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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!

grilled yellow summer squash on a white platter with parsley

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.

yellow squash in mixing bowl with avocado oil and seasonings

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.

yellow summer squash on gas grill

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.

grilled summer squash close up on white platter

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.

Recipe Tip

Avocado oil is ideal for grilling due to its higher smoke point. I like to drizzle some over the squash and brush over the grill grates to help prevent sticking. If you don’t have avocado oil, use vegetable oil or olive oil.

5 from 8 votes

Grilled Yellow Squash

By: Dee
Grilled Yellow Squash, or summer squash, is an easy healthy summer side dish recipe that takes minutes to cook on the grill. You only need 4 ingredients to make this recipe, and it goes perfectly with chicken, beef, pork or seafood!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients  

  • 3 medium yellow squash
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • grated Parmesan cheese optional
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Instructions 

  • Rinse yellow squash under cold water, and pat dry
  • Cut each squash in half and then in quarters, lengthwise
  • Toss with avocado oil, and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder
  • Brush grill grates with avocado oil, and cook on medium grill (350°) for about 2 minutes per side — spears have 3 sides, so 6 minutes total, or until fork tender and cooked through
  • Serve immediately, or sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese before serving — optional

Notes

Cook time may vary depending upon how thick squash is.
You can easily adjust the recipe to cook the amount you need and grill along with zucchini. 

Nutrition

Calories: 38kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 390mg, Potassium: 265mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 197IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
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First published in 2021 and updated in 2024.

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Recipe Rating




11 Comments

  1. Tim says:

    Made this steak the other night and it was awesome! So easy and the squash is so sweet and a little crunchy too!5 stars

    1. Dee says:

      Thanks, Tim! So glad you liked the recipe.

  2. Kevin says:

    Wow! Simple and very tender and easy too! Going to make these this way from now on!5 stars

  3. Beth says:

    This squash was an amazing side for dinner! My family and I just loved this recipe! 5 stars

    1. Dee says:

      Thank you so much, Beth! Glad you liked it!

  4. Bea says:

    These are perfect for summer!! SO delicious!5 stars

  5. Katy says:

    Oh wow, these were so delicious!! I can’t wait to make them again!5 stars

  6. Emma says:

    This Grilled Yellow Squash was a huge hit in my house!5 stars

  7. Toni says:

    One of our favorite side dishes during summer! Easy to make and so good!5 stars

  8. Catalina says:

    The perfect summer side dish! Grilled vegetables are my favorite!5 stars

  9. Amanda says:

    This looks perfect for this time of the year! I will be making it this weekend!