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To grill yellow squash and zucchini, slice them into planks or rounds, toss with oil and seasoning, then cook over medium-high heat for a few minutes per side until tender with nice char marks.
It’s one of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy summer produce, and once you know the basics, you’ll be grilling yellow squash and zucchini all season long.
Whether you’re new to grilling vegetables or just want better results, this guide will walk you through how to grill yellow squash and zucchini perfectly every time.
Let’s fire up the grill.
How to Grill Yellow Squash and Zucchini
Learning how to grill yellow squash and zucchini comes down to a few simple steps.
Get these right and you’ll have tender, smoky, slightly charred veggies that taste amazing.
1. Choose Firm, Fresh Squash
Start by picking squash and zucchini that are firm and heavy for their size.
Smaller to medium ones work best for grilling yellow squash and zucchini because they have fewer seeds and hold their shape better.
Avoid any that feel soft or spongy, since they’ll turn mushy on the grill.
2. Slice Them the Right Way
When you grill yellow squash and zucchini, the cut matters a lot.
Slice them lengthwise into planks about half an inch thick, or cut them into rounds of the same thickness.
Lengthwise planks are easier to flip and give you those pretty grill marks.
Just keep your slices uniform so they cook evenly.
3. Season and Oil Them
Toss your squash and zucchini in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
The oil keeps them from sticking and helps them brown beautifully.
You can also add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor when you grill yellow squash and zucchini.
4. Preheat and Clean Your Grill
Get your grill hot before the squash and zucchini go on.
Medium-high heat is perfect for grilling yellow squash and zucchini.
Clean the grates and brush them with a little oil so nothing sticks.
5. Grill for a Few Minutes Per Side
Place the squash and zucchini on the grill and leave them alone for about 3 to 4 minutes.
Flip once and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until they’re tender and have good char marks.
That’s really all it takes to grill yellow squash and zucchini.
Tips for Grilling Yellow Squash and Zucchini
A few extra tips will take your grilled squash and zucchini from good to great.
1. Don’t Overcook Them
The biggest mistake when you grill yellow squash and zucchini is cooking them too long.
They go from perfectly tender to mushy fast.
Pull them off while they still have a little bite.
2. Use a Grill Basket for Small Pieces
If you cut your squash and zucchini into rounds or chunks, use a grill basket.
That way you can grill yellow squash and zucchini without losing pieces through the grates.
3. Watch for Flare-Ups
Oil dripping onto the flames can cause flare-ups that burn your squash and zucchini.
Keep a spray bottle of water handy and move the veggies to a cooler spot if needed.
4. Add Flavor After Grilling
Once you grill yellow squash and zucchini, finish them with fresh herbs, parmesan, or a drizzle of balsamic.
A little lemon zest also wakes up the flavor.
Ways to Serve Grilled Yellow Squash and Zucchini
Now that you know how to grill yellow squash and zucchini, here’s how to enjoy them.
1. As a Simple Side Dish
Grilled squash and zucchini make a perfect side for burgers, chicken, or steak.
Just pile them on a platter and dig in.
2. In Salads and Grain Bowls
Chop your grilled yellow squash and zucchini and toss them into salads or grain bowls.
They add smoky flavor and great texture.
3. On Sandwiches and Wraps
Layer grilled squash and zucchini into sandwiches or wraps with hummus and greens.
It’s a tasty way to use up leftovers.
4. Tossed with Pasta
Slice grilled yellow squash and zucchini into strips and stir them into pasta with olive oil and garlic.
Simple and delicious.
So, How to Grill Yellow Squash and Zucchini?
To grill yellow squash and zucchini, slice them into half-inch planks, toss with oil and seasonings, and cook over medium-high heat for a few minutes per side.
It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, which is why grilling yellow squash and zucchini is one of the best ways to enjoy them.
Remember to keep the slices uniform, avoid overcooking, and finish with your favorite toppings.
Once you grill yellow squash and zucchini this way, you’ll do it again and again.