Sliders with Grilled Zucchini

Name: Sliders with Grilled Zucchini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 whole grain slider buns; 2 medium zucchini, sliced; 1 cup cooked quinoa; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for grilling; Fresh basil leaves; Sliced tomatoes; Creamy yogurt sauce

Highlighted under: Fresh Recipes

I absolutely love making sliders with grilled zucchini during the summer when vegetables are at their peak. The juicy, smoky flavor of the grilled zucchini pairs perfectly with a rich and savory patty, creating a delightful bite that is satisfying without being heavy. We often serve these sliders at family gatherings, and they never fail to impress. Plus, they are quick to assemble and can easily be customized with your favorite toppings, making them perfect for a casual meal or a backyard barbecue.

Created by

Greer Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:25:35.662Z

When I first decided to experiment with grilled zucchini in sliders, I was skeptical about how the flavor would translate in comparison to traditional beef patties. However, I was pleasantly surprised! The zucchini adds a refreshing crunch and keeps the sliders feeling light yet filling. My secret is to marinate the zucchini in olive oil and herbs before grilling, which enhances its natural sweetness.

One tip I can share is to make sure you grill the zucchini until it has nice char marks, as this not only looks appealing but also intensifies the flavor. I like to pair these sliders with a tangy yogurt sauce for an added layer of taste. Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe!

Why You'll Love These Sliders
Fresh and vibrant flavors from grilled zucchini
Perfectly satisfying vegetarian option
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

Perfecting the Grilled Zucchini

For the best grilled zucchini, choose medium-sized zucchini that are firm and unblemished. Larger zucchinis can become watery and mushy when grilled, which might lead to a disappointing texture in your sliders. When marinating, I recommend letting the zucchini sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the olive oil, salt, and pepper. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to soften the zucchini slightly prior to grilling.

Grilling zucchini properly is key to achieving that smoky flavor that complements the quinoa patties beautifully. Aim for medium-high heat; if it's too low, the zucchini will steam instead of grill. Look for grill marks and a slightly charred exterior, which indicates they're ready to flip. Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your slices, so keep an eye out for those tender, juicy bites.

Crafting Flavorful Quinoa Patties

Combining cooked quinoa with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese forms the backbone of these vegetarian patties. The quinoa adds a nutty flavor and a hearty texture, while the breadcrumbs help bind the mixture together. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs without compromising the taste.

When forming the patties, make them slightly larger than the slider buns since they'll shrink a bit during cooking. Aim for about 1/2 inch thickness. After cooking, the patties should be golden brown and crisp on the outside. If they start to fall apart while cooking, you can add an extra spoonful of breadcrumbs to help hold them together.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your sliders:

For the Sliders

4 whole grain slider buns
2 medium zucchini, sliced
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for grilling

For the Toppings

Fresh basil leaves
Sliced tomatoes
Creamy yogurt sauce

Make sure to freshen up your kitchen with these ingredients before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your sliders:

Prepare the Zucchini

Slice the zucchini into thick rounds and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Grill the Zucchini

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the zucchini slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are tender and have nice char marks.

Mix the Quinoa Patty

In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small patties.

Cook the Patties

In the same grill or a skillet, cook the quinoa patties over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Assemble the Sliders

Cut the slider buns in half. Layer the quinoa patty, grilled zucchini, fresh basil, and sliced tomatoes. Top with a dollop of yogurt sauce before placing the top bun.

Enjoy your sliders warm and fresh for the best flavor experience!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add a slice of cheese on the patty while it's still on the grill for a delicious melty effect.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders shine when topped with fresh ingredients. I love adding ripe, juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil, but you can customize them as you like. Other great toppings include sliced avocado for creaminess or pickled onions for a tangy crunch. Don't hesitate to let your creativity flow with seasonal veggies or your favorite sauces.

For a touch of heat, consider spreading a spicy aioli or sriracha in place of yogurt sauce. This will elevate the slider's flavor profile significantly. Pairing these sliders with homemade sweet potato fries or a fresh side salad creates a delightful meal that's both filling and refreshing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you have leftover quinoa patties, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and crispy again. This method helps rejuvenate the texture, making them just as enjoyable as when they were freshly cooked.

The grilled zucchini can also be made ahead of time. Simply grill and then store the slices in the refrigerator. They’ll hold up for about 3 days and make it easy to assemble sliders on busy weeknights. If you want to serve these at a gathering, prepare the patties and zucchini in advance, then just grill them right before serving for the freshest taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sliders vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use a plant-based yogurt for the sauce.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the cooked patties and grilled zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! Bell peppers or eggplant would also be delicious grilled in these sliders.

→ What can I serve with these sliders?

They pair well with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad.