Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian}

Name: Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Serves approximately four people
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds eggplant; 1 large zucchini; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 6 ounces fresh mozzarella (thinly sliced); 1 ½ cups tomato sauce; 10 large basil leaves

Published: August 21, 2025

by Lucille

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Flavorful Layers: The combination of grilled zucchini, eggplant, and fresh mozzarella creates a rich and satisfying dish.
Healthy Option: Low in calories yet high in nutrients, this dish is a guilt-free indulgence that fits into various diets.
Versatile Serving: Serve it as a main dish or a side at your next barbecue; it complements various entrees beautifully.
Vegetarian Delight: This recipe caters to vegetarians without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Baking sheet
Brush for oil
Knife
Cutting board
Plates for serving

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Provides the perfect smoky flavor while achieving that desirable char on the vegetables.
Baking sheet: Handy for prepping your vegetables before grilling, making cleanup easier.
Brush for oil: Ensures even coverage of olive oil on veggies, enhancing their flavor during grilling.

Ingredients

For the Vegetables

1 1/2 pound eggplant
1 large zucchini

For Seasoning and Topping

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Layering

6 ounces fresh mozzarella (thinly sliced)
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (your favorite kind)

For Garnish

10 large basil leaves

How to Make Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian}

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking of the vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Cut the eggplant into ½-inch slices (you should have about 12 slices).
Cut the zucchini in half crosswise, then slice each half into ¼-inch slices (total of about 8 slices).

Step 3: Season the Vegetables

Lay the eggplant and zucchini slices on a baking sheet.
* Brush both sides with olive oil.
* Season with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Grill the Vegetables

Place the seasoned slices on the grill.
Grill until tender but not overcooked—about 4 minutes per side for eggplant and 3 minutes per side for zucchini.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella

In the last 30 seconds of cooking:
1. Divide mozzarella evenly between the eggplant rounds.
2. Close the barbecue lid and cook for an additional 30 seconds or until melted.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dish

On each of four plates:
1. Lay one grilled eggplant round.
2. Top with 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce followed by half of the basil leaves.
3. Add one zucchini slice on top; repeat stacking with remaining ingredients, finishing with an eggplant round and more tomato sauce.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Spoon any remaining tomato sauce around each stack before serving. Enjoy your Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan hot!

How to Serve Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian}

Serving this Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe is a delightful experience that brings together flavors and textures. You can enjoy it as a hearty main dish or pair it with various sides for a complete meal.

Classic Italian Style

Serve with crusty bread – A slice of rustic Italian bread complements the dish perfectly, allowing you to soak up any leftover sauce.
Add a fresh salad – A light arugula or mixed green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the parmesan.

Family-Friendly Presentation

Create stacks on individual plates – Arrange each portion in an attractive stack for a fun serving style that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Offer extra toppings – Provide grated parmesan or crushed red pepper on the side, allowing guests to customize their dish.

Accompanying Dips and Sauces

Pair with a basil pesto – A drizzle of homemade or store-bought basil pesto enhances the flavors and adds a fresh touch.
Serve with marinara sauce – Extra marinara on the side allows for dipping, making it even more enjoyable.

How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian}

To make your Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe truly shine, follow these tips for perfection.

Boldly season your vegetables – Don’t shy away from salt and pepper; they bring out the natural flavors of zucchini and eggplant.
Preheat the grill properly – Ensure your grill is at medium heat before cooking for even grilling without burning.
Use fresh mozzarella – Opt for high-quality, fresh mozzarella as it melts beautifully and enhances the taste.
Let it rest before serving – Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving; this helps the layers hold together better.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian}

Complementing your Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread – Crispy, buttery garlic bread pairs wonderfully with any Italian dish and is perfect for sopping up sauce.
Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast to the warm eggplant.
Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal veggies roasted to perfection adds color and flavor diversity to your plate.
Quinoa Pilaf – Light and nutritious, quinoa pilaf provides extra protein while being gluten-free.
Couscous Salad – A light couscous salad with lemon dressing offers a bright side that complements the hearty main dish.
Steamed Green Beans – Simple steamed green beans add a crunchy texture that pairs well with creamy eggplant parmesan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s taste and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

Skipping the salting step: Not salting the eggplant can lead to a bitter flavor. Make sure to sprinkle salt on the slices and let them sit for a few minutes before grilling to draw out excess moisture.
Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the zucchini and eggplant too long can result in mushy textures. Grill them just until tender, checking frequently to prevent overcooking.
Using low-quality mozzarella: Cheap cheese can negatively impact flavor. Opt for fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture and better taste in your Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan.
Neglecting grill temperature: If the grill is too hot, vegetables may char before cooking through. Aim for medium heat to ensure even cooking.
Inadequate stacking technique: Improper layering can make it hard to eat. Stack the layers carefully, following the order of eggplant, sauce, basil, zucchini, and repeat for a balanced bite.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
The Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian}

Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or use freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian}

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power in short intervals of 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed. Cover with a lid and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions related to the Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe.

Can I make this Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before grilling. This makes it easy for hosting!

What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to experiment with other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and variety in your Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and is great for meal prep. Just portion it out into containers after cooking.

How do I ensure my eggplant is not bitter?

Salting your eggplant slices before cooking helps remove bitterness by drawing out moisture. Rinse off excess salt before grilling.

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe is not only delicious but also offers great versatility as a vegetarian option at any barbecue or dinner gathering. Feel free to customize it by adding different herbs or cheeses based on your preferences! Try this simple yet flavorful dish today!

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