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Grilled Yellow Squash Recipe

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This delicious grilled yellow squash recipe is the perfect summer side dish! Grilling summer squash brings out the natural sweetness and adds a lovely smokey char as well.

This simple veggie side dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, backyard BBQ, or summer party.

Grilled summer squash on a large white platter.
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This is one of the best ways to prepare yellow squash - it's so easy, requires minimal cleanup, and develops the flavor of the squash while adding a lovely char. It's the perfect side dish!

My other favorite way to make it is on the stovetop - check out our Sautéed Yellow Squash recipe! You may also like our Grilled Zucchini with Feta & Pine Nuts recipe as well.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you'll need to make grilled summer squash!

Olive oil, spices, chopped parsley, and three yellow squash.
  • Yellow Squash - you'll want to use 3 medium or 2 large yellow squash (also called summer squash) for this recipe. There are two varieties of summer squash - crookneck squash has a large base and a thin, curved neck; straightneck squash (pictured above) has a more proportional body and only a slightly curved neck. It's easier to make this recipe with straightneck squash because of the way it needs to be sliced.
  • Olive Oil - you'll brush olive oil on the squash to help crisp them up while grilling. You can use any other high smoke point oil as well - including canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil.
  • Kosher Salt - a little bit of salt helps bring out the flavor of the squash. You can substitute this for sea salt as well.
  • Ground Black Pepper - adds just a small amount of heat and flavor to the squash.
  • Garlic Powder - essential for that pop of garlicky flavor. I don't recommend substituting for fresh garlic cloves as it will burn slightly while grilling.
  • Fresh Parsley - a simple, bright topping for the squash that you'll add after it's done cooking. See the tips section below for other topping ideas.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Heat the grill (or grill pan on the stovetop) to medium-high heat (around 375 degrees F on a gas grill).

Spread the squash slices out over a cutting board.

Sliced summer squash on a black cutting board with a knife.

Combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl.

Olive oil and spices mixed in a small white bowl with a silver spoon.

Brush or pour the olive oil mixture over both sides of the squash slices. (You can toss these together in a large bowl if you'd prefer)

Sliced yellow squash on a black cutting board brushed with olive oil and spices.

Place the squash on the hot grill and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, till grill marks have formed; flip the squash and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes till tender.

Slices on yellow squash on a grill.

Place yellow squash strips on a large platter. Sprinkle on the parsley and serve immediately.

Grilled yellow squash on a white platter.

You can serve the squash warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Making this Recipe

Cooking Tips - To keep squash from sticking to the grill grates, thoroughly clean them with a brush. Then, right before adding the squash to the grill, use a pair of large tongs to rub a piece of paper towel dampened with vegetable oil over the grates.

Optional Toppings - You can add additional toppings to the squash like toasted pine nuts, chopped chives, fresh herbs, crumbly feta cheese or goat cheese. You can also squeeze a little fresh lemon juice across the top of the dish as well!

Storage

The grilled squash is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Grilled yellow squash on a large platter with chopped parsley.

What to Serve with Grilled Squash

If you're looking for a main course to pair with summer squash, here are several of our favorites you can also make on the grill!

More Summer Squash Recipes

Check out our full post on yellow summer squash recipes, or try one of these great dishes!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Connect with us on Instagram and share your photos, or leave us a rating.

Yield: 4 to 5 servings

Grilled Yellow Squash

Grilled yellow squash on a large with platter with a silver serving fork.

This simple grilled summer squash recipe is the perfect summer side dish!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 medium yellow squash, cut into long, ¼ inch strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat grill (or grill pan on stovetop) to medium-high heat.
  2. Spread the squash slices out over a cutting board.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Brush or pour the olive oil mixture over both sides of the squash slices.
  5. Place the squash on the grill and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, till grill lines have formed, flip squash and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes till tender.
  6. Place yellow squash strips on a large platter. Sprinkle on the parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 114Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 161mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 4gSugar: 7gProtein: 2g

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