Cooking Zucchini Whole So That It Isn’t Mushy

Learn how to cook zucchini on the grill or under the broiler using a method that cooks it perfectly, never soggy or mushy. Just delicious.

I’m a huge fan of raw zucchini. Have you ever had it raw? Let me tell you, this squash (and yes, zucchini really is a type of squash) has a mild flavor and a good soft crunch. A crunch like a cucumber, not like a carrot. It’s not as juicy as cucumber though. Much drier. I put raw zucchini in salads or on veggie and dip platters all the time. I’ve even used raw zucchini slices in place of crackers for eating my Kalamata tapenade recipe.

While I love raw zucchini, I never used to like it cooked. It was always super mushy and wet. I didn’t like that texture at all. Then one day I tried cooking the zucchinis whole. The first time I did it on the grill, it was a total zucchini game-changer for me.

Here’s A Video On How To Roast Veggies:

How To Grill Zucchini

Rub whole zucchinis with olive oil, salt, and pepper and then put them straight onto the grates of the grill over medium-high direct heat. When they get a bit blackened underneath (4-6 minutes), roll them over. Cook them until there are more black marks underneath, a few more minutes. Then put them onto a cutting board and sliced them, 3/4 inch thick. They’ll be caramelized and soft on the outside but the insides will still be al dente, not mushy at all. You’ll love them completely.

You can also do essentially the same thing, under the broiler. I actually find this easier for every day because I can do it whether we’re grilling or not.

How To Broil Zucchini

Again, keep the zucchinis whole and rub them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then put them on a broiling pan or a good heavy-duty oven-safe skillet (I like cast iron, like this, something that can really handle high heat) and they go under the broiler just until their skins are darkened in spots (8-10 minutes, but watch them carefully because the broiler can sometimes quickly burn things). Take them out and slice them. You’re not going to believe how unmushily delicious these are!

What To Do With Your Blackened Zucchini

I usually slice it in 3/4-inch circles and then serve it as is as a side dish, but there are other things you can do with cooked zucchini. Two of my favorites are to slice it thinner, 1/4-1/2 inch, or dice it, and toss it with cooked pasta, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Tomato sauce would work too. Second, let the zucchinis cool then slice them thinly and put them in a salad or in a panini. So good.

I can’t wait to find out how you like this and if it’s a zucchini game-changer for you too! Have a great day! -Christine

More Whole Roasted Veggie Recipes

You can explore all of my side dish recipes, but here are some more simple vegetable recipes to get you started.

• Whole Roasted Broccoli
• How to Roast Whole Eggplant
• Easy Roasted Brussel Sprouts
• Whole Roasted Beets
• How to Cook Butternut Squash Whole

This post originally appeared in April 2016 and was revised and republished in August 2023.