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You can grill yellow squash and zucchini easily, and they turn out tender, smoky, and delicious every single time.
Grilling yellow squash and zucchini is one of the fastest ways to get a healthy side dish on the table.
They cook in minutes, soak up whatever flavors you throw at them, and pair with almost anything off the grill.
If you’ve been wondering how to grill yellow squash and zucchini without turning them into mushy, sad little discs, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to grill yellow squash and zucchini step by step, from picking the best ones at the store to getting those perfect char marks.
Let’s fire up that grill.
How to Grill Yellow Squash and Zucchini Perfectly
Learning how to grill yellow squash and zucchini comes down to a few simple basics.
Get these right and you’ll never go back to soggy sautéed squash again.
1. Pick Firm, Medium-Sized Squash and Zucchini
Small to medium squash and zucchini grill best because they hold their shape.
Oversized ones are watery and seedy, which means they’ll fall apart on the grates.
Look for yellow squash and zucchini that feel firm and heavy with shiny, unblemished skin.
2. Slice Them Lengthwise or Into Thick Rounds
How you cut them matters when you grill yellow squash and zucchini.
Lengthwise planks about half an inch thick give you the best results.
Thick rounds also work well if you lay them flat and don’t move them too soon.
Thin slices are a mistake because they’ll slip through the grates and turn to mush.
3. Season and Oil Before They Hit the Grill
Brush the slices with olive oil so they don’t stick and season them generously.
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika are all you need.
You can also toss grilled yellow squash and zucchini in a marinade of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs for extra flavor.
Just don’t overdo the oil, or you’ll get flare-ups that burn the outside before the inside cooks.
4. Preheat the Grill to Medium-High Heat
A hot, clean, well-oiled grill is the secret to grilling yellow squash and zucchini without sticking.
Scrape the grates, then use tongs and a paper towel dipped in oil to grease them right before cooking.
Medium-high heat gives you char marks and tender insides without burning.
5. Grill for 3 to 4 Minutes Per Side
When you grill yellow squash and zucchini, timing is everything.
Lay the slices diagonally across the grates and leave them alone for three to four minutes.
Flip once, cook another three to four minutes, and pull them off while they’re still slightly firm.
They’ll keep cooking a touch after they leave the heat.
Tips for Grilling Yellow Squash and Zucchini Without Mushiness
The biggest complaint about grilled yellow squash and zucchini is that they turn out soggy.
Here’s how to avoid that every time.
1. Salt Them First to Draw Out Water
Sprinkle your sliced squash and zucchini with salt and let them sit for fifteen minutes.
Pat them dry with paper towels before grilling yellow squash and zucchini to remove the extra moisture.
This one step makes a huge difference in texture.
2. Don’t Overcook Them
Squash and zucchini are mostly water, so they soften fast.
Grill yellow squash and zucchini just until they’re tender-crisp with a little bite.
If the edges look translucent and the middle sags, you’ve gone too far.
3. Use a Grill Basket for Smaller Pieces
If you cut your squash and zucchini into rounds or chunks, a grill basket keeps everything from falling through.
It also makes it easy to toss grilled yellow squash and zucchini so they cook evenly.
Just shake the basket every couple of minutes instead of flipping each piece by hand.
4. Finish With a Squeeze of Lemon and Fresh Herbs
Once your grilled yellow squash and zucchini come off the heat, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Throw on chopped parsley, basil, or mint for a fresh finish.
A sprinkle of parmesan or feta doesn’t hurt either.
What to Serve With Grilled Yellow Squash and Zucchini
Grilled yellow squash and zucchini go with pretty much anything you’re cooking outdoors.
Serve them next to grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or fish.
They also shine in grain bowls, pasta salads, and wraps the next day.
If you’re hosting a cookout, pile grilled yellow squash and zucchini on a platter with other grilled veggies and drizzle everything with a simple vinaigrette.
So, How Do You Grill Yellow Squash and Zucchini?
You grill yellow squash and zucchini by slicing them into thick planks or rounds, oiling and seasoning them, and cooking them over medium-high heat for a few minutes per side.
The key to grilling yellow squash and zucchini that taste great is keeping the slices thick, the grill hot, and the cooking time short.
Salt them first, don’t overcrowd the grates, and pull them off while they’re still tender-crisp.
Now that you know how to grill yellow squash and zucchini, grab a couple from the fridge and get cooking.
Your next barbecue just got a whole lot tastier.