Yellow squash is a versatile vegetable that’s perfect for summer meals.

This bright, mild-flavored squash can be used in many tasty dishes. From simple sautés to hearty casseroles, yellow squash adds color and nutrition to your plate.

You can find lots of great ways to cook yellow squash.

There are recipes for roasting, grilling, baking, and more. Yellow squash works well as a side dish or as part of a main course. It pairs nicely with herbs, cheese, and other summer veggies.

Try some new yellow squash recipes to make the most of this seasonal favorite.

1. Grilled Yellow Squash

Grilling yellow squash brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor.

Cut the squash into 3/4-inch thick diagonal slices. This shape helps them cook evenly and look appealing.

Brush the slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can add other herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-450°F.

Grill the squash for 4-6 minutes per side. They’re done when tender with nice grill marks.

For an extra flavor boost, brush the squash with garlic-infused olive oil before and after grilling. Serve hot as a tasty side dish.

2. Yellow Squash Casserole

Yellow squash casserole is a tasty way to use up summer squash. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting.

To make it, slice yellow squash and cook until tender. Mix with cheese, eggs, sour cream, and mayo.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.

Bake until golden and bubbly. This dish works great as a side or main course.

You can add other veggies like onions or bell peppers for extra flavor. Try different cheese blends to change it up.

3. Yellow Squash Bread

Yellow squash bread is a tasty way to use up extra summer squash. This sweet bread is moist and flavorful, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

To make it, you’ll need yellow squash, flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and spices like cinnamon.

Grate the squash and mix it with the wet ingredients. Then add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes. Let it cool before slicing.

You can add nuts or a lemon glaze for extra flavor if you like.

This bread freezes well, so you can make extra loaves to enjoy later. It’s a great way to sneak some veggies into a sweet treat.

4. Yellow Squash Soup

Yellow squash soup is a tasty way to use this versatile vegetable. You can make it in one pot with simple ingredients.

Start by sautéing onions and leeks in oil. Add chopped yellow squash and cook for a few minutes. Toss in some garlic for extra flavor.

Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and add thyme for seasoning. Simmer until the squash is soft, about 15-20 minutes.

Blend the soup until smooth. You can add cream for a richer texture. Serve hot as a light lunch or appetizer.

This soup freezes well. Store it for up to 3 months and reheat when needed.

5. Sautéed Yellow Squash

Sautéed yellow squash is a quick and tasty side dish.

To make it, slice the squash into thin rounds.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the squash slices to the hot pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, then stir and flip. Continue cooking for another 4 minutes until tender.

For extra flavor, add minced garlic and fresh thyme in the last minute of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This simple method brings out the natural sweetness of yellow squash while keeping it slightly crisp.

6. Yellow Squash Fritters

Yellow squash fritters are a tasty way to use up extra squash. You can make them easily at home with just a few ingredients.

To start, grate your yellow squash and mix it with flour, cornmeal, egg, and seasonings. Add some chopped onion for extra flavor.

Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil in a skillet.

Cook until golden brown on both sides. The fritters should be crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Serve your fritters warm as a side dish or snack. They’re great on their own or with a dipping sauce. You can store leftover fritters in the fridge for a few days.

7. Roasted Yellow Squash

Roasted yellow squash is a tasty and easy side dish.

To make it, preheat your oven to 425°F. Slice the squash into rounds and toss them with olive oil and seasonings.

Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 12-14 minutes until tender.

For extra flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before roasting.

You can add other vegetables like tomatoes or peppers for variety. Garlic, lemon zest, and herbs like oregano or basil also work well.

This simple recipe lets the natural sweetness of yellow squash shine through.

8. Stuffed Yellow Squash

Stuffed yellow squash is a tasty and filling dish. You can make it by hollowing out yellow squash halves and filling them with a savory mixture.

To prepare, boil or steam the squash until tender. Scoop out the inside, leaving a thin shell.

Mix the scooped-out flesh with ingredients like ground beef, cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

Fill the squash boats with this mixture. Top with extra cheese if you like.

Bake in the oven at 400°F until the squash is crisp-tender and the filling is hot.

You can customize the stuffing to your taste. Try adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables for variety.

9. Yellow Squash Stir-Fry

Yellow squash stir-fry is a quick and tasty way to enjoy this summer vegetable. You can make it in about 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add sliced yellow squash, zucchini, carrots, and onions. Cook until the veggies are tender-crisp, stirring often.

For extra flavor, add minced garlic and ginger. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce.

You can also toss in some tofu or chicken for protein.

Serve your stir-fry hot over rice or noodles. It’s a light, healthy meal that makes good use of fresh produce.

10. Yellow Squash Gratin

Yellow squash gratin is a tasty way to use this summer vegetable. You’ll need yellow squash, zucchini, shallots, and garlic.

