If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this Grilled Zucchini with Yogurt, Mint, and Dukkah Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. The combination of smoky, tender zucchini with creamy yogurt infused with bright mint and crunchy, nutty dukkah creates a harmony of textures and tastes that feels both light and satisfying. It’s an effortlessly elegant dish that works as a side, a starter, or even a light main on warmer days, making it one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, and this dish shines because of its simplicity. Each element plays a crucial role—from the fresh mint that adds a cooling note, to dukkah which brings warmth and crunch, and finally the zucchini that pairs beautifully with the creamy yogurt base.
- Mint leaves (1/2 cup, divided): Use fresh mint for the best aromatic and refreshing flavor.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): Thick and creamy, it forms the luscious sauce that complements the grilled veggie.
- Fresh-squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds brightness and a hint of acidity that lifts the entire dish.
- Dukkah spice (3 tablespoons, divided): A crunchy, nutty Egyptian blend that brings depth and texture.
- Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons, divided): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness and acidity.
- Medium zucchini (2, approx. 10 ounces each): Cut into strips for perfect grilling and bite-sized ease.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve a nice char on the zucchini and adds richness.
- Sumac (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle tangy note and beautiful color on top.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini with Yogurt, Mint, and Dukkah Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill or Pan
Start by heating a grill pan over medium-high heat, or if you’re outdoors, fire up your BBQ grill to high. This high temperature is essential to get those gorgeous grill marks and to slightly caramelize the zucchini, which adds a lovely smoky flavor.
Step 2: Prep the Mint
Divide your mint leaves to chop: finely chop 1/4 cup for the yogurt sauce, and coarsely chop the remaining 1/4 cup to garnish later. Fresh mint is the star herb here and chopping it differently allows it to integrate into the sauce while still having bursts of texture on top.
Step 3: Make the Yogurt Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine finely chopped mint, Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of dukkah, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This sauce is where the flavors begin to sing — cooling from yogurt, fresh from mint, and warmly spiced by the dukkah.
Step 4: Prepare the Zucchini for Grilling
Slice your zucchini into half-inch strips and toss them in olive oil and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. This simple step seasons the veggies and preps them for that amazing charred crust when grilled.
Step 5: Grill the Zucchini
If you’re using a grill pan, arrange the zucchini strips in a single layer and avoid overcrowding, so each piece gets direct heat and nice grill marks. For BBQ grill lovers, lower the heat to medium-high and place the zucchini on the grill, then close the lid for balanced cooking.
Step 6: Cook Until Tender and Marked
Grill the zucchini for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until they become translucent and develop those beautiful smoky grill marks. The zucchini should be tender but still hold its shape — the perfect texture contrast for this dish.
Step 7: Assemble on the Plate
Spread the yogurt sauce evenly across a large plate or shallow bowl. Layer the warm grilled zucchini strips on top, creating a colorful, inviting presentation that is as delicious to look at as it is to eat.
Step 8: Finish with Toppings
Sprinkle the final touches: sumac, the remaining dukkah, the coarsely chopped mint, and a drizzle of the remaining lemon juice. These additions add tang, crunch, freshness, and brightness, making each bite exciting.
Step 9: Serve Immediately
This Grilled Zucchini with Yogurt, Mint, and Dukkah Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, while the zucchini is warm and the yogurt is cool. Serve right away and watch it quickly become a crowd favorite.
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini with Yogurt, Mint, and Dukkah Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, a sprinkle of extra toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios complements the dukkah nicely, while additional fresh mint leaves boost the vibrant herbal notes. A pinch of flaky sea salt also adds a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or alongside a mezze platter featuring hummus, pita, and olives. It also serves as a fantastic vegetarian-friendly plate when paired with quinoa salad or warm couscous.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the grilled zucchini over a bed of couscous or bulgur wheat to create a hearty yet light meal. Alternatively, serve the yogurt mixture in individual bowls topped with the zucchini for an elegant appetizer. You can also turn it into a vibrant sandwich filling alongside fresh greens and toasted bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the grilled zucchini and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the zucchini from becoming soggy and keeps the yogurt fresh and tangy.
Freezing
This dish is not ideal for freezing since the yogurt and fresh herbs lose their texture and flavor. For best results, prepare fresh when possible and enjoy the full flavor experience.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, gently warm the zucchini in a skillet or grill pan to preserve its texture. Serve with fresh yogurt sauce instead of reheating it, ensuring the Yogurt, Mint, and Dukkah flavors remain vibrant and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
While regular yogurt works, Greek yogurt is ideal for its thick, creamy texture that holds up beautifully under the warm grilled zucchini without becoming runny.
What exactly is dukkah and where can I find it?
Dukkah is an Egyptian blend of toasted nuts, seeds, and spices, typically including hazelnuts, sesame seeds, coriander, and cumin. You can find it in Middle Eastern grocery stores or online, and it adds a fantastic crunch and flavor nuance to this recipe.
Is the dish suitable for vegans?
Since this recipe uses Greek yogurt, it’s not vegan as is. However, you can swap with a thick plant-based yogurt alternative like coconut or almond yogurt to make it vegan-friendly.
Can I grill the zucchini ahead of time?
You can grill the zucchini a few hours before serving and keep it covered at room temperature or refrigerated, then assemble right before serving with fresh yogurt sauce and toppings.
What variations can I try if I want to switch things up?
Try adding grilled bell peppers or eggplant for more variety, or experiment with herbs like cilantro or parsley instead of mint. A drizzle of pomegranate molasses also adds a beautiful sweet-tart depth.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Zucchini with Yogurt, Mint, and Dukkah Recipe is a brilliant example of how simple ingredients can combine to create something truly special. It’s fresh, flavorful, and comforting all at once — exactly the kind of dish I love to make when I want to impress without stress. Give it a try soon, and I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes.
