Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe

Zesty Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe for Summer Grilling

Succulent garlic butter zucchini skewers dance with irresistible flavor on every summer plate.

Vibrant green vegetables absorb rich, melted butter like culinary sponges.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create magic between charred edges and delicate centers.

Fresh zucchini slices transform into crispy, golden delights when kissed by flame.

Smoky grilling techniques unlock deep, savory notes that make each bite memorable.

Herbs and seasonings whisper promises of extraordinary taste adventures.

Ready to become the grill master who turns simple vegetables into sensational crowd-pleasers?

Why Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Are So Flavorful

  • Grill with Ease: Perfect for backyard barbecues and casual gatherings, these zucchini skewers bring a simple yet delicious vegetable option to your grilling menu.
  • Quick Vegetable Transformation: Boring zucchini becomes a flavorful side dish with just a few minutes of preparation and minimal ingredients, making it super accessible for home cooks.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Adjust seasoning and garlic intensity to suit personal tastes, allowing everyone from kids to adults to enjoy this versatile vegetable recipe.
  • Health-Conscious Choice: Low-calorie zucchini combined with minimal butter creates a nutritious side dish that feels indulgent without heavy guilt, perfect for summer meals and wellness-minded eaters.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

Main Ingredients:
  • Zucchini: Fresh summer squash that provides a tender and mild base for the skewers.
  • Wooden Skewers: Wooden sticks that help grill and serve the zucchini pieces.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the zucchini's natural flavor and add depth to the dish.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Butter: Melted fat that helps coat the zucchini and creates a rich, glossy finish on the skewers.

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Crank your outdoor grill to a sizzling medium heat, creating the perfect cooking environment for these amazing zucchini skewers.

Step 2: Slice Zucchini Into Rounds

Take your fresh zucchini and chop them into perfect 1-inch circular pieces that will cook evenly and look gorgeous on the skewer.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Butter Mixture

Grab a small mixing bowl and combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Freshly minced garlic
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dash of black pepper

Whisk everything together until the ingredients are fully incorporated and fragrant.

Step 4: Thread Zucchini Onto Skewers

Carefully slide your zucchini rounds onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, making sure each piece is secure and balanced.

Step 5: Generously Coat With Garlic Butter

Using a basting brush, lavishly coat each skewered zucchini with the delicious garlic butter mixture, ensuring maximum flavor coverage.

Step 6: Grill To Perfection

Place your prepared skewers on the heated grill, rotating every few minutes to achieve a beautiful golden char and tender texture. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Remove skewers from grill, plate immediately, and enjoy these mouthwatering zucchini treats while they’re hot and bursting with flavor.

Pro Tips for Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential fire hazards.
  • Choose firm, fresh zucchinis with vibrant green color for the best texture and flavor on the grill.
  • Control grill heat carefully to avoid overcooking; zucchini should be tender with light char marks, not mushy or completely blackened.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or parsley mixed into the garlic butter for extra depth and aromatic flavor.
  • Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free version that works perfectly for vegan and health-conscious diners.

Variations to Explore With Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

  • Mediterranean Herb Zucchini Skewers: Replace garlic butter with olive oil, add dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Cajun Zucchini Skewers: Mix melted butter with Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and paprika for a bold, zesty kick.
  • Parmesan Pesto Zucchini Skewers: Brush skewers with homemade pesto, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese before grilling for an Italian-inspired version.
  • Asian Sesame Zucchini Skewers: Swap garlic butter with sesame oil, add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired taste.

Suggested Pairings for Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

  • Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the light, buttery garlic flavors of zucchini skewers with their refreshing acidity and clean finish.
  • Enhance with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil to balance the grilled zucchini's richness and add vibrant texture.
  • Match with Grilled Protein Companion: Serve alongside lemon-herb grilled chicken or delicate white fish like sea bass to create a complete, harmonious summer meal that highlights the zucchini's smoky notes.

Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

  • Store cooled skewers in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-45 seconds until warm, checking to prevent overcooking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, arrange skewers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 5-7 minutes.
  • Quickly sauté skewers in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to restore some original crispness.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

  • Can I use other vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute zucchini with yellow squash, bell peppers, or eggplant chunks. They grill similarly and absorb the garlic butter flavor well.

  • Do I need to peel the zucchini before grilling?

No, keep the skin on. Zucchini skin is nutritious and adds color and texture to the skewers. Just wash them thoroughly before cutting.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or roast the skewers in the oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes. The cooking method will slightly change the texture but maintain the flavor.

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Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe

Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe


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4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 20-22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling garlic butter zucchini skewers bring Mediterranean flavors straight to summer grilling adventures. Herbal notes and rich butter complement charred zucchini, creating a simple yet irresistible side dish perfect for gathering friends around the grill.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 4 small zucchinis

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, melted
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Instructions

  1. Prepare outdoor grill to medium heat (around 375°F) for optimal cooking temperature.
  2. Slice zucchinis into uniform circular medallions approximately 1-inch thick for consistent grilling.
  3. Create aromatic garlic butter sauce by thoroughly combining melted butter with finely chopped garlic in a mixing vessel.
  4. Carefully insert wooden skewers (previously soaked in water) through zucchini rounds, ensuring secure placement and even distribution.
  5. Generously coat each zucchini skewer with prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  6. Enhance flavor profile by sprinkling kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper across skewered vegetables.
  7. Position skewers on preheated grill grates, rotating every 3-4 minutes to achieve balanced charring and tenderness.
  8. Monitor cooking process for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and soft vegetable texture.
  9. Remove skewers from grill and allow brief resting period to stabilize internal temperature and enhance flavor integration.
  10. Transfer to serving platter and present immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and gustatory appeal.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture and easier threading onto skewers.
  • Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme mixed into the garlic butter for extra flavor complexity.
  • For a low-carb or vegetarian option, these skewers make an excellent side dish or light main course that pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 64 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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