Grilled Yellow Squash (Summer Squash)

This Grilled Yellow Squash recipe makes an easy summer side dish that takes minutes to cook on the grill. You only need 4 ingredients to make summer squash on the grill, and it’s the perfect side dish for chicken, beef, pork or seafood!

The Easiest Grilled Squash Recipe

We have been cooking yellow squash on the grill every summer for years now. It’s one of our favorite grilled vegetables — right up there with grilled zucchini and corn on the cob.

This simple summer squash recipe is super easy to make. Just toss with oil, and a few spices, and cook! It is also naturally low fat, low carb and gluten free, so this healthy summer side dish is suitable for almost any diet and a favorite for summer cook outs!

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients from the grocery store to make this delicious side dish. Full amounts are in the printable recipe card below.

• Summer squash — also called yellow summer squash
• Avocado oil — Unlike olive oil, it has a high smoke point, so it’s great for grilling. You can also use vegetable oil.
• Seasonings — salt, black pepper, garlic powder
• Optional — Grated Parmesan cheese or Feta cheese adds extra flavor

How To Cut Squash for Grilling

First, rinse your squash under cold water, and pat it dry. You don’t need to peel yellow squash because the skin is thin.

I feel the best way to cut yellow squash for grilling is in wedges or spears instead of rounds or slices. Wedges are easy to turn and don’t fall through the grill grates! But, you can honestly cut them however you like!

Cut the squash in half horizontally. Then, cut the halves lengthwise in quarters. Place the pieces in a large bowl or pan, and toss with avocado oil, vegetable oil or olive oil. Then, season with sea salt, pepper and garlic powder.

How to Grill Yellow Squash

I recommend brushing a little avocado oil on the grates to prevent the squash from sticking. Place the squash on a medium to medium-high grill (around 350 to 375 degrees). Cook the squash for 2 minutes per side, for 3-sided spears. The squash is ready to turn when it releases easily and you see grill marks.

For 2 sided cuts, grill for 3 minutes per side or until squash is fork tender and cooked through. If you grill until just fork tender, you won’t get soggy squash. Total cook time is about 6 minutes. Sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the grilled yellow squash before serving for extra flavor!

We use a gas grill, but this also works with a charcoal grill. If you have an indoor grill, such as the Ninja Foodi Grill, prep and season the same way. Then, cook according to manufacturer’s directions.

Grill Zucchini and Squash Together

You can grill summer squash with zucchini. Prep them the same way, and they have the same cook time. We do this every summer, and they turn out perfectly cooked every time.

What to Serve with Summer Squash

Serve grilled summer squash with Grilled Italian Dressing Chicken, Grilled Pork Chops, Grilled Crab Legs. It also makes the perfect summer side dish for Grilled Burgers.

How to Store

You can store leftover cooked squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers keep well for about 3 to 4 days without getting soggy. You can also freeze cooked squash for up to 3 months.

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First published in 2021 and updated in 2024.