Grilled Zucchini with Tomatoes and Mint Recipe

Zucchini: A versatile summer squash that becomes tender and slightly charred when grilled.

Cherry tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that add a burst of flavor and juiciness.

Olive oil: Used to coat the vegetables, helping them to grill evenly and adding a rich flavor.

Fresh mint: Adds a refreshing and aromatic finish to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish.

When grilling zucchini, ensure the slices are evenly cut to about ¼ inch thick. This helps them cook uniformly and prevents some pieces from becoming too mushy while others remain undercooked. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, you can marinate the zucchini and cherry tomatoes in the olive oil, salt, and pepper mixture for about 15-20 minutes before grilling. This allows the vegetables to absorb the seasoning more thoroughly.

• zucchinis - Substitute with eggplants: Eggplants have a similar texture and can be grilled in the same way, providing a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

• zucchinis - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and flavor profile to zucchini, making it an excellent alternative.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are slightly smaller but have a similar sweetness and juiciness, making them a great substitute.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with diced regular tomatoes: Regular tomatoes can be diced into smaller pieces to mimic the size and texture of cherry tomatoes.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for grilling.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another neutral oil with a high smoke point, suitable for grilling vegetables.

• fresh mint - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil provides a different but complementary flavor, adding a fresh and aromatic touch to the dish.

• fresh mint - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley offers a mild, slightly peppery flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, giving the dish a different but delicious twist.

• pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat and spice, providing a different flavor profile to the dish.

• Allow the grilled zucchini and cherry tomatoes to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the vegetables soggy.

• Place the cooled vegetables in an airtight container. For best results, use a shallow container to avoid stacking the zucchini slices, which can cause them to become mushy.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The grilled zucchini and cherry tomatoes will keep well for up to 3-4 days.

• If you wish to freeze the dish, lay the grilled zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

• Once the zucchini slices are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents the slices from sticking together.

• For the cherry tomatoes, it is best to store them separately in a freezer-safe container. Freezing them together with the zucchini can cause the tomatoes to become mushy upon thawing.

• Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. The grilled zucchini and cherry tomatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When ready to use, thaw the grilled zucchini and cherry tomatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or enjoy them cold in a salad.

• To maintain the fresh flavor of the mint, add it just before serving rather than freezing it with the vegetables. Fresh mint can be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag for up to a week.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the grilled zucchini and cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Add the chopped mint just before serving to keep its fresh flavor.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the zucchini slices and cherry tomatoes in the skillet. Stir occasionally and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Sprinkle with fresh mint before serving.

• Microwave Method: Place the grilled zucchini and cherry tomatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Add the chopped mint after microwaving.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini slices and cherry tomatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through. Add the fresh mint after reheating.

• Grill Reheat Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the grilled zucchini and cherry tomatoes back on the grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through. Top with chopped mint before serving.

• Grill: Used to cook the zucchini slices, providing a charred and smoky flavor.

• Tongs: Essential for flipping the zucchini slices on the grill without burning your hands.

• Mixing bowl: Used to toss the zucchini slices and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Basting brush: Helpful for evenly coating the zucchini slices with olive oil.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the zucchinis and halving the cherry tomatoes.

• Chef's knife: Used for slicing the zucchinis and chopping the fresh mint.

• Serving platter: Used to present the grilled zucchini and cherry tomatoes attractively.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of olive oil and chopped mint.

• Spatula: Can be used to transfer the grilled zucchini slices from the grill to the serving platter.

Preheat the grill: Start preheating your grill while you prepare the ingredients to save time.

Use a mandoline: Slice the zucchinis quickly and evenly with a mandoline slicer.

Prep in advance: Chop the mint and halve the cherry tomatoes ahead of time.

Batch grilling: Grill all the zucchini slices at once if your grill is large enough.

Serve immediately: Have your serving platter ready to go so you can serve the dish as soon as it’s off the grill.