Yellow squash is a versatile and delicious vegetable often enjoyed during the summer months. It can be roasted, sautéed, baked, or even grilled, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to incorporate yellow squash into your dishes.
Discover 15 creative and tasty recipes that highlight yellow squash’s unique flavor and texture. From simple sides to heartier mains, these recipes showcase the best ways to make the most of this vibrant vegetable. Get ready to add some new favorites to your meal rotation.
1) Yellow Squash Casserole
Yellow Squash Casserole is a classic comfort food. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Start by gathering your ingredients: yellow squash, onions, eggs, cheese, crackers, and seasonings.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Slice the squash and cook it with onions in a skillet until tender. Drain well and set aside.
Mix together eggs, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and seasonings in a bowl. Fold in the cooked squash and onions.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with a mixture of crushed crackers, melted butter, and parmesan cheese.
Bake for about 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This dish is great for any meal and pairs well with a variety of main courses. The rich cheese and crispy topping make it a hit with the whole family.
2) Grilled Yellow Squash
Grilled Yellow Squash is a simple yet delicious side dish. Start by preheating your grill to medium heat, around 350°F to 375°F. While the grill heats up, prepare your squash by cutting it into ¼ to ½ inch thick slices.
Brush each slice with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Season with a sprinkle of garlic salt and pepper for extra flavor. You can also add other spices like oregano or basil if you prefer.
Place the squash slices directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 5-10 minutes on each side, until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
For added flavor, you can try basting the squash with more olive oil or even a bit of balsamic vinegar. This can enhance the taste and keep the squash moist.
Serve the grilled squash immediately. It’s a great companion for grilled meats or as a part of a vegetable platter. Enjoy the fresh, smoky flavor of this easy-to-make dish.
3) Yellow Squash Soup
Yellow squash soup is simple and tasty. You start by melting butter or heating oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic to the pot. Stir and cook until the onions soften. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Next, add the yellow squash pieces and your chosen herbs and spices. Popular choices include thyme, nutmeg, cumin, and coriander. Stir the mixture well, then keep cooking for another 5-10 minutes. This step helps blend the flavors.
Pour vegetable broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the squash is tender.
After that, you can blend the soup to make it smooth. Some recipes call for adding potatoes for extra thickness. Use an immersion blender right in the pot, or transfer the mixture to a countertop blender. Make sure to blend the soup until it’s creamy.
Serve your yellow squash soup hot or cold. It’s a versatile dish, perfect for any season. Enjoy it with some crusty bread on the side.
4) Yellow Squash Fritters
Yellow squash fritters are a tasty way to use this summer squash. They are simple to make and perfect for any meal.
Start by grating the squash and mixing it with flour, egg, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add chopped onions for extra flavor.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Scoop small amounts of the batter into the hot oil. Brown on each side until golden and crispy.
Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. These fritters are delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce. Enjoy them as a side dish, appetizer, or light snack.
5) Yellow Squash Salad
Yellow squash salad is a light and refreshing dish perfect for summer days.
First, slice the yellow squash thinly. You can use a mandoline for even slices.
In a large bowl, toss the squash slices with a bit of salt. This helps to draw out excess moisture.
For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper. A touch of fresh mint can also add a nice flavor. Pour this over the squash and toss to coat.
To add some crunch, toast some nuts in a skillet until they are golden and fragrant. Sprinkle these on top of the salad.
Serve your yellow squash salad chilled. It’s a colorful and nutritious addition to your meal.
6) Stuffed Yellow Squash
Stuffed yellow squash is a delicious and healthy dish. Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the seeds and flesh. Set the hollowed-out shells aside; they will serve as the “boats” for the stuffing.
In a pan, sauté onions and garlic over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Add the scraped-out squash flesh to the pan and season with kosher salt and pepper. Cook until everything is soft and well-mixed.
For the stuffing, mix the cooked squash mixture with toasted bread cubes and egg substitute. This will help bind everything together. Spoon this mixture evenly into the squash shells.
Place the stuffed squash in a baking dish. Dot the tops with a small amount of butter to add flavor. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are lightly browned.
This recipe offers a tasty way to enjoy yellow squash, providing a nice mix of textures and flavors. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and ingredients.
7) Yellow Squash Risotto
To make yellow squash risotto, start by heating olive oil in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and cook until tender.
