• Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Never Not Hungry logo

  • Recipes
  • Wanderlust
    • Europe
  • Inspiration
    • The Magic of Books
      • Monthly Book Bag
      • Cookbook Clique
  • Shop
  • Crumbs, Nibbles, Sips & Sprinkles
    • Obsessed
      • Gift & Lifestyle Guides
    • Resources
    • On Sundays We Brunch
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
    • Le Bon Fond Cooking School
  • Newsletter Subscription

Grilled Zucchini with Calabrian Chili Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese & Pistachios

[heart_this] · Jul 21, 2024 · Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on any Amazon links on my website and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. It’s a great way to support my blog, so I can keep sharing delicious recipes with you!

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

We’ve entered the glut of zucchini season, so I have a recipe for to use up all that zucchini today! Discover the ultimate grilled zucchini recipe with a spicy Calabrian chili vinaigrette, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pistachios. This flavorful side dish is perfect for grilling season, combining fresh ingredients and bold tastes for a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat that can be served warm or at room temperature—because we all know how hard it is to get all the food on the table hot at the same time!

Let’s dive into the story, the flavors, and the steps to make this side dish recipe.

A Tale of Two Inspirations: The Defined Dish and Che Fico

Today, we’re tackling a recipe of which a part has become a bit of an obsession for me: Grilled Zucchini with Calabrian Chili Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese & Pistachios. This dish is the love child of a grilled zucchini recipe I stumbled upon on The Defined Dish and an unforgettable dish I devoured at Che Fico in San Francisco. The Defined’s Dish’s recipe captured me visually and inspired me to try the vinaigrette on grilled zucchini and add cheese, herbs, and chopped nuts. The dish I had at the restaurant was grilled broccolini tossed in a Calabrian chili vinaigrette that I have been trying to recreate for over a year now using my taste memory and a video of the broccolini I found deep in their Instagram feed. If you can get your hands on their bomba sauce, it’s absolutely perfect for this, but I often make it with Trader Joe’s bomba sauce when I don’t have it. It does take a special order and is a bit of an ask, I know—get it if you want and can, but don’t hesitate to use whatever you can find. Even just chopped Calabrian chilies will work fine, but you may want to start with just 1 teaspoon and add more to taste, as they might be spicier.

The Zucchini Odyssey: From Gardens to Grills

Zucchini, or courgette if you’re feeling fancy, has been a staple in kitchens around the world. Native to Central America, this humble squash found its way to Europe and eventually into our backyard gardens. Its versatility makes it a favorite for everything from zucchini bread (yes, that’s a thing and recipe is forthcoming) to grilled perfection. Traditionally, zucchini is grilled, sautéed, or baked, but today, we’re grilling it, then elevating it with a punchy Calabrian chili vinaigrette.

The Cast of Characters: Ingredients Breakdown

 The Stars

  • Zucchini or Summer Squash: The main event, scored and grilled to crispy-tender perfection.
  • Calabrian Chili Vinaigrette: The spicy hero that ties everything together.
  • Goat Cheese (or Boursin/Feta): The creamy, tangy element that balances the heat. Don’t like goat cheese? Substitute with any flavor of Boursin you like or feta.
  • Pistachios: Adding crunch and a salty bite.
  • Basil: Fresh and herbaceous, cutting through the richness.

Supporting Roles

  • Lemon: Both zest and juice, for that citrusy brightness. Grilliing the lemon brings out lemon’s sweetness and helps balance the dish with both sweetness and acidity. Plus, it makes it more juicy!
  • Confit Garlic: Soft, sweet, and slightly caramelized, adding depth to the vinaigrette.
  • Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the chili heat.
  • White Wine Vinegar: A tangy note to lift the flavors.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: For that perfect finishing touches

Equipment Needed

  • Charcoal grill or gas grill OR cast-iron grill/griddle
  • Silicone pastry brush or natural bristle pastry brush
  • Chef’s knife
  • Paring knife
  • Plastic cutting board
  • 12-inch stainless-steel tongs
  • Glass mixing bowls
  • Mini whisk
  • Microplane
  • Measuring cups and spoons

