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You can grill zucchini and summer squash easily, and they turn out tender, smoky, and delicious every single time.
Grilling zucchini and summer squash is one of the fastest ways to get a healthy side dish on the table with almost no cleanup.
These summer vegetables soak up marinades beautifully and develop those gorgeous char marks that make any meal look impressive.
If you’ve been wondering how to grill zucchini and summer squash without turning them into mushy, lifeless discs, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to grill zucchini and summer squash step by step, including prep, seasoning, timing, and the little tricks that keep them firm and flavorful.
Let’s fire up that grill.
How to Grill Zucchini and Summer Squash Perfectly
Grilling zucchini and summer squash comes down to three things: proper prep, high heat, and quick timing.
Get those right, and you’ll never want to cook them any other way.
1. Choose Firm, Young Zucchini and Summer Squash
The best grilled zucchini and summer squash start with the right produce.
Pick squash that are firm, heavy for their size, and no longer than 6 to 8 inches.
Smaller zucchini and summer squash have fewer seeds and less water, which means they hold their shape on the grill instead of turning to mush.
If your squash feels soft or the skin looks dull, it’ll likely fall apart on the grates.
2. Cut Them Into Consistent Pieces
How you cut your zucchini and summer squash matters just as much as how you grill them.
Slice them lengthwise into planks about 1/2 inch thick for the best results.
You can also cut them into thick rounds or diagonal slices if you prefer, but keep every piece roughly the same size.
Consistent pieces mean even cooking, so some slices don’t burn while others stay raw.
3. Salt Them to Remove Excess Water
Zucchini and summer squash are mostly water, and that water is the enemy of good grilling.
Sprinkle your sliced squash with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes.
You’ll see beads of moisture form on the surface, and that’s exactly what you want.
Pat them dry with paper towels before grilling, and you’ll get better char marks and a firmer texture every time.
4. Toss With Oil and Simple Seasonings
Once your zucchini and summer squash are dry, brush or toss them with a good glug of olive oil.
Oil helps them cook evenly and keeps them from sticking to the grill grates.
For seasoning, keep it simple: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and maybe a pinch of smoked paprika.
Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme are lovely too, but add delicate herbs after grilling so they don’t burn.
5. Preheat the Grill to Medium-High Heat
A hot grill is non-negotiable when you grill zucchini and summer squash.
You want medium-high heat, around 400°F to 450°F.
Clean the grates well and brush them with a little oil right before placing the squash down.
A hot, clean, oiled grate gives you those beautiful grill marks and prevents sticking.
6. Grill for 3 to 4 Minutes Per Side
Lay your zucchini and summer squash slices directly on the grates and close the lid.
Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and grill another 3 to 4 minutes.
You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender but still hold their shape and have clear char marks.
Total grill time for zucchini and summer squash is usually just 6 to 8 minutes, so don’t walk away.
Tips for Grilling Zucchini and Summer Squash Without Mushiness
Even seasoned grillers sometimes end up with soggy squash, so here are the tricks that make a real difference.
1. Don’t Overcook Them
The number one reason grilled zucchini and summer squash turn mushy is overcooking.
They’re tender vegetables that cook fast, so stay close to the grill.
Pull them off while they’re still slightly firm, because they’ll continue softening for a minute after leaving the heat.
2. Avoid Soaking Them in Marinade
Marinades add flavor, but soaking zucchini and summer squash for hours makes them watery.
If you want extra flavor, brush on marinade right before grilling or during the last minute of cooking.
A quick 15 to 30 minute marinade is plenty for these delicate vegetables.
3. Use a Grill Basket for Small Pieces
If you cut your zucchini and summer squash into rounds or cubes, a grill basket is your best friend.
It keeps everything from falling through the grates while still giving you that smoky grilled flavor.
Just shake the basket every couple of minutes so all sides get some char.
4. Finish With a Squeeze of Lemon
A little acid brightens up grilled zucchini and summer squash like nothing else.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them as soon as they come off the grill.
A sprinkle of flaky salt and a drizzle of good olive oil takes them to the next level.
What to Serve With Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash
Grilled zucchini and summer squash pair with almost anything you’re cooking outdoors.
Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or fish for a complete summer meal.
They’re also fantastic tossed into pasta, layered on sandwiches, or added to grain bowls.
Leftovers keep in the fridge for about three days and taste great cold in salads.
So, How Do You Grill Zucchini and Summer Squash?
You grill zucchini and summer squash by slicing them into even planks, salting and drying them, coating with oil and seasonings, and cooking them on a hot, well-oiled grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
That simple method gives you tender, smoky, perfectly charred zucchini and summer squash every time without any mush.
With firm squash, a hot grill, and a watchful eye, you’ll have a go-to summer side dish you’ll make all season long.
Happy grilling.