Easy Grilled Yellow Squash
Every bite of grilled yellow squash delivers tender, smoky, and caramelized notes. Juicy summer squash with a hint of char is a healthy side for any family cookout.
If yellow squash isn’t on your list of favorite foods, take comfort in knowing you can make it great on the grill. Now that I’ve moved away from the big city of LA, my neighbors have productive gardens and love sharing their abundance.
And since we were getting ready for a big family potluck, I decided to share that abundance with my loved ones. I slapped all of them on the grill, then used part of them for a picnic-ready squash casserole. Everyone asked me why my casserole was better than usual.
Summer Squash vs. Winter Squash
One of the things I love most about summer is the variety of fresh vegetables. Summer squash includes all the tender varieties that are harvested when still young and tender. Zucchini, yellow (crookneck), pattypan, and other summer squashes are cooked along with the peels and seeds. Each one has a different flavor profile, so have fun trying them all.
Winter squash is allowed to mature until the peel gets hard and the seeds mature, which improves shelf life. The flesh is harder, and they’re usually ready in time for fall and the holidays.
How to Grill Yellow Squash
- Prep the squash, mix the seasonings, season the squash, and grill away.
Recipe Tips
- Slice the grilled squash wedges and top pizzas, sandwiches, and salads with them.
- No grill? Simply broil them on a baking sheet in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side. They cook fast, so keep a close eye on them.
- Slice zucchini and yellow squash, using the same seasonings, and grill them together for a delicious twist.
Make-Ahead and Leftover Makeovers
Grill the squash, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days for easy weekly meal prep. Reheat on the grill or stovetop and enjoy. Freeze cooked squash in a freezer-safe container for up to six months.
Use grilled squash in a salad with mixed greens, feta, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced onion. Then drizzle it with a homemade salad dressing.
Toss it in vegetable soup, stir-fries, quesadillas, and, believe it or not, pizza.
What to Serve With Grilled Yellow Squash
This wonderful side is especially for grilled chicken, pompano fish, or grilled skirt steak since you can make them together. Potato wedges are also fantastic.
More Mouthwatering Side Recipes to Try
By Imma
Grilled Yellow Squash
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow squash
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (1g) black pepper
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (or ¼-½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1-2 tablespoons (2-4g) chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon (1g) dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon (<1g) dried thyme
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 drizzle balsamic vinegar glaze
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking. Preheat the grill on medium-high to around 375-400°F (190-205℃). If using charcoal, make sure the coals are evenly lit and glowing.
- Rinse the squash in cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut off the ends, then slice them lengthwise into quarters (or other desired shape). Cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Place the wedges on a large plate or baking tray.
- Whisk the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Brush both sides of the wedges with the seasonings until thoroughly coated. Grill them for 3-4 minutes per side, keeping a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- Remove from the grill, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Tips & Notes:
- Summer squash cooks fast, so preheat the grill for hot grates that will create those beautiful grill marks.
- Slice the squash evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- A grill basket or skewers will prevent the slices from falling through the grates.
- Please remember that the nutritional data is a rough calculation and can vary enormously based on the ingredients used in the recipe.