How to Grill Zucchini

  1. Preheat and Prep: Get your grill or grill pan hot. We’re talking 15 minutes of preheating.
  2. Score and Salt: Score the zucchini in a diamond pattern and salt it to draw out moisture.
  3. Dry and Oil: Pat the zucchini dry, brush with oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Grill Time: Grill the zucchini until you get those beautiful char marks—6-7 minutes on the cut side, then 2-3 minutes on the skin side.
  5. Chop and Dress: Cut the grilled zucchini into chunks, then dress it with the vinaigrette, pistachios, basil, and cheese.

Pro Tips for Perfection

  • Scoring the Zucchini: Don’t skip this step! It allows the salt to penetrate and helps the zucchini cook evenly.
  • Confit Your Garlic: If you’ve never made garlic confit, now’s the time. It’s a game-changer, and you will want to make it all the time…promise. I often make this every week and store it in the fridge for whenever I want to use it. Just let the oil come to room temperature to make it easier to scoop the cloves out and use the oil.
  • Don’t Overcook: Keep the zucchini crisp-tender. Mushy zucchini is a crime against nature.
  • Season Generously: Every layer needs a bit of salt to make the flavors pop.

Imagine biting into a piece of perfectly grilled zucchini—there’s a slight crunch as your teeth break through the charred exterior, followed by a tender, juicy interior. The Calabrian chili vinaigrette hits you with its tangy heat, balanced by the sweetness of honey and the rich depth of confit garlic. Creamy goat cheese adds a tangy, velvety texture, while the pistachios bring a satisfying crunch. Fresh basil leaves a refreshing note that most everything needs.

There you have it—Grilled Zucchini with Calabrian Chili Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese & Pistachios. It’s the dish that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about zucchini. So, fire up your grill, grab a cold drink, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen. Happy cooking—and grilling!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Grilled Zucchini with Calabrian Chili Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese & Pistachios


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Amanda
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

Discover the ultimate grilled zucchini recipe with a spicy Calabrian chili vinaigrette, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pistachios. This flavorful side dish is perfect for grilling season, combining fresh ingredients and bold tastes for a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat that can be served warm or at room temperature—because we all know how hard it is to get all the food on the table hot at the same time!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lemons, quartered (zest 1/4 of a lemon for vinaigrette before quartering)
  • 3 medium zucchini or summer squash or a mix, halved
  • Roasted garlic olive oil from confit garlic or extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

CALABRIAN CHILI VINAIGRETTE:

  • 1–1/2 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste or bomba sauce, to taste
  • 10 confit garlic cloves, chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Zest of 1/4 of a lemon + juice of 1/2 of a grilled lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or roasted garlic oil from garlic confit
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

TO SERVE:

  • 1/4 cup chopped salted roasted pistachios
  • 1/4 cup basil, cut into chiffonade
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, Boursin, or feta, crumbled
  • Flaky sea salt, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or a grill pan to high heat. Let heat for 15 minutes while you prepare the ingredients.
  2. With a paring knife, score the zucchini flesh on the diagonal about every 1/2-inch, cutting deeply but not all the way through. Rotate the zucchini and cut diagonally again to make a diamond shape. Work a bit of kosher salt into the zucchini flesh and let sit while you prepare the vinaigrette.
  3. To prepare the Calabrian Chili Vinaigrette, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl, whisking to combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary. When the lemon has been grilled in step 5, whisk in the juice of 1/2 a lemon.
  4. When you’re ready to grill, pat the zucchini dry (some water will have accumulated on the surface from the salting process). Brush with olive oil or roasted garlic oil and sprinkle with a bit more kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Clean and oil your grill grates. Place the lemon halves and zucchini on cut side down and grill for about 6–7 minutes on the first side. Pull the lemon halves off, and flip the zucchini; grill for an additional 2–3 minutes on the skin side. Take care not to overcook; the zucchini should still be crisp-tender, not mushy and soggy. A paring knife or caking tester inserted in the zucchini flesh should meet a bit of resistance.
  6. Cut the cooked zucchini into 1-inch chunks; I like to cut each piece at an angle, so they have more organic shapes . Top with the Calabrian chili vinaigrette, pistachios, basil, and cheese. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature with grilled lemons on the side.

