Grilled Zucchini & Squash Recipe
Upgrade up your zucchini and summer squash by grilling them on the bbq–you get an extra smoky flavor that compliments the sweetness of the squash and they’re super fast to make. This is a great option for those summer BBQs or even quick family dinners where you need a healthy veggie side dish in under 10 minutes.
Types of Squash & Zucchini to Use
Squash is one of the oldest cultivated crops–archeologists have found traces of squash crops that date back to tens of thousands of years ago in Mesoamerica. It’s one of the Three Sister crops that include corn (maize), beans, and squash are still staples of the Native American diet.
Squash is full of healthy nutrients like vitamin A and B6, potassium, manganese, fiber, and more. For this recipe, we use summer squash like crookneck and zucchini varieties because they’re similar shaped and will cook evenly in the bbq–and they’re delicious. Note, this recipe is specifically for summer squash that have thinner and softer skins. If you use winter squash like kabocha or pumpkin, it may take longer or not work as well.
Best Seasoning for Squash
Our favorite way of seasoning grilled squash is with fresh garlic cloves, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt and pepper. But there is also a myriad of other seasonings you can use for your grilled squash:
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Dried or fresh thyme
- Dried or fresh rosemary
- Red chili pepper flakes
- Sprinkled lemon juice
How to Cut Squash for the Grill
To prepare squash for grilling, we like to keep it as large as possible so it doesn’t overcook. If you’ve ever sauteed squash like zucchini or summer squash at home, you know how fast they cook! After washing the squash under running water, slice them lengthwise into quarters. You don’t need to peel the skin before cooking or eating because it’s actually full of antioxidants in the skin.
Tips for Grilling / BBQing Squash
While grilling squash is a no-fuss recipe, here are some tips and tricks to get the best tasting grilled squash:
- Season the squash by first brushing them or spraying them with olive oil. Then, sprinkle on the seasoning and mix them together to get an even coat. This helps the seasoning stick to the zucchini and summer squash better.
- Don’t leave them unattended–squash cook really fast and even faster on a grill because it’s so hot.
- Keep the grill at about 350 °F (or medium to medium high after preheating) and cook the squash in the middle of the grill for about 4 minutes on one side and then turn them and cook them for an additional 4 minutes on the other side.
What to Serve With Grilled Squash
Some of our favorite ways to serve grilled squash is with honey sriracha shrimp, blackened fish tacos, or even with some air fryer meatballs topped with healthy bbq sauce for dinner. Grilled squash is an easy and classic staple to any dinner or lunch.
Grilled Squash & Zucchini Recipe
Equipment
- bbq
- Knife
- brush
- tongs
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini
- 2 yellow squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil add more if necessary
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium or 350 °F.
- Clean and cut the zucchini and squash into quarters lengthwise.
- In a bowl mix the olive oil, garlic cloves, dried oregano, and dried basil together.
- Use a brush to baste the squash and zucchini with the seasoning oil mixture and sprinkle the salt and pepper over them.
- Place on the grill and cook for 4 minutes with the lid closed. Open the grill and turn the zucchini and squash to the other side and cook for an additional 4 minutes with the lid closed.
- Remove when the zucchini and squash are tender.
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