If you’re looking for a vibrant, fresh, and irresistibly tasty way to celebrate all the best flavors of the warm months, this Grilled Summer Squash Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy pattypan squash, kissed by the grill’s smoky touch, pairs perfectly with fragrant fresh herbs and tangy feta cheese. It’s a simple dish that feels like sunshine on a plate—effortless to make yet impressive in flavor and presentation. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be reaching for these tender, golden slices all summer long.

Grilled Summer Squash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients for this Grilled Summer Squash Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each element shines on its own but comes together to create a dish that’s balanced in flavor, color, and texture—offering a bit of savory depth, herbaceous brightness, and creamy contrast.

1 1/2 pounds pattypan squash: These unique scalloped squash add a fun shape and tender bite to your grill plate.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the squash caramelize while keeping it juicy and flavorful.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the squash without overpowering it.
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a mild spice that lifts the dish’s flavor profile.
1 ounce crumbled feta cheese (about 2 tablespoons): Delivers a salty and creamy contrast to the smoky squash.
3 basil leaves (thinly sliced): Provides a sweet, peppery herbal note that bursts through.
3 mint leaves (thinly sliced): Offers a fresh, cooling aroma that balances richness.

How to Make Grilled Summer Squash Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Before anything else, set your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures it’s hot enough to give the squash those gorgeous grill marks and quick cooking time, sealing in the moisture without turning the vegetable mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Squash

Slice the pattypan squash into ½-inch thick rounds, which helps them cook evenly and retain just the right amount of bite. Toss these slices in a bowl with olive oil, kosher salt, and ground pepper. The olive oil not only prevents sticking but also helps create a delicious caramelized exterior on the grill.

Step 3: Grill the Squash

Lightly brush the grill grates with oil so the squash doesn’t cling or tear. Grill the squash slices for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just until tender when you pierce them with a fork. A quick note: be careful not to overcook them—they should remain firm enough to handle but soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Once grilled, arrange the squash slices on a serving plate in overlapping layers—it looks so inviting this way! Sprinkle with the crumbled feta cheese and scatter the thinly sliced basil and mint leaves over the top. This final touch adds bursts of fresh flavor and an eye-catching pop of green.

How to Serve Grilled Summer Squash Recipe

Garnishes

Keep garnishes simple but impactful. The creamy feta is essential, contrasting beautifully with the smoky squash, while fresh basil and mint bring that garden-fresh brightness. You can even drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon for a zesty lift if you love a little extra punch.

Side Dishes

This Grilled Summer Squash Recipe is wonderfully versatile alongside many dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or fish for a light summer dinner, or pair it with a grain salad like quinoa or couscous to make a filling vegetarian meal. A crusty baguette on the side never hurts, letting you soak up every bit of those flavorful juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, lay the grilled squash slices out on a large wooden board or platter alongside other grilled veggies for a colorful spread. You could also fold the slices into warm flatbreads with a drizzle of yogurt and extra herbs for a fresh summer sandwich. The unique shape of pattypan squash makes any presentation look extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled squash keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s great cold in salads or at room temperature as a quick snack. Just make sure to separate the cheese and herbs if you want the squash to last longer without losing freshness.

Freezing

While freezing grilled squash is possible, it may lose some of its texture upon thawing. If you decide to freeze it, lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a sealed bag or container. Use frozen squash within two months for best results.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, gently reheat the grilled squash in a hot pan or on the grill for just a minute or two per side. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the squash watery and less appealing. Adding a fresh sprinkle of herbs after reheating refreshes the flavor instantly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of squash for this Grilled Summer Squash Recipe?

Absolutely! While pattypan squash has a playful shape, zucchini or yellow squash work wonderfully here too. Just slice them similarly and follow the same grilling method.

Do I need to peel the pattypan squash?

No need to peel pattypan squash; their thin skin is tender and packed with nutrients. Just give them a good wash before slicing.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

The recipe as written includes feta cheese, which is dairy. For a vegan version, simply omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative or toasted nuts for crunch.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this indoors?

You can grill the squash on a stovetop grill pan or roast it under a broiler. The key is to get some char marks or caramelization to mimic that signature grilled flavor.

How do I know when the squash is done grilling?

The squash should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still have a bit of bite and structure. This usually means about 2 to 3 minutes per side on a medium-high grill.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the simplicity and freshness of this Grilled Summer Squash Recipe. It’s one of those dishes you can whip up in minutes that tastes like a celebration of summer’s best. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, cooking a cozy dinner for two, or simply craving a healthy and delicious side, this recipe will quickly become a favorite you reach for again and again. So fire up that grill and get ready to enjoy the beauty of summer on your plate!