Equipment

Image of 12-inch stainless-steel tongs

12-inch stainless-steel tongs

Buy Now →
Image of cast-iron grill/griddle

cast-iron grill/griddle

Buy Now →
Image of charcoal grill

charcoal grill

Buy Now →
Image of chef's knife

chef’s knife

Buy Now →
Image of gas grill

gas grill

Buy Now →
Image of glass mixing bowls

glass mixing bowls

Buy Now →
Image of measuring cups and spoons

measuring cups and spoons

Buy Now →
Image of microplane

microplane

Buy Now →
Image of mini whisk

mini whisk

Buy Now →
Image of paring knife

paring knife

Buy Now →
Image of plastic cutting board

plastic cutting board

Buy Now →
Image of silicone pastry brush

silicone pastry brush

Buy Now →
Image of Trader Joe's bomba sauce

Trader Joe’s bomba sauce

Buy Now →
  • Category: Grilling, Vegetable Sides, Vegetarian, Side Dishes

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @iamnevernothungry on Instagram and hashtag it #nevernothungry

Related

Share
Pin20
Tweet
Yum
Email
20 Shares

Recipe Grilling, Vegetable Sides, Vegetarian

Reader Interactions

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Primary Sidebar

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

ABOUT ME

Hi. I’m Amanda. I love food, cooking, sharing it with others and documenting it. I’m a little of this and little of that-taste while you go type of cook.  I found a true passion over the years when I really began to understand how deeply connected food and love are.

Learn More

FAVORITE BLOGS

Pinch of Yum

How Sweet Eats

Smitten Kitchen

Broma Bakery

FoodieCrush

Spoon Fork Bacon

A Cozy Kitchen

What’s Gaby Cooking

Wood & Spoon

Footer

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Receive New Posts in Your E-mail!

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of all new content by email.

What’s happening on Instagram

iamnevernothungry

I love good food.

If you think stuffed mushrooms are a relic of 1970 If you think stuffed mushrooms are a relic of 1970s dinner parties, let me introduce you to the glow-up you didn’t know you needed. These Manchego-Stuffed Mushrooms with Chorizo Breadcrumbs are rich, crispy, and dangerously poppable—so much so that you might accidentally eat an entire tray while “taste-testing.” (Not speaking from experience. Definitely not.)

They’re easy enough for a casual get-together but fancy enough to pretend you have your life together. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a Tuesday night when you need a snack that’s extra.

Get the full recipe on the blog! Link in bio.

#StuffedMushrooms #EasyEntertaining #SavorySnacks #Appetizers#nevernothungry
Sunday Funday anyone? Enter: the Paper Plane. Bour Sunday Funday anyone? Enter: the Paper Plane. Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon—equal parts, no fuss, all reward. 🍹✈️ #SundayFunday #Cocktails
This Roasted Cipollini Onion Torta with Pecorino F This Roasted Cipollini Onion Torta with Pecorino Fonduta is a showstopper that combines rich, caramelized cipollini onions with a buttery, Pecorino-infused crust and creamy fonduta made with Pecorino and Taleggio. Perfect for a special dinner or impressing guests, this dish is packed with layers of deep, savory flavors and satisfying textures. While it’s not quick or cheap, the effort is absolutely worth it—each bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience of sweet onions, creamy cheese, and a flaky crust. Perfect for food lovers who appreciate the magic of slow-roasted onions and decadent, cheesy indulgence.

