Grilled Squash
This grilled squash recipe comes out tender and charred in just 5 minutes! A simple Italian herb blend makes it the best summer side dish you’ll make all season.
Need a quick and easy summer side dish? Or got a load of yellow summer squash from the garden? Try this perfect grilled squash recipe! Once I discovered this trick, it’s become my favorite way to cook this seasonal summer vegetable: seasoned with Italian herbs like basil and oregano.
The best part: it takes only 5 minutes to grill! It’s such a classic summer side dish, you can almost smell the charcoal and hear the buzz of the lawnmower. Along with grilled zucchini, this has become a go-to for me because it’s so quick and hard to mess up.
5 Star Reader Review
“I tried this squash tonight and was very pleasantly surprised—it was the first time I’ve been able to cook squash (besides sautéing with garlic and onions until it’s cooked to death) in a way I actually liked. Fantastic recipe! Will definitely make these again!” -Rachel
Ingredients You’ll Need
When I say grilled squash, I’m talking summer squash: that large yellow relative of the zucchini! Interestingly, there aren’t as many yellow squash recipes as there are for winter squash: you won’t find things like summer squash soup or risotto. So making grilled squash is one of the best ways to use it—outside of roasting it! Here’s what you need:
- Yellow summer squash: Use all yellow squash, or a mix of squash and zucchini for variation in color
- Olive oil
- Spices: Dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder
How to Cut Squash for Grilling
There are a few different ways to cut summer squash for the grill. Here’s a little breakdown:
- Rounds. You can slice the squash into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- On the bias (diagonal). It looks similar to rounds, but if you cut on the bias (diagonally), you get larger, most interesting shapes.
- Planks. You also can cut the squash width-wise into long planks. (We did this for our grilled zucchini.)
Tips for Grilling Squash
You can grill squash right on the grill grates: no grill basket or foil necessary! It’s fast and easy: just cook them until they’re charred and tender. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe):
- Preheat a grill to medium high heat. That’s about 375 to 450 degrees.
- Cut the squash on the bias (diagonally). Make the pieces about 3/4-inch thick.
- Toss with olive oil and seasonings. The blend of Italian spices in the recipe below is perfect.
- Grill on the grates for 4 to 6 minutes. Cook until charred and tender, turning once.
Seasoning Variations
Yellow summer squash and zucchini work well with Italian and Mediterranean seasonings, but there are many other ways to season them! Keep in mind many of the blends below have salt included, so cut back the salt in the recipe by half if you’re using them.
- Fajita or taco seasoning: Try purchased or homemade Fajita seasoning or taco seasoning.
- Cajun seasoning: Add pizzazz with purchased or homemade Cajun seasoning or blackened seasoning (not spicy).
- Old Bay: Mix it up and add everyone’s summer favorite, Old Bay seasoning.
What to Serve with Grilled Squash
- Protein: Grilled chicken thighs, grilled salmon, and grilled tofu are a natural match as a grilled dinner idea.
- Sides: I love my no mayo potato salad or strawberry salad for a carefree meal.
- Other grilled vegetables: Combine with grilled tomatoes, and grilled corn on the cob for a full vegetable platter.
- Drinks: An Aperol spritz or white wine is perfect alongside (or other summer cocktails).
Storage Instructions
Store leftover grilled squash in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or enjoy at room temperature. Do not freeze grilled squash; it loses its texture after it thaws.
Dietary Notes
This grilled squash recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Grilled Squash (Perfectly Seasoned!)
Pin RecipeThis grilled squash comes out with incredible flavor in just 5 minutes! Use this simple Italian herb blend and grilling technique to turn that mountain of summer squash into a side dish everyone wants more of.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 3 medium yellow summer squash (or a mix of squash and small zucchini)
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 pinches red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Slice the squash on the bias, about 1/2” thick. Place it in a bowl and mix it with the olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place the squash directly on the grill grates and grill for about 2 to 3 minutes per side (4 to 6 minutes total), until charred and tender. Taste and add a few pinches of additional salt if necessary.
Other vegetables to grill
This grilled squash recipe is great for combining with a few more veggies to make into a big vegetable platter. Here are more grilled vegetables to try:
- This grilled corn is a summer staple; dress it up as elote or try it in foil.
- These grilled potatoes, potatoes in foil or grilled sweet potatoes are smoky perfection.
- Try grilled Brussels sprouts or grilled bok choy for a more unique option.
- These grilled asparagus or grilled green beans are delicious charred from the grill.
- Make a batch of grilled cauliflower, grilled broccoli, grilled carrots, or grilled peppers.
- The grill brings out meaty flavor in grilled portobellos or grilled mushrooms, and infuses smoky flavor into greens like grilled romaine or grilled kale.
from A Couple Cooks
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Sonja Overhiser
April 18, 2026 at 05:26PM
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