Try this smoky zucchini dip that’s like hummus and made with tahini, lemon, and garlic. An easy, savory way to use up an abundance of zucchini from the garden.

Zucchini, zucchini.

Every year, I get so excited for my garden to start producing zucchini again, yet a couple weeks in, I’m bemoaning the pounds of zucchini I have waiting for me on the kitchen counter.

After we’d exhausted our taste buds eating grilled zucchini, sauteed zucchini, baked zucchini, zucchini bread, zucchini stir-fry (I’m beginning to sound like the shrimp guy from Forrest Gump), I came up with this smoked zucchini hummus or baba ganoush-like dip.

Do you grow your own zucchini? I struggled with it until I learned these key things in my post on companion planting squash.

Cucumber slice with zucchini dip surrounded by additional sliced cucumbers, peppers, and pretzels

It’s the perfect dip for our other wildly abundant vegetable harvest this year: cucumbers.

We had so many cukes, we gave up trying to pickle them and turned them into this delicious drink instead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you like hummus or baba ganoush, this easy dip recipe has a similar flavor to both. It’s creamy and smoky with a bit of tang from the lemon and a kick from the garlic.

It’s a great way to use up fresh zucchini in a savory way. We love zucchini bread, too, but there’s only so much of it you can eat!

In addition to using it as a dip, I’ve also been using it as a spread for crostini or toast and for sandwiches.

Let me show you how to make this creamy zucchini dip.

Ingredients to Make This Smoked Zucchini Garlic Dip

You will need the following ingredients to make this smoky dip.

Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is best for this recipe. If you have some zucchini that’s gotten a bit too big or that has tough skin, this recipe is the perfect way to use it as you’ll be peeling away the skin anyway.
Tahini: This is a nut butter or paste made from ground sesame seeds. You can find it the international section of most grocery stores.
Olive Oil: Use flavorful, good quality extra virgin olive oil. The same kind you’d use for salad dressing or bread dip.
Lemon Juice: Adds a subtle tartness to the dip to make the flavors pop.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a spicy kick to this dip. You can also substitute garlic powder for a garlicky flavor without the heat.
Salt: A bit of salt brings out the flavor of the smoked zucchini.
Chipotle powder: This adds a smoky spice to the dip and looks beautiful as a garnish, but is completely optional.

If you have a smoker or grill, that would be ideal to char the zucchini. Otherwise, you can broil it in the oven. It won’t have as much smoky flavor, but it will still taste great.

flat lay of zucchini dip surrounded by sliced cucumbers, peppers, and pretzels

How to Make Smoked Zucchini Garlic Dip

First, grill the zucchini. You can do this with a smoker or grill or charbroil it in the oven.

Stick it straight onto the grill. No need to oil or salt it.

We grilled our zucchini at 275-300°F for about an hour. They were pretty large zucchinis, though. Smaller ones will take less time.

Allow the outside of the zucchini to get blackened. Cook it all the way through until the insides are tender.

To char zucchini in the oven, cut in half lengthwise and oil both sides lightly. Place cut side down in a baking sheet and broil until the skin is blackened and peeling. Bake until the insides are tender.

Transfer the cooked zucchini into a rimmed pan or dish and let it cool.

The zucchini will lose a lot of moisture, which is good.

Once it’s cool enough to handle, drain the liquid and squeeze the vegetables gently to remove more liquid. This keeps the dip from being too soupy.

Next, peel the charred skin of the zucchini.

Remove as much as you can without being obsessive.

Put the zucchini in a food processor along with the tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.

Squeezing lemon juice into a strainer placed over a food processor bowl containing smoked zucchini dip

Process until smooth.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sprinkle a bit of chipotle powder on top.

Transfer the dip to an air-tight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

zucchini dip surrounded by sliced cucumbers, peppers, and pretzels

Ideas for Using Smoked Zucchini Garlic Dip

Here’s how I like to enjoy this rich, smoky dip.

Serve as a dip for pita bread, crackers, or sliced veggies
Spread onto toasted bread and top with cheese, meat, and quick pickled onions
Spread onto toasted baguette slices and top with roasted tomatoes
Use as a topping for pita pockets with falafel or grilled meat
Make a Mediterranean “pizza” by spreading this dip as the sauce, topping with chopped lettuce, cucumber, tomato, grilled chicken, and feta crumbles

It’s a great spread to have on hand for quick snacks and light meals.

Enjoy This Recipe and More

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy trying this recipe.

Take a look at my candied jalapeno relish recipe if you’re looking for more dip ideas.

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Print Recipe

Smoked Zucchini Garlic Dip

Creamy zucchini garlic dip like baba ganoush with tahini, lemon, and garlic. A smoky dip that’s healthy, fresh, and perfect for snacks and light meals.

Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

3 small zucchini (or a large, overgrown one)
1/4 c tahini
4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp chipotle powder (optional)

Instructions

Grill zucchini until the outside is blackened and the insides are soft.
Transfer to a pan and allow to cool.
Squeeze the vegetables gently to remove excess liquid and drain.
In a food processor, add zucchini, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and sea salt. Process until smooth.
Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle a bit of chipotle powder on top if using.
Serve immediately or transfer to an air-tight container and keep refrigerated.

Notes

To char zucchini in the oven, cut in half lengthwise and oil both sides lightly. Place cut side down in a baking sheet and broil until the outside is blackened. Bake until the insides are tender.

Creamy Smoked Zucchini Garlic Dip