Grilled Squash

A woman with long brown hair wearing a gray shirt smiles in front of a background featuring green foliage and yellow fruit.
By Madison Wetherill | Updated: July 8, 2026 | Leave a comment
4.95 from 56 votes

When I'm already grilling dinner outside, I love being able to throw a vegetable side on the grill at the same time. If you're looking for an easy grilled squash recipe that works with almost any meal, this one is hard to beat!

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grilled squash on a white plate

Grilled Squash Recipe

During the summer, there is a good chance you'll find me cooking dinner on the grill. Whether we're having Grilled Turkey Burgers or Grilled Shrimp Skewers, I love being able to keep dinner simple and spend more time outside in the pool with my family.

The main dish is usually easy to figure out. The challenge is finding a side dish that is just as easy and doesn't require extra attention in the kitchen.

Grilled Zucchini is another favorite at our house, but this yellow squash recipe is just as simple and a great way to enjoy summer squash when it is in season.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

While the grill is already hot, you can grill the squash right alongside the main dish and have everything ready at the same time.

It is also a great way to make the most of summer squash when it is in season.

The squash cooks quickly, requires very little prep, and is just as delicious served fresh off the grill as it is chopped into salads, pasta dishes, or grain bowls later on.

Ingredients

Three yellow squash on a rectangular plate, ready to become grilled squash, with bowls of olive oil, salt, and pepper, all labeled, arranged on a light blue surface with a napkin.

Yellow squash is the star of this recipe. Look for squash that feels firm and has smooth, unblemished skin. If you have other varieties of summer squash on hand, such as zucchini or crookneck squash, they can be grilled the same way.

Olive oil helps the squash cook evenly and keeps it from sticking to the grill. Avocado oil is an easy substitute and works just as well, especially if you're cooking over higher heat.

That's really all you need. A little salt and pepper bring out the natural flavor of the squash without overpowering it.

If you want to switch things up, you can mix multiple types of squash, use garlic powder, Italian seasoning or cajun seasoning, or squeeze fresh lemon juice over it.

Types of Squash

While I usually reach for yellow squash, this recipe works well with other types of summer squash too. Zucchini, crookneck squash, and pattypan squash are all great options and can be grilled right alongside the yellow squash.

zucchini and squash with salt and pepper on the grill

Essential Grilling Tools

You don't need much to make grilled squash, but a few tools can make the process easier.

  • Weber Grill Spray helps prevent the squash from sticking to the grates and makes cleanup easier afterward.
  • A good grill brush is helpful for cleaning the grates before cooking.
  • A sturdy pair of tongs makes it easy to flip and move the squash while it cooks.
  • If you prefer to cut the squash into smaller pieces, a grill basket keeps them from falling through the grates.
zucchini and squash cooking on the grill

How To Make Grilled Squash

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full step by step instructions! ⬇️

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zucchini and squash with salt and pepper on the grill
zucchini and squash cooking on the grill
  1. Cut the squash into quarters lengthwise so they don't fall into the cracks of your grill.
  1. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper before putting the squash on the grill. Then cook until you see grill marks and the squash is tender!
Sliced yellow squash with grill marks arranged on a white rectangular plate next to a folded beige napkin.

Madison's Tips for Success:

I've tested this recipe and have successfully made it many times. Use these tips to ensure that it turns out perfectly for you, too!

  1. Clean and preheat your grill before adding the squash.
  2. If you're grilling meat at the same time, place the squash around the edges of the grill which are usually less hot to prevent overcooking.
  3. Use a grill basket if you prefer rounds squash.
a rice bowl with grilled shrimp

Storing and Freezing

Store leftover grilled squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through. Leftovers are also delicious cold in salads and grain bowls.

Yellow Squash Recipe FAQs

How do I know when grilled squash is done?

The squash should be fork-tender and lightly charred while still holding its shape.

Can I cook this on an indoor grill pan?

Absolutely. A grill pan works well when outdoor grilling isn't an option.

Why is my squash mushy?

Squash can become mushy if it is overcooked. Remove it from the grill once it is tender but still holds its shape.

Can I add cheese after grilling?

Absolutely. A sprinkle of Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese is a delicious way to add extra flavor before serving.

Serving Ideas

This grilled squash pairs beautifully with burgers, grilled chicken, shrimp, steak, and kebabs. It is also delicious chopped and added to salads, pasta dishes, grain bowls, or soups.

If you're looking for more summer grilling inspiration, try it alongside grilled turkey burgers, grilled shrimp skewers, or a fresh summer salad for an easy family dinner.

Did you make this recipe?

If you make and love this recipe, please leave a 5 stars review below!

It means so much to me when you try my recipes, and I'd love to know how it goes. Please leave comments and questions below!

char marks on grilled squash

Grilled Squash

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
4.95 from 56 votes
This easy grilled squash recipe is ready in under 15 minutes and makes the perfect side dish for all your favorite grilled meals.
Makes: 4 servings
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Ingredients

  • 4 yellow squash or other squash
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Cut off the ends of the 4 yellow squash, then quarter lengthwise into spears. (Slices or dices okay, but use a grill basket.)
  • Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  • Grill on medium heat for 3 minutes on a non-skin side, then flip to the other non-skin side and grill for another 3 minutes.
  • Season with more salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

You can make this recipe with half yellow squash and half zucchini. You can also use other types of squash like butternut, pattypan or acorn squash.
Use kosher salt or sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for the most flavor.
Avocado oil can be substituted for the olive oil.
Make sure to clean the grill grates and spray with grill spray before grilling. You can also rub half an onion or potato, cut side down, on the grates to grease them. This will prevent the veggies from sticking to the hot grates.
For smaller cuts of squash, use a grill basket.

Nutrition

Serving: 1squash | Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 295mg | Potassium: 517mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 393IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

More Grilled Side Dish Recipes

A woman with long brown hair wearing a gray shirt smiles in front of a background featuring green foliage and yellow fruit.
Hey friend, I'm Madison!

I'll teach you how to make simple from-scratch recipes, like seasonings, sauces, dinners and even desserts, that make cooking from home less overwhelming and more enjoyable.
My recipes have been featured on publications like South Your Mouth, Fun.com, Her Campus, Mental Floss, and the TastingTable.

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