Grilled Mediterranean Squash Medley
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with this vibrant Grilled Mediterranean Squash Medley. Combining the natural sweetness of summer squash with the bold flavors of garlic and spices, this dish is perfect for warm evenings. Not only does grilling enhance the taste and texture of the vegetables, but it also allows for quick and effortless meal preparation without heating up your kitchen. With no peeling or dicing required, you'll have a beautiful side dish ready in no time. For those who enjoy a little extra seasoning, a sprinkle of kosher salt just after grilling brings out the flavors beautifully. Perfect as a side for grilled meats or as a light vegetarian option, this squash medley is a must-try for any summer gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
summer squash
3-4 small (halved lengthwise)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2
Rinse the summer squash and pat dry. Cut each squash in half lengthwise, leaving the skin intact for added texture.
3
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice to create a flavorful marinade.
4
Generously brush the cut sides of the squash with the marinade, ensuring even coverage.
5
Place the squash halves cut side down on the hot grill. Cook for about 5 minutes.
6
After 5 minutes, carefully turn the squash over using tongs. Baste the smooth side with any remaining marinade.
7
Grill for an additional 5 minutes, or until the squash is tender and has beautiful grill marks.
8
Remove from the grill, sprinkle generously with kosher salt to taste, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Mediterranean Squash Medley?
It is a vibrant side dish that combines summer squash with garlic, cumin, paprika, and lemon juice, grilled for a smoky and sweet flavor.
What type of squash should I use?
The recipe calls for 3-4 small summer squashes, though zucchini is also a great option as suggested by the tags.
Do I need to peel the squash before grilling?
No, leaving the skin intact adds texture and makes preparation much faster.
How should the squash be cut?
Rinse the squash, pat it dry, and cut each one in half lengthwise.
What are the ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this Grilled Mediterranean Squash Medley are plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is a healthy vegetarian side dish or light main option.
What heat setting should I use for my grill?
You should preheat and cook on your grill at a medium heat setting.
How long does the squash take to cook?
The squash takes approximately 10 minutes total: 5 minutes on the cut side and 5 minutes on the smooth side.
Which side of the squash goes on the grill first?
Start by placing the squash halves cut side down on the hot grill.
When should I apply the marinade?
Generously brush the cut sides before placing them on the grill, then baste the smooth side after turning them over.
When should I add the salt?
Sprinkle generously with kosher salt to taste immediately after removing the squash from the grill.
How much garlic is required?
One minced clove of garlic is needed for the marinade.
What spices give this dish its Mediterranean flavor?
Ground cumin and paprika are the key spices used to create the Mediterranean flavor profile.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is perfect as a side for grilled meats or served as a light vegetarian option for summer gatherings.
Does this recipe require dicing?
No, there is no dicing or peeling required, making the preparation quick and effortless.
How do I know when the squash is done?
The squash is ready when it is tender and has beautiful grill marks on both sides.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy recipe featuring fresh vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, and natural spices.
Can I use yellow squash for this medley?
Yes, summer squash often refers to yellow squash, which works perfectly in this recipe.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the marinade.
Should the squash be dry before grilling?
Yes, you should pat the squash dry after rinsing to ensure the marinade sticks and the squash grills properly.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, with only 6 ingredients and a 10-minute grill time, it is considered a quick recipe.
What tool should I use to turn the squash?
Tongs are the best tool for carefully turning the squash halves on the grill.
Can I make this if I don't have an outdoor grill?
While intended for outdoor cooking, you could use a stovetop grill pan to achieve similar results.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How much paprika is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients—squash, garlic, spices, oil, and lemon juice—are naturally gluten-free.
Can I serve this dish cold?
While the recipe suggests serving it warm, grilled squash can also be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled in a salad.