work best as they're more stable, but if using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store refrigerated. Slice the zucchini earlier in the day, but grill just before serving for the best texture. Leftovers reheat well in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

→ What other vegetables work well with this garlic butter?

Cherry tomatoes, bell pepper chunks, red onion wedges, mushrooms, or yellow squash all pair beautifully with the garlic butter. Thread them onto separate skewers since cooking times may vary slightly.

→ Can I cook these indoors without a grill?

Yes, use a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat or roast in the oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway and basting with garlic butter. The oven method yields tender results but won't have the same charred flavor.

→ How can I tell when the zucchini is done cooking?

The zucchini should be tender when pierced with a fork and show golden-brown grill marks on both sides. It should still hold its shape but offer no resistance when bitten. Avoid overcooking or the zucchini may become mushy.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

Substitute the unsalted butter with your favorite plant-based butter alternative and omit the Parmesan garnish. The garlic, herbs, and lemon juice provide plenty of flavor even without dairy.