Name: Grilled Zucchini Caesar Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 to 3 medium zucchini, cut into chunks; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 3 slices sourdough bread, cut into cubes; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon anchovy paste; ½ lemon, juiced; ⅓ cup olive oil; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 24 reviews

If you’re craving a fresh twist on the classic Caesar salad, you absolutely need to try this Grilled Zucchini Caesar. It’s a vibrant, smoky, and utterly satisfying dish that combines tender, charred zucchini with a luscious Greek yogurt Caesar dressing, crunchy garlicky croutons, and layers of parmesan goodness. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it a perfect light lunch or side dish that impresses without any fuss. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you — it’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy zucchini, especially when grilling season is in full swing!

Grilled Zucchini Caesar Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that work harmoniously to create a dish that’s clean yet deeply flavorful. Each element plays a crucial role—from the smoky zucchini and garlic-infused croutons to the tangy, creamy dressing, and sharp parmesan accents.

Medium zucchini (2 to 3): Choose firm, fresh zucchini for grilling to get the perfect char and texture.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the zucchini and balancing the flavors throughout the dish.
Sourdough bread (3 slices): Cubed and toasted to add irresistible garlic crunch as homemade croutons.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps crisp the croutons beautifully.
Garlic cloves (6 total, minced): Divided between croutons and dressing, garlic is the flavor backbone here.
Olive oil (¼ cup total): Used both for grilling and emulsifying the dressing; opt for a fruity, high-quality version.
Shaved parmesan cheese (⅓ cup): For a bold, nutty finish that melts slightly on the warm zucchini.
Finely grated parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top to enhance the cheesy aroma and texture.
Greek yogurt Caesar dressing ingredients: Greek yogurt (3 tablespoons), parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons), Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon), red wine vinegar (2 teaspoons), anchovy paste (1 teaspoon), lemon juice (from ½ lemon), salt, and pepper—all blended to create a creamy, tangy dressing.

How to Make Grilled Zucchini Caesar

Step 1: Prepare the zucchini

Start by cutting your zucchini into chunky pieces—this allows the zucchini to grill evenly and develop a gorgeous smoky flavor. To avoid sogginess, sprinkle the chunks with kosher salt and set them on paper towels for 15 to 20 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture, so when you grill them, the zucchini will have a wonderful texture and won’t turn mushy.

Step 2: Make the garlicky sourdough croutons

While the zucchini rests, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Toss in your cubed sourdough bread alongside a pinch of salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until your croutons are golden and crunchy. Let them cool before crumbling to get bite-sized crispy morsels with a real homemade charm.

Step 3: Grill the zucchini

Preheat your grill to high and dry off the zucchini chunks completely with paper towels. Toss them with olive oil and a generous crack of black pepper, keeping in mind they’re already salted. Transfer the zucchini to a grill-safe pan and set it over the grill. Close the lid and let the zucchini sizzle and sear for 6 to 8 minutes before tossing and grilling another 6 to 8 minutes. You can grill a little longer if you want more char and softness—this part is totally customizable to your preference!

Step 4: Whip up the vibrant Greek yogurt Caesar dressing

Combine minced garlic, Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, anchovy paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Puree everything until smooth, then drizzle in olive oil while blending to create a thick, creamy dressing. You may end up with extra dressing which keeps beautifully in the fridge for a few days and crisps up future meals.

Step 5: Assemble your Grilled Zucchini Caesar

Serve the hot grilled zucchini on a large plate, drizzling it generously with your homemade Greek yogurt Caesar dressing. Scatter shaved and finely grated parmesan all over, followed by the golden garlic croutons. The mixture of smoky zucchini, creamy dressing, sharp cheese, and crunchy bread pieces is an absolute flavor party you won’t want to miss.

How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Caesar

Garnishes

Add fresh cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat contrast. A few fresh lemon zest curls also brighten the bowl beautifully and intensify the citrus notes in the dressing.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish to turn it into a light yet satisfying meal. It’s also fantastic alongside a bowl of hearty lentil soup or a warm quinoa pilaf, balancing freshness with cozy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve the Grilled Zucchini Caesar on a rustic wooden board or pile it high in individual glass bowls layered with extra shaved parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Wrap it in butter lettuce leaves for a fun handheld option that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover grilled zucchini and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents the zucchini from getting soggy. Assemble and add croutons fresh before serving to keep the texture on point.

Freezing

The zucchini itself freezes well once grilled, but the dressing and croutons do not freeze as nicely. Freeze the grilled zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag or container. Thaw in the fridge when ready to use and refresh with homemade dressing.

Reheating

Reheat zucchini gently in a warm skillet or under a broiler for just a few minutes to bring back some char and softness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the grilled texture. Add dressing and croutons just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use zucchini noodles instead of chunks?

Zucchini noodles would be delicious but won’t hold up as well on the grill like chunks do. The chunks develop that smoky char you want for this salad, so I recommend sticking to the original cut.

Is anchovy paste necessary for the dressing?

Anchovy paste adds authentic umami depth typical of Caesar dressing, but if you’re not a fan, you can reduce or omit it. The Greek yogurt and parmesan keep the dressing creamy and flavorful on their own.

Can I make the dressing vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative and skip the parmesan or use a vegan cheese. Consider nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor in the dressing.

What’s the best way to get crispy croutons every time?

Make sure your bread is slightly stale and cook the croutons slowly over medium heat with plenty of butter and garlic to get that perfect crunch without burning.

Can I grill zucchini indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Absolutely! Use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet on your stovetop with high heat and a bit of oil. You’ll still get lovely grill marks and smoky flavor, though it may be a little different from outdoor grilling.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Zucchini Caesar is such a delightful dish to add to your recipe collection—it’s effortlessly fresh yet indulgent at the same time. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful salad to elevate your weeknight dinner or something fun and light for entertaining, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try and enjoy how those grilled zucchini chunks come alive with the creamy tang of the Caesar dressing and crispy croutons.