Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian}

Name: Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds eggplant; 1 large zucchini; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 6 ounces fresh mozzarella (thinly sliced); 1 ½ cups tomato sauce; Fresh basil leaves

Recipe By:

Alexandra

Posted:

June 21, 2025

Updated:

June 21, 2025

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20 minute meal! This Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian} is a fantastic vegetarian option for your next barbecue! The combination of grilled eggplant and zucchini, layered with fresh mozzarella and tomato sauce, creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve.
Flavorful Layers: The combination of grilled vegetables, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil creates a delightful taste experience.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as an entrée or side dish, this recipe fits into various meal plans and occasions.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with veggies and lower in calories, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
Vegetarian Delight: A wonderful option for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy more plant-based meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Having the right equipment can help you cook efficiently and achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Baking sheet
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Essential for achieving those perfect grill marks and smoky flavors in your vegetables.
Baking sheet: Useful for preparing your vegetables before grilling; makes it easy to transport them.
Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts through the eggplant and zucchini, allowing for even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Vegetables

1 1/2 pound eggplant
1 large zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Toppings

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

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

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat. This ensures that your vegetables will cook evenly and develop that great grilled flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Cut the eggplant into ½-inch slices (total of 12 slices).
Cut the zucchini in half crosswise. Then slice each half into ¼-inch slices (total of 8 slices).

Step 3: Season the Veggies

Lay the eggplant and zucchini slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 4: Grill the Vegetables

Grill the vegetables until they are tender but not overcooked:
– About 4 minutes per side for the eggplant.
– About 3 minutes per side for the zucchini.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella

In the last 30 seconds of grilling, evenly distribute the mozzarella over each eggplant round. Close the barbecue lid and cook for an additional 30 seconds or until the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dish

On each of four plates, lay one eggplant round down. Top it with 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Divide half of the basil leaves between all four plates.

Step 7: Create Layers

Top each portion with one zucchini slice. Continue stacking in this order until you finish with another eggplant round topped by more tomato sauce. Spoon any remaining sauce around each stack.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan while it’s hot! This dish is best served fresh off the grill for maximum flavor.

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

Serving Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan is a delightful experience that brings out the vibrant flavors of the ingredients. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this dish.

Plated with Fresh Herbs

Add more basil: Garnish your stacks with additional fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze: A light drizzle adds a sweet and tangy finish that enhances the dish.

Accompanied by a Salad

Mixed greens salad: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the parmesan.
Caprese salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil will echo the flavors in your main dish.

As a Sandwich

Grilled eggplant sandwich: Layer slices between crusty bread for a hearty vegetarian sandwich.
Serve on ciabatta: Add pesto and arugula for an Italian twist.

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

To ensure your Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Choose fresh vegetables: Select firm zucchini and eggplant for the best texture and flavor.
Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is hot before adding vegetables to achieve good grill marks and prevent sticking.
Use quality mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creaminess to your dish.
Don’t overcrowd the grill: Grill in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Let it rest: Allow the stacked dish to sit for a minute before serving; this helps flavors meld together.
Experiment with sauces: Try different tomato sauces or add crushed red pepper for heat.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan can elevate your meal. Here are some suggestions that work wonderfully together.

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your main dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring an extra layer of flavor and texture to your plate.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds protein and grains, making your meal more filling.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the soft layers of eggplant and zucchini.
Pasta Primavera: Lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables tossed with pasta offer a complementary flavor profile.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a fun element that pairs well with grilled dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian}, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that could affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

Ignoring the salt: Not salting the eggplant before grilling can lead to a watery texture. Sprinkle salt on the slices and let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the zucchini and eggplant too long can make them mushy. Grill until they are just tender, about 4 minutes for eggplant and 3 for zucchini.
Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds essential flavor to this dish. Don’t overlook it; use fresh basil leaves instead of dried herbs for the best taste.
Using low-quality tomato sauce: The sauce is a key component of this recipe. Choose a high-quality tomato sauce to enhance the overall flavor.
Not layering properly: Layering is essential for presentation and taste. Follow the stacking method closely to ensure each bite has balanced flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian}

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze portions individually for easy reheating.
Best used within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian}

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil, heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to avoid sticking; cook until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian} ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the grilled vegetables and assemble the dish ahead. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and layer them when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for mozzarella in this recipe?

For a dairy-free option, try using vegan mozzarella cheese or nutritional yeast for added flavor without dairy.

How do I prevent my eggplant from becoming bitter?

Salting the eggplant slices before grilling helps reduce bitterness. This step also enhances their flavor.

Is this Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian} suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and can be reheated easily throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant Parmesan Recipe {Vegetarian} is a delightful dish that showcases fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners at home. Feel free to customize it by adding other vegetables or spices that you love! Enjoy making this delicious vegetarian option that everyone will appreciate.