Grilled Zucchini & Squash

Grilled zucchini and yellow squash are tender off the grill with a hint of char, spicy garlic and a bit of zing from fresh lemon juice.

Grilled Squash and Zucchini
Photo: Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely
Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
6

This heart-healthy Grilled Zucchini & Squash is simple yet elegant. Antioxidant-rich zucchini and summer squash get a grilled smoky makeover that is complemented by pungent, spicy garlic. Lemon juice and fresh parsley brighten the veggies up by adding an herby tang. Keep reading for expert tips, including how to ensure your veggies end up fork-tender and not mush.

Nutrition Notes

  • Zucchini and summer squash are nearly identical nutrition-wise. These low-carb veggies are rich in filling fiber, immune-boosting vitamin C and disease-fighting antioxidants. Two of the primary antioxidants in zucchini and summer squash are lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect your heart, skin, bones and eyes.
  • Loaded with heart-healthy compounds and monounsaturated fats, extra-virgin olive oil has many health benefits. It fights inflammation in the body, lowering the risk of diseases including heart disease and cancer. There is evidence that regularly consuming olive oil may even help you live longer.
  • While it's not typically used in large amounts, the health benefits add up by frequently including garlic in your meals. As a prebiotic, garlic provides food for your beneficial gut bacteria, helping them to thrive. There is also evidence that garlic improves blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, and supports the immune system.
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices

  • 2 large summer squash, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices

  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

  • 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F-450°F). Combine olive oil and garlic in a small bowl. Brush zucchini and squash with the oil mixture; sprinkle with pepper and salt.

  2. Oil the grill grates by partially soaking a few paper towels in canola oil and using tongs to quickly wipe the grates. Place the vegetables on the oiled grates; grill, covered, until the zucchini and squash are just tender and grill marks appear, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

  3. Transfer the vegetables to a serving platter. Sprinkle with parsley and drizzle with lemon juice.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, February 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

82 Calories
5g Fat
7g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 2 - 3 slices
Calories 82
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 3g 6%
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Vitamin A 478IU 10%
Vitamin C 37mg 41%
Vitamin E 1mg 4%
Folate 54mcg 14%
Vitamin K 23mcg 19%
Sodium 302mg 13%
Calcium 34mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 35mg 8%
Potassium 525mg 11%
Zinc 1mg 9%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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