Grilled Garlic Scapes & Summer Squash

By Amanda Paa – Updated June 19, 2021
5 from 1 vote
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This dish is more about keeping things simple and natural, allowing these two beautiful vegetables to shine at their peak. Grilled garlic scapes and summer squash are infused with smoky flavor, and their natural sugars caramelize, turning them into a crave worthy side dish.

What are garlic scapes?

Twisty, twirly garlic scapes are available for a very short time because they’re one of the stages that garlic goes through before it ends up as papery, potent cloves. They’re absolutely delicious, and you should grab a bundle at the farmers market when you see them!

The bulb and roots grow underground while a stem, leaves and scapes soak up the sunshine above.

They taste like garlicky scallions (YUM) – mild and perfect for grilling or whirling into a pesto.

grilled summer squash and garlic scapes | heartbeet kitchen
Grilled Summer Squash & Garlic Scapes | heartbeet kitchen

And baby summer squash and zucchini – they’re such a treat! The ones I used here were about 5 to 6 inches in length, which makes them perfect for cutting into quarters like dill pickle spears. I even like eating them raw because they’re so fresh and crunchy, as close to a cucumber as you’ll get.

At this young stage, they’ve got fewer seeds and less water content than when they’re full grown, which means you can get a nice crispy char from the grill. I find that people tend to overcook vegetables on the grill, so watch them and test so they’re just tender and still retain their shape.

Dressed simply with olive oil, sea salt & pepper, this easy summer splendor is worth making!

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Grilled Summer Squash & Garlic Scapes | heartbeet kitchen

10 Best Recipes for Garlic Scapes + Grilled Garlic Scapes!

Garlic scapes taste like garlicky scallions and they're absolutely delicious when tossed in olive oil and grilled with zucchini and summer squash. This simple vegetarian side dish is a great addition to any weeknight meal!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time :10 minutes
Cook Time :15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Author: Amanda Paa

SCALE:

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds of zucchini & summer squash, ideally 5-6 inches in length and skinny
  • 2 small bunches of garlic scapes
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • sea salt & pepper
  • fresh lemon juice
  • fresh parmesan

Instructions 

  • Slice off the tops and bottoms of the zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise, then cut them in half lengthwise again. They should look like pickle spears. Place them all in a large bowl and coat with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a few cracks of pepper.
  • Put the zucchini & squash in a grill basket.
  • Wash and dry the scapes. Break off the harder, woody ends that don’t have the bulb. Using your hands, coat garlic scapes in olive oil and 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a few cracks of black pepper.
  • Prepare your grill to medium high to heat. Toss scapes directly on the grill and put the grill basket with zucchini on next to them. Turn both sets of vegetables a few times, and remove them when they’re soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, a lighter shade of green and golden brown in parts. You want to see a nice char, this means flavor!
  • Remove from grill and finish with a big squeeze of fresh lemon over all the vegetables, and lightly toss. Finish with freshly grated parmesan if desired. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

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July 6, 2014

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17 comments

  1. Ruby

    Love the simplicity of this recipe. And congratulations on the book coming out- that is so exciting! I happen to be smitten with squash myself, so I can’t wait to see it :)

  2. shanna mallon

    Girl, that last photo? Woah. Gorgeous.

    • Amanda Paa

      That is one of the best compliments I could receive Shanna – trying to work on my photography all the time. Hopefully someday I’ll be as good as you.

  3. Nik@ABrownTable

    How fun and exciting! I bet the scapes add a wonderful touch to the squash.

    • Amanda Paa

      Thanks Nik, hope you are settling in after your big move!

  4. Kathryn

    So exiting to have the book release so close! And I only wish I lived close enough to make it to one of your signings/demos : )

    I love this idea for a simple, seasonal dish.

    • Amanda Paa

      Oh, I wish you could be here too Kathryn! It would be so fun to meet in person. Some day, some day that needs to happen :)

  5. Jacqui

    Love these photos. Good to see you last night. Can’t wait for your first signing :)

    • Amanda Paa

      So good to see you too! I’m still laughing over the conversation we had right before we left :) Look forward to sipping wine with you at the signing if you can make it!

  6. Nicole

    Ohmygosh, so excited for you!! What time is the signing on the 25th? It’s in my calendar! You’ll have books for sale there, right?

    So many congrats!

    xo
    Nicole

    • Amanda Paa

      Oh, so nice that you can come Nicole! Yes, there will be books available to purchase. And free wine :)

    • Amanda Paa

      Thanks Millie! Grilling always intimidated me, but now I love it. What’s your favorite veggie to grill?

  7. richelle

    Was wondering what to do with the garlic scapes in my CSA box. Thanks for the great recipe.

  8. Crista

    I love everything about this post. It’s so “happy” …can’t wait for that book!!!!

    • Amanda Paa

      Aw thanks Crista! Garlic scapes just bring a smile. They’re so unique looking! I’m excited for you to cook from the book too :)