Smoky Fire-Roasted Tomato Grilled Zucchini

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled zucchini with a smoky tomato sauce inspired by the warmth of fire and the vibrancy of light. This mediterranean-inspired grilling (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs Zucchini, Tomatoes, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Toss zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and charred.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Serve grilled zucchini topped with the tomato sauce, garnished with fresh thyme.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Fire-Roasted Tomato Grilled Zucchini take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoky Fire-Roasted Tomato Grilled Zucchini?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Fire-Roasted Tomato Grilled Zucchini?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoky Fire-Roasted Tomato Grilled Zucchini for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Smoky Fire-Roasted Tomato Grilled Zucchini vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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