Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F, for about 5 minutes until the grates are hot enough that water droplets sizzle on contact. Make sure your grill grates are clean by brushing them with an oiled grill brush to prevent sticking.

Slice each zucchini lengthwise into quarter-inch strips, keeping the skin intact for structure and presentation. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which allows the charred grilled zucchini crowd to develop those gorgeous caramelized edges instead of steaming.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and minced garlic until you have a fragrant paste. This spice mixture is what elevates this grilled veggie side from ordinary to unforgettable.

Brush both sides of each zucchini slice generously with the spice oil mixture, ensuring every surface gets coated for maximum flavor development. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side without moving them around—this creates the beautiful char marks and caramelization that makes everyone at your table lean in for another bite.

Transfer the charred zucchini to a serving platter and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice, which brightens the smoky notes beautifully. Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese while still warm so the flavors meld together perfectly.

Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth, though the grilled veggie side remains delicious at room temperature for up to 2 hours if needed for your crowd.