#Food #Recipe #DinnerParty #ImpressYourGuests #Foodstagram #ItalianFood #RusticCooking #SavoryPie #IndulgentEats #FromScratch #NeverNotHungry
Elevate your Valentine’s Day with this stunning Elevate your Valentine’s Day with this stunning Red Wine-Poached Pear and Blue Cheese Salad—no prix fixe menu required. Sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy—it’s a showstopping salad that’s easy to prep ahead!

Sweet, tender pears, creamy blue cheese, crispy pancetta, and crunchy walnuts come together in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s elegant but easy, special but not fussy—just how a great meal (and date) should be.

Pour a glass of wine, plate up something delicious, and enjoy. ❤️

Recipe linked in bio!

 #ValentinesDayDinner #RedWineAndDine #WeeknightGourmet
January salads are all about ‘new year, new me,’ but let’s be real—no one said that ‘me’ had to skip crispy potatoes or steak. 

This Crispy Potato & Balsamic Steak Salad with Creamy Boursin Dressing is the perfect balance of ‘I’m trying’ and ‘treat yourself.’ Because life’s too short for sad salads—and bad food in general. Link in bio for the recipe! 

#NeverNotHungry #SaladGoals #DinnerSalad #Recipe #Healthyish
Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that fe Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels fresh and light despite being a massive sandwich? Enter the Green Goddess Turkey Party Sandwich—a layered masterpiece that’s as simple to make as it is impressive to serve. With a zesty, herb-packed green goddess sauce, marinated zucchini ribbons, and fresh, crunchy, mostly green veggies, every bite bursts with flavor and texture. 

Don’t let its size fool you—this sandwich tastes incredibly fresh, thanks to bright, seasonal ingredients that keep things light while still delivering on all the comforting, hearty vibes we love in a good sandwich. Perfect for a quick lunch or to serve a crowd for game day!

#GreenGoddess #PartySandwich #EasyRecipes #FreshAndLight #CrowdPleaser #LunchIdeas #GameDayFood #QuickMeals # #Foodstagram #InstaFood #FoodInspiration #FoodPhotography #HomeCookedMeals #ComfortFood
I know what you’re thinking: squash blossoms in I know what you’re thinking: squash blossoms in late September? Am I out of my mind? Maybe. But hear me out. I found the best-looking squash blossoms I’ve ever come across at the farmer’s market on Saturday, and they were $5 for 3 big bunches and the sweet corn stand was still going on the corner, so you can’t expect me to pass that up. I’ve been waiting to recreate a dish I had at @monteverdechi in Chicago last month, so here we are…with a recipe…for squash blossoms…with sweet corn…in almost October.

I get it—it’s technically the end of squash blossom season, but if you’re lucky, you might still find a stash at your local farmers’ market or, dare I say it, a friendly neighbor’s garden (or your own?). Either way, if you can track some down, these Crab and Ricotta-Stuffed Squash Blossoms are worth the hunt. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite of this seasonal gem. I can easily take down five or six of these.

#Food #Recipe #Seafood #SquashBlossoms #SummerRecipes #SummerFood #Seasonal #Crab #Instafood #Foodstagram #NeverNotHungry
Lettuce wraps are one of those dishes that sound s Lettuce wraps are one of those dishes that sound simple, but when done right, they pack a punch of flavor that’ll leave you wondering why you don’t make them more often. These Spicy Coconut Chicken Lettuce Wraps are no exception. Sure, they’ve got a few more ingredients than the quick weeknight dinner you might be looking for, but trust me, the payoff is huge. With layers of spicy green curry, creamy coconut, tangy pickled veggies, and two ridiculously good sauces, these wraps are a sensory experience in every bite. Whether you’re a fan of the lettuce wraps at P.F. Chang’s or you’ve fallen in love with the spicy, herb-packed flavors of Thai larb, this recipe is going to blow your mind (in the best way possible). 

Plus, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the ingredient list, I’ve got tips on how to split this into a two-day cooking adventure—because let’s be real, no one wants to spend five hours in the kitchen on a weekday.

