How To Make Grilled Zucchini And Squash

To make grilled zucchini and squash, slice them, toss with oil and seasonings, then cook on a hot grill for a few minutes per side.
 
It’s one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy summer produce, and once you learn how to make grilled zucchini and squash, you’ll be making them all season long.
 
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue or just want a healthy side dish for dinner, grilled zucchini and squash are a match made in heaven.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make grilled zucchini and squash step by step, including prep tips, seasoning ideas, and the best way to get those perfect char marks.
 
Let’s get grilling.
 

How to Make Grilled Zucchini and Squash

Learning how to make grilled zucchini and squash is really about three simple things: proper slicing, good seasoning, and a hot grill.
 
Get those right, and you’ll have tender, smoky, slightly charred vegetables every single time.
 
Here’s how to make grilled zucchini and squash that taste like they came off a restaurant menu.
 

1. Choose and Prep Your Zucchini and Squash

The first step in how to make grilled zucchini and squash is picking good produce.
 
Look for zucchini and squash that are firm, heavy for their size, and free of soft spots.
 
Smaller to medium-sized ones work best because they have fewer seeds and a sweeter flavor.
 
Give them a good rinse, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
 

2. Slice Them the Right Way

When you make grilled zucchini and squash, the thickness of your slices matters a lot.
 
Cut them into rounds or planks about half an inch thick.
 
Too thin and they’ll turn to mush, too thick and they won’t cook through before burning.
 
If you’re making grilled zucchini and squash on skewers, cut them into chunks instead.
 

3. Season Them Generously

To make grilled zucchini and squash taste amazing, toss the slices in olive oil first.
 
The oil helps them cook evenly and keeps them from sticking to the grates.
 
Then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of Italian herbs.
 
If you want to know how to make grilled zucchini and squash with a little kick, add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice.
 

Best Tips for Grilling Zucchini and Squash

Now that you know the basics, here are some tips to make grilled zucchini and squash turn out perfectly every time.
 

1. Preheat Your Grill Properly

The secret to how to make grilled zucchini and squash without sticking is a hot, clean grill.
 
Preheat it to medium-high heat, around 400°F, for at least ten minutes.
 
Scrape the grates and brush them with a little oil right before you place the vegetables down.
 

2. Don’t Move Them Around Too Much

When you make grilled zucchini and squash, resist the urge to flip them constantly.
 
Let them sit for about three to four minutes per side so they develop those beautiful grill marks.
 
Flip once, then leave them alone until they’re tender and lightly charred.
 

3. Watch the Cooking Time

Grilled zucchini and squash cook fast, usually in six to eight minutes total.
 
If you’re wondering how to make grilled zucchini and squash that aren’t soggy, pull them off while they’re still slightly firm.
 
They’ll continue to soften a bit as they rest on the plate.
 

4. Try a Marinade or Glaze

Another way to make grilled zucchini and squash stand out is with a simple marinade.
 
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and a touch of honey.
 
Let the slices soak for fifteen to twenty minutes before grilling for extra flavor.
 

Delicious Ways to Serve Grilled Zucchini and Squash

Once you’ve mastered how to make grilled zucchini and squash, you’ll want to serve them with everything.
 

1. As a Simple Side Dish

Grilled zucchini and squash pair beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
 
Finish them with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of parmesan, or a drizzle of lemon zest.
 

2. In Salads, Pasta, and Grain Bowls

You can also make grilled zucchini and squash the star of a summer salad.
 
Chop them up and toss with quinoa, feta, and a light vinaigrette for a fresh meal.
 
They’re equally delicious stirred into pasta or layered onto a veggie sandwich.
 

3. Add Them to Tacos or Pizza

For a fun twist, use grilled zucchini and squash as a taco filling or pizza topping.
 
Their smoky flavor works surprisingly well with cheese, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
 

So, How Do You Make Grilled Zucchini and Squash?

You make grilled zucchini and squash by slicing them, tossing them in oil and seasonings, and cooking them on a hot grill for a few minutes per side.
 
It’s a simple process that delivers big flavor with very little effort.
 
Now that you know how to make grilled zucchini and squash, grab some fresh produce and fire up the grill.
 
Once you try grilled zucchini and squash this way, they’ll become a regular on your summer menu.