Grilled Zucchini and Squash

We’re adding tips to use an indoor grillas well, so you can enjoy this recipe year-long.

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Easy Yellow Squash and Zucchini on the Grill

Zucchini and yellow summer squash are light, delicious, with a tender flavor and bright color – they are a perfect side dish that go with grilled dishes, simple to prepare, and low-calorie – but packed with nutrition and flavor!

If you love the flavor of zucchini, or squash – or you have an abundance from your garden – this recipe is a great staple that you can customize to work into your menu, add different seasonings and spices, or other vegetables – it is a great base recipe you can use to make your own.

Since zucchini and summer squash are both squash, and have similar shapes and cooking times, they are perfect to make together! Many people grow the two vegetables together already, making this dish a home gardener’s favorite. This is a fabulous recipe to use up some of the bounty from your backyard garden.

How to Grill Zucchini and Squash

Making grilled zucchini and squash is super simple, a perfect way to use up the prolific garden vegetables.

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

Sharp kitchen knife or mandoline – grilled zucchini and squash tastes best when sliced thin, but not so thin it falls apart on the grill. Go for a 1/4″ cut.
Zucchini – zucchini is perfect for a low calorie, easy side – it has a light, earthy and vegetal flavor that pairs with almost any dish. Zucchini’s bright green color adds a great pop of color to dishes.
Summer squash – summer squash is a yellow low-water squash that tastes similar to zucchini, with a light flavor that works well with any seasonings.
Silicone brush – a high quality silicone brush is the best way to spread oil on squash to season it.
Tongs – high heat tongs are essential for flipping and lifting zucchini and squash from hot grill grates.
Avocado oil – avocado oil has a higher heat point than olive oil, and a light and clean flavor, making it a great choice for grilling. Like olive oil, avocado oil is an oil made from the flesh of the fruit, not the seed.
Salt and pepper – use a high quality salt you love (celtic sea salt that is coarse adds a light texture to grilled vegetables) and fresh cracked pepper for the best flavor.
Italian herbs seasoning blend – we love the light, herbal, and earthy notes a blend of basil, thyme, sage, coriander, and other Italian herbs lends to grilled squash.

picture of sliced yellow squash and a knife on a cutting board

picture of sliced yellow squash and a silicone brush with avocado oil on a cutting board

picture of seasoned slice squash on a cutting board

Preheat grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wash zucchini and squash well.
Cut top and base tips from squash.
Cut zucchini and squash 1/4″ thick strips, lengthwise, using a sharp knife or mandoline.
Brush squash with avocado oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs (or other seasonings as desired.)
Using heat-resistant brush, lightly brush the grill grates with a bit of avocado oil (or lay down a strip of aluminum foil) so the squash doesn’t stick to grill grates.
Add squash to grill, cook 3-4 minutes per side, until browned on each side.
Remove from grill and enjoy!

Tips to Perfect Grilled Zucchini and Squash & FAQs

Use high heat. Zucchini and squash taste best when they cook hot and fast – giving them a chance to crisp and get a bit of browning, without turning to mush. We want a nice crisp edge and browning for appearance, flavor, and texture. Don’t cook zucchini on a smoker or colder grill.

Make it nonstick. Zucchini and squash stick easily to grill grates – lightly oil grates before placing squash on grill- or lay down a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent sticking.

Don’t overdo it. One of the easiest ways to just make a mess on your grill is to overcook the squash. You want some nice char marks but you will still need to use the side of your fork to cut the squash when done.

FAQs

Zucchini should grill for about 6-8 minutes, until browned.

Squash is done grilling when it is browned to your liking!

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to five days.

What to Serve With Grilled Zucchini and Squash

If you’re making a delicious al fresco dinner on the grill, we’re rounding up some of our favorites below – classics like grilled lobster, grilled ribs, grilled potatoes, grilled chicken – as well as our top-rated smoked brisket and smoked ribs recipes that are mouth-watering and easy to make!