#Food #Recipe #NeverNotHungry #Chicken #Foodstagram #Instafood
Let’s talk s’mores—the ultimate campfire tre Let’s talk s’mores—the ultimate campfire treat: graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, perfectly toasted over an open flame, leaving your fingers sticky and your soul satisfied. But, sometimes, the outdoors isn’t calling or you want to make them on a larger scale, and making a bonfire in your kitchen is frowned upon. That’s where these S’mores Bars with Toasted Marshmallow Meringue come in. They’re a modern twist on a campfire classic. They’re a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties, tailgates, and bake sales.

We’re taking all the nostalgic flavors of your childhood camping trips and leveling them up—big time. These bars start with a buttery graham cracker crust, are layered with fudgy brownie goodness, topped with rich chocolate ganache, and finished with a cloud of toasted marshmallow meringue. And the best part? You can enjoy these babies without having to swat away a single mosquito. No joke—last time I had a bonfire and made s’mores, my cousin and I came away with over 50 mosquito bites collectively.

#Food #Recipe #Smores #CampfireTreats #DessertLovers #SweetTooth #ChocolateLovers #TailgateSnacks #BakeSaleFavorites #DessertInspo #Foodstagram #BakersOfInstagram #SmorePlease #GooeyGoodness #NostalgicFlavors #PartyDesserts #CampingVibes #SweetTreats #HomeBaking #BakingGoals #nevernothungry
Looking to take your burger game to the next level Looking to take your burger game to the next level? The Monterey Melt Smash Burger is about to blow your taste buds away. This isn’t just your average burger—it’s a flavor-packed experience with crispy, caramelized beef, beer-braised vegetables, and a smoky jalapeño-cilantro ranch that you’ll want to put on everything. We’re talking double layers of melty cheese, a rich beer-mustard glaze, and that perfect smash burger texture. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a next-level meal, this burger brings big flavors and textures with every bite. This is the best burger I’ve ever made.

#Food #Recipe #Burgers #BurgerNight #Grilling #Smashburgers #SummerRecipes #NeverNotHungry #Instafood #Foodstagram
Have guests coming over and need to impress withou Have guests coming over and need to impress without resorting to the old standby recipes? Spicy Lobster Pasta with Sungold Tomato Sauce is the kind of dish that says, “I went all out for you”—because, let’s be real, lobster isn’t exactly a budget-friendly ingredient. But when company’s coming, it’s time to pull out the stops. This pasta is decadent, rich, and bursting with fresh summer flavors, thanks to sweet Sungold tomatoes and a luxurious mascarpone-laden sauce. It’s a little spicy, a lot indulgent, and just the thing to make your guests feel like they’re dining at a five-star restaurant—without anyone realizing you’re secretly glad to have an excuse to splurge.

It’s rich, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy. Plus, there’s a Sungold tomato sauce so smooth it’s like silk wrapped around every strand of pasta. Forget reservations—this is dinner with a serious wow factor, and you didn’t even have to leave your house.

#Tomatoes #PastaLovers #GourmetAtHome #LobsterPasta #DecadentDishes #ImpressYourGuests #SummerFlavors #FoodieInspo #FiveStarMeals #DinnerPartyIdeas #PastaPerfection #SeafoodLovers #ComfortFood #FancyFood #Lobster #Recipe #nevernothungry
When it comes to dessert, I think that combining f When it comes to dessert, I think that combining fruit with a crispy, buttery topping and serving with vanilla ice cream is one of the most satisfying ways to enjoy the season’s best produce. But let’s be real, there’s always room for improvement. Enter: Salted Caramel Peach Crisp. The salty-sweet, slightly bitter caramel plays off the peaches so well. This dish is the perfect marriage of sweet, juicy peaches and a rich, salty caramel sauce, all crowned with a crisp topping that’s just begging to be devoured.

#Food #Recipe #Desserts #SummerDesserts #Peaches #FeedFeed #Foodstagram #NeverNotHungry
Follow on Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Copyright © 2025 Never Not Hungry on the Seasoned Pro Theme
Terms & Privacy Policy