You know how you stare at your fridge, wishing something bright and healthy would just invent itself for dinner? Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini with Feta is my cure for those evenings. I don’t always feel like heating the whole kitchen, but grilling keeps it breezy, and honestly, wow the flavors just pop. If you’re looking to mix in more good-for-you sides, this dish pairs nicely with a glass of aloe vera digestive juice (odd suggestion, but trust me), OR go all zucchini mode with these crunchy crispy zucchini corn fritters. Ready for a five-star taste in your backyard? Here’s my go-to for grilled veggies you’ll actually crave.
Flavor + Texture
Here’s the deal: grilled eggplant and zucchini almost do the work for you. The heat caramelizes the outside, giving this savory, sometimes smoky edge, while the insides get that creamy thing going on (if you haven’t had golden-edged grilled eggplant, you’re missing out bigtime).
The feta is my favorite part – you scatter crumbles over the warm veggies and watch them go a little soft, just hugging everything. Meanwhile, the zucchini keeps things bouncy and somehow juicy. I usually add a burst of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil. A sprinkle of chopped mint makes it taste like, well, fancy summer. Some of my friends add chili flakes for a mild kick, though I’ll admit I’m a baby when it comes to spice.
One time, my cousin came over for dinner and nearly inhaled the whole tray before the rest of us sat down. In her words:
“I legit forgot veggies could taste this fresh, and I don’t even like eggplant. This needs to be in every potluck. Instant favorite!”
Ready for something so simple yet so ridiculously good? You’ll wonder why you don’t grill veggies weekly.
Other Eggplant Recipes
Let’s be real, sometimes you wind up with extra eggplant and have no clue what to do. Been there. When I’m not tossing it on the grill, I mix it into everything from pasta sauces to breakfast scrambles (try it, especially on Sunday, feels weird but tastes kind of amazing).
There are nights I want something a bit more “meal-ish” than straight-up veggies and cheese. On those evenings, I like to sneak eggplant into baked casseroles or even stuff it with grains and feta. My love for it really spiked after trying this surprising, ridiculously simple delicious mini quiches with spinach and feta – so versatile! Grilled, baked, whatever, eggplant has this way of turning boring meals into “wait, maybe I am a good cook?” situations.
Plus, if you’re curious about the difference between cuisines (and a little kitchen trivia), check out the difference between tostada and taco bowl. Great option for feeding picky eaters and exploring new tastes.
Using Leftovers
Honestly, leftovers turn into next-level lunches for me. I always make too much grilled eggplant and zucchini with feta, mostly on purpose – it’s that good cold or warm.
My biggest trick? Make a sandwich with it. Grab some crusty bread. Spoon on the leftovers, maybe toss in some leftover protein if you have it, and boom – best desk lunch ever. Sometimes, I’ll chop extra and stir into a salad, or even add to a wrap with a quick swipe of hummus for something super speedy. I kid you not, these veggies make even the most boring meal look gourmet (bonus if someone at work notices).
If you’re low on time, warm your leftover veggies in the oven for just a few minutes so they don’t turn into mush (microwave’s not my thing for this). Or, scatter over homemade pizza for, honestly, a flavor boost that smacks you happy every time.
Serve With
Wondering what makes grilled eggplant and zucchini with feta a full meal? Here’s a little brainstorm for ya:
- Pile it next to a bright tabbouleh salad for a fresh, herby side.
- Top some warm pita and turn it into an open-faced sandwich.
- Flip a portion onto a grain bowl with quinoa, brown rice, or farro – trust, you’ll thank me.
- For dinner parties, sprinkle over a platter and serve with quick hummus and veggie wraps for everyone to create their own stacks.
More Vegetarian Greek Food
Greek food has this magic of feeling effortless yet kind of festive. Eggplant and zucchini are just a slice of it. There’s something about tangy feta, ripe summer veggies, and a splash of lemon everywhere.
Some days I get wild and toss in olives, a handful of fresh herbs (mint, parsley, whatever’s on the counter), or a swirl of yogurt. Did you ever try those grilled peaches with halloumi cheese? Total gamechanger – I found an easy grilled peach and halloumi salad if you want to mix it up. Honestly, vegetarian Greek food just gets flavor. It proves you don’t need meat for a rich, satisfying dinner. Even the “meat and potatoes” folks in my family can’t complain when I serve this kind of spread.
Common Questions
Can I make grilled eggplant and zucchini with feta ahead of time?
Totally – just grill the veggies, cool, and store in the fridge. Add feta right before serving so it stays fresh.
What kind of feta is best?
I like Greek feta in blocks. Crumble it yourself for chunkier texture, but the pre-crumbled kind works if you’re rushed.
Do I need a fancy grill?
Nope, I use a stovetop grill pan when it’s raining, and the results are still solid.
Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely. Bell peppers or red onions taste amazing grilled and thrown in the mix.
How do you keep eggplant from getting bitter?
Slice, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wipe off the moisture and grill as usual – works every time.
The Easy Crowd-Pleaser You’ll Want All Summer
Grilled eggplant and zucchini with feta is basically summer in a tray, and honestly, it’s changed the way I do tastier weeknight dinners. It’s fast, fresh, and not fussy – plus, making a big batch means tomorrow’s lunch is handled. If you’re ready to see how other folks do it or want veggie inspiration, I love skipping over to Grilled Eggplant & Zucchini Salad – Cookin’ Canuck or try Baked Eggplant And Zucchini – Real Greek Recipes. If tonight calls for a celebration on your plate, fire up the grill and get that feta ready. Seriously, share your twist with me – I wanna see what you make!
Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini with Feta
A refreshing and healthy dish featuring grilled eggplant and zucchini tossed with feta cheese, perfect for summer dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Vegetarian
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Fresh mint, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the eggplant and zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes on each side until tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from the grill and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped mint.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and add chili flakes if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your fresh summer dish!
Notes
Best served fresh, but leftovers can be used in sandwiches or salads. Add other grilled vegetables for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: grilled vegetables, eggplant recipe, zucchini, feta cheese, summer dishes