Next, stir in minced garlic and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Add diced yellow squash and cook until it becomes soft and slightly translucent.
Pour Arborio rice into the skillet and toast it for a minute until you hear a crackling sound. Add a splash of dry white wine and stir until it’s absorbed.
Slowly add hot vegetable broth to the rice, one ladleful at a time. Stir often and wait for the liquid to be absorbed before adding more broth. This process usually takes about 18-20 minutes.
Once the rice is creamy and tender, mix in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the risotto hot, garnished with fresh basil if you like. This dish is a creamy and comforting way to use yellow squash.
8) Yellow Squash Pasta
Yellow squash pasta is a delightful and easy dish to prepare. Start by slicing the squash into thin rounds or small cubes.
Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. When it’s done, reserve some of the pasta water and set the pasta aside.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about a minute. Then, add the squash with some salt and red pepper flakes. Cook until the squash is tender and begins to brown.
Combine the cooked pasta with the squash in the pan. Add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help mix everything together. Stir well to coat the pasta in the flavorful sauce.
Finish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra taste. Serve hot.
9) Yellow Squash Bread
Yellow squash bread is a unique and tasty way to use summer squash. It has a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This bread is moist and can be enjoyed as a breakfast item or a snack.
Start by preheating your oven to either 325°F or 350°F, depending on the recipe you prefer. Most recipes suggest using a 9×5-inch loaf pan, but some also recommend a 9×13-inch baking dish.
You’ll need basic ingredients like flour, eggs, sugar, and oil. For added flavor, you can mix in vanilla extract, brown sugar, and spices. Grating the yellow squash is key to getting the right texture. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it in the batter.
Mix your wet ingredients in one bowl and your dry ingredients in another. Combine them slowly, stirring just until the ingredients are mixed. This helps avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan or baking dish. Bake the bread until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
You can customize your yellow squash bread by adding nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of honey. Let it cool before slicing to get the best texture and flavor. Enjoy!
10) Yellow Squash Muffins
Yellow squash muffins are a delightful way to use up fresh produce. They are moist, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. To get started, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it with nonstick spray. Slice the squash and boil it until it’s tender. Mash the cooked squash and let it cool.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and some cinnamon for a subtle spice. In a separate bowl, combine the mashed squash, beaten eggs, and melted butter or oil.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.
Fill the muffin cups about three-fourths of the way full with the batter. Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these savory-sweet muffins at breakfast or as a snack.
11) Yellow Squash Stir Fry
Yellow squash stir fry is a quick and tasty dish. Start by preheating your frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Use a splash of olive oil or an oil spray to prevent sticking.
Slice the yellow squash into thin rounds. Chop some onions and garlic. Add the onions and garlic to the pan first and cook until they start to soften.
Next, add the squash slices to the pan. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the squash is tender but still has a slight crunch. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like, such as oregano or basil.
If you want a bit of sauce, add a small amount of stock or water. Let it simmer for a minute until the liquid almost evaporates. This dish is best served hot and can be paired with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
12) Yellow Squash Ratatouille
Yellow Squash Ratatouille is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer. You begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice your yellow squash into 1/4-inch rounds. Other vegetables like zucchini and eggplant can also be included for variety.
In a large bowl, toss the squash with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and some salt. This will help infuse the vegetables with flavor. For an extra touch, you can add some oregano or basil to the mix.
Place the seasoned squash in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This ensures even cooking. Add chopped tomatoes and onions to the mix for additional texture and taste.
Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake for about 35 minutes. This allows the vegetables to become tender. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the squash becomes slightly golden and caramelized.
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme. This will add a refreshing finish to the ratatouille. Serve hot as a side dish or pair it with a protein for a complete meal.
13) Yellow Squash Gratin
Yellow Squash Gratin is a tasty and easy dish to prepare. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced yellow squash, zucchini, shallots, and garlic. Cook until the veggies are crisp-tender, which takes about 4-6 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper. Next, add some cream and cook until it thickens, around 3-5 minutes. You can slowly stir in Parmesan cheese to make it extra delicious.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle smoked gouda or another cheese you like on top. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. This gratin is creamy and has a wonderful cheesy top layer.
Yellow Squash Gratin works well as a side dish for any meal. You could serve it with chicken, fish, or a vegetarian main. It’s a great way to use up summer squash, and the flavors blend beautifully. Enjoy the rich texture and savory taste!
