Grilled Zucchini & Squash Recipe

Upgrade up your zucchini and summer squash by grilling them on the bbq–you get an extra smoky flavor that compliments the sweetness of the squash and they’re super fast to make. This is a great option for those summer BBQs or even quick family dinners where you need a healthy veggie side dish in under 10 minutes. 

plate of grilled squash and zucchini

Types of Squash & Zucchini to Use

Squash is one of the oldest cultivated crops–archeologists have found traces of squash crops that date back to tens of thousands of years ago in Mesoamerica. It’s one of the Three Sister crops that include corn (maize), beans, and squash are still staples of the Native American diet. 

Squash is full of healthy nutrients like vitamin A and B6, potassium, manganese, fiber, and more. For this recipe, we use summer squash like crookneck and zucchini varieties because they’re similar shaped and will cook evenly in the bbq–and they’re delicious. Note, this recipe is specifically for summer squash that have thinner and softer skins. If you use winter squash like kabocha or pumpkin, it may take longer or not work as well. 

Best Seasoning for Squash

seasoning and oil for grilling squash

Our favorite way of seasoning grilled squash is with fresh garlic cloves, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt and pepper. But there is also a myriad of other seasonings you can use for your grilled squash:

  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Dried or fresh thyme
  • Dried or fresh rosemary
  • Red chili pepper flakes
  • Sprinkled lemon juice 

How to Cut Squash for the Grill

squash and zucchini sliced lengthwise

To prepare squash for grilling, we like to keep it as large as possible so it doesn’t overcook. If you’ve ever sauteed squash like zucchini or summer squash at home, you know how fast they cook! After washing the squash under running water, slice them lengthwise into quarters. You don’t need to peel the skin before cooking or eating because it’s actually full of antioxidants in the skin

Tips for Grilling / BBQing Squash

squash and zucchini with grill marks on bbq

While grilling squash is a no-fuss recipe, here are some tips and tricks to get the best tasting grilled squash:

  • Season the squash by first brushing them or spraying them with olive oil. Then, sprinkle on the seasoning and mix them together to get an even coat. This helps the seasoning stick to the zucchini and summer squash better. 
  • Don’t leave them unattended–squash cook really fast and even faster on a grill because it’s so hot. 
  • Keep the grill at about 350 °F (or medium to medium high after preheating) and cook the squash in the middle of the grill for about 4 minutes on one side and then turn them and cook them for an additional 4 minutes on the other side. 

What to Serve With Grilled Squash

plate of grilled squash and zucchini

Some of our favorite ways to serve grilled squash is with honey sriracha shrimp, blackened fish tacos, or even with some air fryer meatballs topped with healthy bbq sauce for dinner. Grilled squash is an easy and classic staple to any dinner or lunch.

grilled squash detail
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5 from 2 votes

Grilled Squash & Zucchini Recipe

This grilled squash recipe will give you a smoky, sweet, and herb-filled side dish for your next bbq in under 10 minutes.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword bbq vegetable, healthy side dishes
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 66kcal

Equipment

  • bbq
  • Knife
  • brush
  • tongs

Ingredients

  • 2 zucchini
  • 2 yellow squash
  • 1 tbsp olive oil add more if necessary
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ tsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the grill to medium or 350 °F.
  • Clean and cut the zucchini and squash into quarters lengthwise.
    slice squash lengthwise
  • In a bowl mix the olive oil, garlic cloves, dried oregano, and dried basil together.
    zucchini herb and oil seasoning
  • Use a brush to baste the squash and zucchini with the seasoning oil mixture and sprinkle the salt and pepper over them.
    basting squash and zucchini w seasoning
  • Place on the grill and cook for 4 minutes with the lid closed. Open the grill and turn the zucchini and squash to the other side and cook for an additional 4 minutes with the lid closed.
    cooking squash on gas bbq grill
  • Remove when the zucchini and squash are tender.
    plate of grilled squash

Nutrition

Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 156mg | Potassium: 524mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 395IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg