Amazing Grilled Yellow Squash Recipe

Choosing the Perfect Squash for Grilling

When hunting for yellow squash to grill, go for ones that feel nice and firm, without mushy spots or blemishes. You want the skin to be vibrant and smooth, telling you it’s fresh. Stick to medium-sized squash (yellow or zucchini) because the bigger ones need extra time on the grill to get tender. Go ahead and give the squash a little heft – the heavier they feel, the juicier and more tender they’ll be.

Recipe Ingredients

• Yellow Squash – Our star player provides a tender and mildly sweet base for grilling.
• Marinade – Olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, and a squeeze of lemon juice enhance the flavors with a savory and aromatic burst.
• Parmesan – Cheese is always a perfect finishing touch.

How to Grill Yellow Squash

1. Prepare the Grill – Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to ensure the yellow squash doesn’t stick. Rub a folded paper towel dipped in cooking oil across the grates. Preheat the grill to medium-high (375-400°F/190-205℃). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly lit and glowing.
2. Prep the Squash – Wash your squash in running water (cold is best), then pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place the squash on a cutting board and trim off the ends. Cut the squash into quarters (or ½-inch thick slices for even cooking). Arrange the yellow squash slices on a large plate, baking tray, or shallow plate. (Photo 1)
3. Marinade – Whisk the olive oil, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped basil, dried oregano, and lemon juice in a small bowl. This flavorful marinade will infuse the yellow squash with delightful aromas and enhance its natural taste. (Photo 2)
4. Grill – Brush both sides of the yellow squash slices with the marinade, thoroughly coating them. Place the slices on the preheated grill grates and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on the grill to prevent overcooking or charring. The yellow squash should be tender and display beautiful grill marks. (Photo 3)
5. Serve – Remove the grilled yellow squash from the heat and serve immediately. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese on top. The cheese will melt slightly, adding a delicious finishing touch. (Photo 4)

Recipe Variations

• Top it Off: Slice up the grilled squash and use them to top pizzas, sandwiches, or salads.
• Squash Swap: Zucchini and butternut squash also grill up wonderfully.
• Grilled Squash Salad: For a refreshing twist, add it to a salad with mixed greens, crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Then drizzle it with a balsamic dressing.
• No Grill? No problem. Broil them on a baking sheet arranged in single file for 3-4 minutes per side. They cook fast, so keep an eye on them.

Tips and Tricks

• Make sure your grill grates are already hot before putting the squash on. This will help to achieve those yummy grill marks.
• When slicing it, aim for evenly-sized slices that cook evenly.
• Consider using grill baskets or skewers to simplify the grilling process and prevent the slices from falling through the grates.
• Pay close attention as the squash grills. The last thing you want is a flare-up or burnt squash.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can always marinate food for several hours before cooking it in preparation. Just place the sliced squash in a sealable bag or airtight container, pour the marinade over it, and refrigerate.

You can also pre-grill the squash. Grill until partially cooked, allow them to cool, and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To serve, let the squash come up to room temperature, then finish grilling them until nicely charred. But keep a sharp eye to prevent overcooking.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Serve grilled squash straight off the grill with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Allow your leftover grilled yellow squash to cool, then transfer to an airtight storage container. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3-4 days. If you want to freeze your leftover squash, place it in a freezer-safe container and use it within six months.

Reheat at medium heat in the oven until heated through. Or reheat your squash in a skillet over medium, gently flipping the slices until hot. You can also use an air fryer to regain some of that crispy exterior.

FAQs

What Goes With Grilled Yellow Squash

Grilled yellow squash is a wonderful side, especially for grilled meat, since you can make them side-by-side, like grilled rockfish, BBQ meatballs, or grilled boneless chicken thighs. Grilled plantains make an ideal carb to go with all of the above.

More Mouthwatering Side Recipes to Try

• Grilled Pineapple
• Smoked Pineapples
• Grilled Onions
• Smoked Brussels Sprouts
• Grilled Plantains

Conclusion

Grilled yellow squash offers a tempting combination of smoky flavors and tender texture, making it a versatile ingredient for various dishes. What will you create with grilled squash? Share your culinary adventures and favorite recipes with me—I can’t wait to hear all about it. Let’s get grilling!