If you’re looking for a simple side dish that tastes like it belongs in a fancy restaurant but takes only minutes to make, these Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are the answer. Crisp-tender zucchini slices brushed with fragrant garlic butter, lightly charred, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs—this dish is everything you want from a summer side: bright, savory, and unbelievably satisfying.

Whether you’re grilling for a backyard BBQ, roasting in the oven, or cooking on a stovetop grill pan, these skewers are designed to be effortless and delicious. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or adding a vibrant side to your favorite main dishes.

In this recipe, zucchini is the star. Its mild flavor absorbs the buttery garlic marinade, while the quick cooking method keeps the zucchini tender and slightly smoky. The result? A dish that’s crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and bursting with savory flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

Zucchini is one of the most versatile vegetables because it cooks quickly and takes on flavor beautifully. When sliced into thick coins and threaded onto skewers, it cooks evenly and becomes easy to flip. The garlic butter sauce is simple but powerful—made from everyday ingredients that create a gourmet flavor profile.

This recipe is perfect for:

Busy weeknights
Meal prepping
BBQ side dishes
Vegetarian dinners
Healthy snacking

Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free, and you can customize it to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients

4 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)
Wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden)

Instructions

Prepare the zucchini: Wash zucchini and slice into thick 1/2-inch rounds. Pat dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
Make the garlic butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).
Add seasoning: Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
Skewer the zucchini: Thread zucchini slices onto skewers, spacing them slightly apart for even cooking.
Brush with sauce: Use a brush to coat each skewer generously with garlic butter sauce. Reserve some sauce for later.
Grill or roast:
- Grill: Heat grill to medium-high. Cook skewers 3–4 minutes per side until lightly charred and tender.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake on a lined baking sheet for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Grill pan: Heat pan over medium-high heat and cook 3–4 minutes per side.
Finish with herbs: Remove skewers from heat. Brush with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan (optional).
Serve immediately: Enjoy hot, with extra lemon wedges or a side dip.

Tips for Perfect Zucchini Skewers

1. Don’t slice too thin: Thin slices will fall apart and become mushy. Aim for 1/2-inch thick rounds for the best texture.
2. Keep them evenly spaced: When threading zucchini onto skewers, leave a small gap between each slice. This ensures even heat circulation and prevents steaming.
3. Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the most aromatic flavor. Avoid garlic powder for this recipe—it won’t have the same impact.
4. Preheat your grill or pan: This helps create a quick sear and caramelization without overcooking the zucchini.
5. Add lemon at the end: Lemon juice brightens the flavor but can make zucchini soggy if added too early. Add it after cooking or just before serving.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.

2. Herb-Infused Skewers

Swap oregano for rosemary or thyme. Fresh herbs give the skewers a Mediterranean twist.

3. Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Skewers

Sprinkle extra Parmesan after cooking for a cheesy finish. You can also add a pinch of grated Parmesan to the sauce before brushing.

4. Zucchini + Cherry Tomato Skewers

Alternate zucchini slices with cherry tomatoes for a colorful, juicy variation.

5. Keto-Friendly Zucchini Skewers

Skip the lemon zest and use garlic butter with a sprinkle of crushed sea salt for a low-carb, high-flavor version.

Serving Suggestions

These zucchini skewers pair perfectly with many dishes. Try them with:

Grilled chicken or steak
Baked salmon
Mediterranean bowls with rice and hummus
Pasta with creamy garlic sauce
A fresh salad

They also work as a healthy snack or appetizer at parties, especially when served with a yogurt-dill dip or tahini sauce.

Fun Facts About Zucchini

Zucchini is technically a fruit, not a vegetable! It belongs to the squash family and is one of the most popular summer vegetables worldwide. It’s also low in calories but rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

In many countries, zucchini is used in savory dishes like stir-fries and ratatouille, while in others it’s commonly baked into breads and cakes. This recipe celebrates zucchini in a simple, savory way that highlights its natural flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are:

Fast to make (under 20 minutes)
Full of flavor
Healthy and light
Perfect for summer
Great for meal prep

If you want a side dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, this recipe is your new go-to. It’s a simple way to elevate zucchini and make it exciting again.