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Grilled Summer Squash and Red Onion with Feta

This vibrant grilled summer squash and red onion salad is a celebration of seasonal vegetarian cooking. By charring the vegetables over a high heat, you draw out their natural sweetness, which contrasts beautifully with the acidic tang of the garlic and white wine vinegar dressing. The addition of bay leaves during the grilling process imparts a subtle, aromatic depth that elevates the dish from a simple side to a sophisticated sharing platter.

Ideal for alfresco dining or as a hearty accompaniment to a Sunday roast, this recipe is topped with creamy crumbled feta and pickled banana peppers for a sophisticated salty-sour finish. Allowing the vegetables to marinate for a short time after grilling ensures every slice is infused with flavour. It is a nutritious, colourful addition to any table that pairs perfectly with crusty sourdough or grilled flatbreads.

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Ingredients for Grilled Summer Squash and Red Onion with Feta

  • 120ml plus 45ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grill

  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated

  • 60ml white wine vinegar

  • 4 medium summer squash and/or courgette, cut lengthwise 1/4" thick

  • 1 medium red onion, cut through root end into 8 wedges

  • 2 bay leaves

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 230g feta, crumbled into large pieces

  • 4 banana peppers from a jar, thinly sliced crosswise

  • Generous pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grate. Whisk garlic, vinegar, and 120ml oil in small bowl to combine; set marinade aside.

Toss squash, onion, and bay leaves on a rimmed baking sheet with remaining 3 tablespoons oil to coat; season generously with salt and black pepper.

Arrange squash and onion on grate. Grill squash, undisturbed, until grill marks appear, about 3 minutes. Turn over and grill on second side until tender and starting to release liquid, about 2 minutes. Transfer squash back to baking sheet. Grill onion, turning occasionally, until tender and charred around the edges, about 5 minutes. Transfer back to baking sheet.

Arrange squash, onion, bay leaves, and feta on a rimmed platter and pour reserved marinade over. Scatter banana peppers on top and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Let sit at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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