Start by cooking the squash and zucchini in a skillet with butter. Add shallots and garlic for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the vegetables are tender, pour in some heavy cream. Let it simmer until it thickens. This creates a rich sauce for the gratin.

Transfer everything to a baking dish. Top with grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and bubbling.

This dish is perfect as a side for dinner or a vegetarian main course.

11. Yellow Squash and Corn Chowder

Yellow squash and corn chowder is a tasty summer dish. It combines the sweetness of corn with the mild flavor of yellow squash.

To make this chowder, start by sautéing onions and yellow squash in a pot. Add garlic, corn, and broth. Let it simmer until the squash is soft.

For a creamy texture, blend some of the mixture. You can leave some corn and squash chunks for added texture.

Add milk or cream to make it richer. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting soup.

12. Yellow Squash Pasta

Yellow squash pasta is a tasty way to use up summer squash. You can easily add diced yellow squash to your favorite pasta dish.

Try sautéing the squash with olive oil, garlic, and onions. Then toss it with cooked pasta, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

For a creamy version, blend cooked squash into a sauce with goat cheese or parmesan. Pour this over pasta for a rich, comforting meal.

You can also roast sliced yellow squash and mix it into pasta with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette.

This makes a great cold pasta salad for picnics.

13. Yellow Squash Curry

Yellow squash curry is a tasty and nutritious dish that combines the mild flavor of yellow squash with aromatic spices. You can easily make this curry at home using simple ingredients.

Start by cubing yellow squash and chopping onions.

Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they sputter, add the onions and cook until soft.

Next, add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder.

Stir in the yellow squash and cook until tender. For extra protein, you can add chickpeas.

Pour in coconut milk to create a creamy sauce. Let the curry simmer until the flavors meld together.

Serve your yellow squash curry with rice or roti for a satisfying meal.

14. Yellow Squash Salad

A fresh yellow squash salad is perfect for hot summer days. You can make it quickly and easily with just a few ingredients.

Start by thinly slicing raw yellow squash. Add some cherry tomatoes cut in half and thinly sliced red onion.

For dressing, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like basil or mint. Pour it over the veggies and toss gently.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor and crunch, add some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.

This light and refreshing salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.

15. Yellow Squash Pickles

Yellow squash pickles are a tasty way to use extra summer squash. You can make them with just a few ingredients.

Slice yellow squash and onions thinly. Mix with salt and let sit to release excess water.

In a pot, combine sugar, vinegar, and spices like mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric. Bring to a boil.

Add the drained squash and onions to the hot liquid. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.

Pack the pickles into clean jars, leaving some space at the top. They’ll be ready to eat in a few days.

These crunchy, tangy pickles make a great snack or side dish. You can store them in the fridge for several weeks.

Nutritional Benefits of Yellow Squash

Yellow squash packs a powerful nutritional punch. It’s low in calories but high in important vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Yellow squash is a great source of vitamins A and C. These antioxidants help protect your cells from damage.

The colorful peel contains even more antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

These compounds support eye health and may lower your risk of certain diseases. Yellow squash also provides B vitamins like folate and niacin.

You’ll get minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium from yellow squash too. These help keep your bones strong and your body functioning well.

Low in Calories and High in Fiber

If you’re watching your weight, yellow squash is a smart choice. It’s very low in calories, with little fat, cholesterol, or sodium.

A cup of cooked yellow squash has only about 18 calories. But it still fills you up, thanks to its high water and fiber content.

The fiber in yellow squash aids digestion and helps you feel full. It may also help control blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels.

For the most nutritional benefits, eat the skin of yellow squash. That’s where many of the vitamins and minerals are found.

Cooking Techniques for Yellow Squash

Yellow squash can be prepared in many tasty ways. These methods bring out its flavor and texture. Let’s explore some popular cooking techniques.

Grilling Tips

Grilling yellow squash adds a smoky flavor and nice char marks.

Cut the squash into 1/4-inch thick slices lengthwise. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Place the squash slices directly on the grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until tender with grill marks.

For extra flavor, try a marinade of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before grilling.

You can also grill whole small squash for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.

Sautéing Techniques

Sautéing is quick and easy.

Cut yellow squash into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Add the squash in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring to get a golden brown color.

Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.

For extra flavor, add minced garlic or sliced onions to the pan before the squash.

Baking for Different Textures

Baking yellow squash offers versatility in texture. For crispy squash, slice thinly and arrange on a baking sheet.

Brush with oil and sprinkle with seasoning. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For a softer texture, cut into chunks and toss with oil and spices. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

Stir once halfway through cooking. You can also stuff whole squash with a mix of grains, cheese, and herbs, then bake until tender.