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You can cook zucchini and squash on the grill by slicing them into planks or rounds, brushing them with oil, and cooking them over medium-high heat until tender.
Knowing how to cook zucchini and squash on the grill is one of those essential summer skills every backyard cook should have.
Both zucchini and squash love the grill because their mild flavor picks up that smoky char beautifully.
So if you’ve been wondering how to grill zucchini and squash that turns out perfectly tender every single time, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to cook zucchini and squash on the grill, plus the best seasonings, slicing methods, and timing tricks.
Let’s fire it up.
How Do You Cook Zucchini and Squash on the Grill?
You cook zucchini and squash on the grill with a few simple steps that almost anyone can master.
First off, how you cut your zucchini and squash matters just as much as how you grill them.
Here’s the basic method for how to cook zucchini and squash on the grill:
1. Slice Them Into Planks or Rounds
If you’re grilling zucchini and squash directly on the grates, cut them into planks about half an inch thick.
For smaller squash, rounds work great, but keep them at least a quarter inch thick so they don’t fall through.
When you cook zucchini and squash as planks, you get more surface area for those gorgeous grill marks.
That char is where all the flavor lives, so don’t be shy about getting a good sear.
2. Brush With Oil and Season
Before they hit the grill, brush your zucchini and squash with olive oil on both sides.
Oil keeps them from sticking and helps your seasonings cling to the surface.
Then season simply with salt and pepper, or go bolder with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs.
The key to how to cook zucchini and squash on the grill successfully is seasoning before, not after.
That way every bite is packed with flavor instead of tasting flat.
3. Preheat Your Grill to Medium-High
You want your grill hot and clean before the zucchini and squash go on.
Scrape the grates and wipe them with an oiled paper towel so nothing sticks.
Medium-high heat gives you that quick char without turning your squash into mush.
If you’re using a gas grill, that’s around 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
For charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing and covered with a light ash.
4. Grill for 3 to 5 Minutes Per Side
Place your zucchini and squash on the hot grates and close the lid.
Grill them for three to five minutes, then flip and cook another three to four minutes.
When you cook zucchini and squash this way, they come out tender with a slight bite, never soggy.
Watch closely toward the end because squash can go from perfectly charred to burnt quickly.
Best Tips for Grilling Zucchini and Squash
Mastering how to cook zucchini and squash on the grill comes down to a few insider tricks.
These tips will take your grilled zucchini and squash from good to unforgettable.
1. Use a Grill Basket for Small Pieces
If you’re grilling zucchini and squash in cubes or rounds, a grill basket is your best friend.
It keeps the smaller pieces from slipping through the grates and ending up in the fire.
Just toss your seasoned zucchini and squash into the basket and shake it occasionally.
This method works especially well when you cook zucchini and squash alongside other veggies.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they cook zucchini and squash on the grill is overcrowding.
When pieces touch each other, they steam instead of sear, and you lose that smoky flavor.
Leave space between each plank so the heat circulates evenly around your zucchini and squash.
Cook in batches if you have to, because good grilling zucchini and squash takes a little patience.
3. Marinate for Extra Flavor
If you have time, marinate your zucchini and squash for 30 minutes before grilling.
A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs does wonders for their flavor.
Just don’t marinate too long, since zucchini and squash soak up liquid fast and can get mushy.
This is an easy upgrade for anyone learning how to cook zucchini and squash on the grill.
4. Finish With a Squeeze of Lemon
Right after you cook zucchini and squash on the grill, hit them with fresh lemon juice.
The bright acidity cuts through the smoky char and wakes up all the flavors.
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley is the perfect finishing touch.
Trust me, how you cook zucchini and squash on the grill matters, but how you finish them matters too.
Best Ways to Serve Grilled Zucchini and Squash
Once you know how to cook zucchini and squash on the grill, serving them is the fun part.
These grilled zucchini and squash make a fantastic side dish for almost any summer meal.
Here are some tasty ways to enjoy them:
1. Toss Them Into a Pasta
Chop your grilled zucchini and squash and fold them into pasta with olive oil and parmesan.
The smoky flavor from how you cook zucchini and squash on the grill adds depth to every bite.
2. Pile Them on Bruschetta
Layer grilled zucchini and squash over toasted bread with ricotta and a drizzle of balsamic.
It’s a quick appetizer that shows off your grilling zucchini and squash skills.
3. Add Them to Grain Bowls
Grilled zucchini and squash pair beautifully with quinoa, farro, or rice.
Add some chickpeas and a tahini drizzle, and you’ve got a hearty, healthy dinner.
So, How Do You Cook Zucchini and Squash on the Grill?
You cook zucchini and squash on the grill by slicing them into planks, brushing with oil, seasoning well, and grilling over medium-high heat for a few minutes per side.
It’s honestly one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to enjoy summer produce.
Whether you’re grilling zucchini and squash as a side or a main, that smoky char makes them irresistible.
Now that you know how to cook zucchini and squash on the grill, grab your tongs and get grilling.
Happy grilling.