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You can grill zucchini and squash on a gas grill and get perfectly tender, smoky results with those gorgeous char marks every time.
It’s one of the easiest summer sides you’ll ever make, and it takes just minutes once your gas grill is hot and ready.
If you’ve been wondering how to grill zucchini and squash on a gas grill without turning them into mush, you’re in the right place.
The trick is simple: slice them thick, oil them up, and let the high heat do the heavy lifting.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to grill zucchini and squash on a gas grill, plus seasoning ideas and mistakes to avoid.
Let’s fire it up.
How to Grill Zucchini and Squash on a Gas Grill
Learning how to grill zucchini and squash on a gas grill comes down to a few key steps, and once you nail them, you’ll do it all summer long.
Here’s what matters most:
1. Preheat Your Gas Grill Properly
The first rule of grilling zucchini and squash on a gas grill is to preheat with the lid closed for about 10 to 15 minutes.
You want your grill ripping hot, around 400°F to 450°F, so the veggies sear instead of steam.
A hot grill gives you those beautiful char marks and keeps the inside tender without going soggy.
2. Slice Zucchini and Squash Thick
When you grill zucchini and squash on a gas grill, slice them lengthwise into planks about ½ inch thick.
Thick slices hold their shape and don’t fall through the grates.
If you slice them too thin, they’ll turn to mush before you even get them off the grill.
You could also cut them into rounds, but planks are easier to flip and look great on a platter.
3. Oil and Season Generously
Before grilling zucchini and squash on a gas grill, brush both sides with olive oil so they don’t stick.
Then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and maybe a pinch of smoked paprika.
A little oil also helps the seasonings cling and encourages even browning.
4. Grill Over Direct Medium-High Heat
Place your zucchini and squash directly on the grates over medium-high heat.
Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping once with tongs.
You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender with a slight bite and covered in grill marks.
Tips for Grilling Zucchini and Squash on a Gas Grill
These little tricks make grilling zucchini and squash on a gas grill even easier.
1. Don’t Walk Away
Zucchini and squash cook fast, so stay by the grill.
A minute too long and they go from crisp-tender to limp.
2. Use a Grill Basket for Small Pieces
If you cut your squash into cubes or rounds, a grill basket keeps them from slipping through the grates while you’re grilling zucchini and squash on a gas grill.
3. Pat Them Dry First
Moisture is the enemy of char.
Pat your sliced zucchini and squash dry with paper towels before oiling them so they sear instead of steam.
4. Try a Marinade or Glaze
A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs takes grilled zucchini and squash to the next level.
Just brush on a little balsamic glaze at the end for a sweet, tangy finish.
Common Mistakes When You Grill Zucchini and Squash on a Gas Grill
Avoid these and your grilled zucchini and squash will turn out perfect every time.
1. Skipping the Preheat
A cold grill means soggy squash.
Always preheat so the surface is hot enough to sear when you grill zucchini and squash on a gas grill.
2. Overcrowding the Grates
Give each slice space.
If you crowd them, they’ll steam and never get those nice marks while grilling zucchini and squash on a gas grill.
3. Overcooking
Zucchini and squash are mostly water, so they soften quickly.
Pull them off while they’re still slightly firm and let them rest for a minute.
4. Forgetting to Oil the Grates
Even with oiled veggies, a quick brush of oil on the grates helps prevent sticking when you grill zucchini and squash on a gas grill.
So, How Do You Grill Zucchini and Squash on a Gas Grill?
You grill zucchini and squash on a gas grill by preheating to medium-high, slicing them thick, oiling and seasoning both sides, then cooking for 3 to 4 minutes per side over direct heat.
It’s that simple, and the results are smoky, tender, and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re serving them as a side or piling them onto a burger, grilled zucchini and squash on a gas grill is a summer staple worth mastering.
Now go fire up that grill and enjoy every charred, delicious bite.