14) Yellow Squash Pizza
Yellow squash pizza is a delicious and unique way to enjoy summer squash.
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice yellow squash into 1/4-inch thick rounds. In a bowl, toss these slices with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Prepare your pizza dough on a baking sheet. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the dough. Arrange the squash slices on top in circles, overlapping them.
Drizzle some additional olive oil over the squash and sprinkle with black pepper. Add some shredded mozzarella and parmesan for extra flavor.
Bake the pizza for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden. Remove from the oven, slice, and serve hot.
This pizza combines the fresh taste of yellow squash with creamy cheese and a crispy crust. It’s a great way to use up summer squash and enjoy a tasty meal.
15) Roasted Yellow Squash
Roasted yellow squash is a simple and delicious side dish.
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Slice the squash into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
In a large bowl, toss the slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Arrange the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast the squash in the oven for 12-14 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s tender. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before roasting.
This will make the top golden and crispy.
You can also broil the squash for 1-2 minutes after roasting for extra crispiness.
Roasted yellow squash is versatile and pairs well with many main dishes. It’s healthy, quick to cook, and has a mild flavor that enhances any meal.
Enjoy your roasted yellow squash hot and fresh from the oven!
Nutritional Benefits of Yellow Squash
Yellow squash is packed with essential nutrients. It is low in calories, making it a healthy choice for maintaining weight.
Vitamins and Minerals
Yellow squash contains several important vitamins. It has vitamin C, which helps your immune system and skin health. You also get vitamin A from beta-carotene found in the squash. This nutrient supports your vision and overall eye health.
This squash is also a source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain proper nerve and muscle function. Magnesium in yellow squash supports bone health. Additionally, you get a fair amount of folate, which is important for cell function and tissue growth. Including yellow squash in your diet can boost these essential vitamins and minerals.
Low-Calorie Advantage
One of the best things about yellow squash is its low-calorie content. A small yellow squash, or one cup of sliced squash, contains about 0.2 grams of fat. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce calorie intake.
Yellow squash is also high in water content, which can help you feel full without consuming many calories. This makes it beneficial for weight management. Enjoy it grilled, baked, or steamed to keep your meals light and nutritious. It’s easy to incorporate into different dishes while sticking to a low-calorie diet.
Cooking Tips for Yellow Squash
Learn how to select, store, and prepare yellow squash to make your recipes even better. Pay attention to techniques that ensure your squash is tender and flavorful.
Selection and Storage
Choose yellow squash that is firm and free from blemishes. Look for smooth, vibrant skin without any soft spots. Smaller squash, about 6-8 inches long, are usually more tender and have fewer seeds.
Storage Tips:
- Keep unwashed squash in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
- Use within 3-5 days for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid freezing fresh yellow squash, as it can become mushy when thawed.
For longer storage, consider preserving by pickling or making a puree that you can freeze.
Preparation Techniques
Washing and Peeling:
- Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
- No need to peel; the skin is thin and edible.
Cutting:
- Slice into rounds, half-moons, or cubes depending on your recipe.
- Uniform cuts ensure even cooking.
Cooking Methods:
- Sautéing: Cook in a skillet with oil and butter for about 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Roasting: Season with olive oil and herbs, then bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Steaming: Slice and steam for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Experiment with different spices and herbs to enhance the flavor, such as garlic, thyme, and oregano. The key is to not overcook; yellow squash should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
Seasonal Availability
Yellow squash is usually available during the warm months of the year. The freshness and price can vary depending on when and where you buy it.
Best Times to Buy
Yellow squash is best purchased between late spring and early fall. The peak season typically starts in May and lasts until September. During these months, you will find the freshest squash at local markets. They are also less expensive during this time.
You can still find yellow squash in other seasons. But it might be more expensive and not as fresh. Buying in-season ensures better flavor and texture.
Local vs. Imported
Local yellow squash is often fresher and more flavorful than imported ones. Farmers markets and local grocery stores usually carry squash grown nearby. This means less transport time, keeping the squash fresh.
Imported yellow squash is available when local varieties are out of season. They might come from warmer climates, far away. While still good, they may not be as fresh due to long shipping times.
Always check the origin if freshness is important to you. Local options will usually provide a better taste and quality.
