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    Home » Blog » Salads

    Summer Squash and Zucchini Recipes (Yellow Squash and Zucchini Recipes)

    Published: Jun 7, 2023 · Modified: Aug 27, 2023 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    Summer Squash and Zucchini Recipes includes easy side dishes to hearty entrées, loads of yellow squash and zucchini recipes that involve grilling, baking, or frying. If you enjoy summer squash and zucchini, these you need to see.

    Four summer squash and zucchini recipes.

    Summer is here, and with it comes an abundance of summer squash and zucchini. These versatile vegetables can brighten up your kitchen and add a nutritional boost to your meals. There are countless ways to enjoy these seasonal delights.

    Fortunately, there's no shortage of delicious and healthy recipes that showcase the flavors of zucchini and/or yellow squash. You'll find plenty of inspiration to mix things up in the kitchen and find the perfect summer side dish or main course.

    Summer Squash and Zucchini Recipes: The Basics

    Nutritional Benefits

    Summer squash and zucchini are both nutrient-dense vegetables, packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They are low in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, making them an excellent addition to your meals.

    Summer Squash vs Zucchini

    While summer squash and zucchini may seem similar, they have a few key differences:

    • Appearance: Summer squash is typically yellow with a slightly curved shape, whereas zucchini is usually green and straight. Both vegetables have a smooth, edible skin.
    • Taste and Texture: Summer squash has a milder flavor and slightly softer texture than zucchini. Zucchini has a mild, slightly sweet taste with a firmer texture that holds up well in various cooking methods.
    • Culinary Uses: Summer squash and zucchini are highly versatile and can be used interchangeably in many recipes. They can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, or used in baked goods like muffins and bread.

    Selecting and Storing

    When selecting summer squash and zucchini, look for:

    • Firmness: Choose vegetables that are firm to the touch, without any soft spots or blemishes.
    • Size: Smaller squash and zucchini tend to be more tender and flavorful. Opt for those that are 6 to 8 inches in length and no more than 2 inches in diameter.
    • Skin: The skin should be glossy and free of cracks, wrinkles, or discoloration.

    To store your summer squash and zucchini:

    • Refrigeration: Keep unwashed squash and zucchini in a plastic bag with a few holes to allow for air circulation. Store in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to a week.
    • Freezing: If you want to store them for a longer period, you can slice and blanch the vegetables, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. This method preserves their texture and taste when cooked later on.

    How to cook zucchini and squash slices?

    To cook zucchini and squash slices, you can try a variety of methods, such as roasting, sautéing, or grilling.

    Roasting

    Roasting summer squash and zucchini brings out their natural sweetness. To prepare, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and slice your squash and zucchini into ½-inch-thick rounds or wedges. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash and zucchini are tender and golden brown.

    Grilling

    For grilling, you can either skewer the slices or cook them directly on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly coat the zucchini and squash slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of seasonings. Grill the slices for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender and grill marks appear. Don't forget to frequently flip and monitor them to prevent overcooking.

    Your other option is to cut the vegetables lengthwise into ¼-inch-thick strips. Brush them lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper or your choice of seasoning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and cook the vegetables for 3-4 minutes per side, until they have nice grill marks and are tender.

    Sautéing

    For sautéing, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the diced or sliced zucchini and squash slices, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sauteed zucchini or yellow squash is such a quick and easy side dish. Cook them for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until sautéed zucchini and/or squash is tender and lightly browned.

    Baking

    Baking is another versatile method for preparing summer squash and zucchini. There are numerous zucchini and squash recipes below which include baked goods such as zucchini bread, muffins, and even casseroles. Bake according to directions.

    Salads

    Raw summer squash and zucchini can be thinly sliced or spiralized to make refreshing salads. Combine the raw vegetables with other ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, or feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a light dressing. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.

    Yellow Squash and Zucchini Recipes

    Side Dishes

    You'll discover various delightful side dishes with summer squash and zucchini. One of the popular choices is

    Main Dishes

    Incorporate summer squash and zucchini into your main dishes for nutritious and filling meals. Try our Zucchini and Summer Squash Casserole recipe that is both delicious and filling.

    Another tasty option is to

    Appetizers and Snacks

    Summer squash and zucchini can make quick and delicious appetizers as well. For instance, you can make cheesy zucchini snacks by combining grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, eggs, and cheese. Bake these patties until golden brown and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

    You can also create vegan or vegetarian-friendly appetizers using zucchini and summer squash such as:

    • Zucchini Boats: Stuff hollowed-out zucchini halves with your favorite filling.
    • Zucchini Fritters: Create crispy and flavorful fritters with grated zucchini, cheese, and spices.

    Desserts

    Surprisingly, zucchini and squash can be included in dessert recipes too! Classic chocolate cream cheese stuffed zucchini bread and muffins are just a few ways to incorporate these vegetables into your sweet treats.

    So, the next time you find yourself at your local farmer's market with an abundance of summer squash and zucchini, you'll have plenty of recipes in hand to create side dishes, main dishes, appetizers and snacks, and even desserts.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Best side dishes for squash and zucchini?

    When cooking with squash and zucchini, you have plenty of options for flavorful side dishes. A popular choice is Parmesan Roasted Zucchini and Squash, which uses kitchen staples like olive oil, salt, pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to complement the flavors of the vegetables.

    Other great options include salads, quinoa, rice, or couscous, and you can always opt for complementary grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes.

    So there you have it, our quick overview about everything zucchini and squash. Below you'll find all of our favorite zucchini and yellow squash recipes. I hope you'll try a few and let me know what you think. I always love to hear!

    Old-Fashioned Zucchini Squash Casserole
    My Granny's old-fashioned zucchini squash casserole was a recipe she relied on to use up squash, carrots, and other veggies from her garden. It's so easy to make and is perfect for family dinners or holidays!
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    A serving of old-fashioned zucchini casserole on a plate.
    Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash
    This Stovetop stuffing and sausage stuffed butternut squash makes a delicious main dish loaded with flavor. The protein and veggies cook together in one dish. It's a fun way to enjoy classic butternut squash.
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    Roasted butternut squash stuffed with sausage on a plate.
    Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
    Looking for a delicious, healthy, and low-carb meal idea? Buffalo chicken zucchini boats include a flavorful buffalo chicken filling inside a tender zucchini.
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    Zucchini buffalo chicken boats on a plate with a fork turned upside down on the plate.
    Butternut Squash Potato Cakes
    Butternut Squash Potato Cakes, pancakes or patties are healthy, super crispy and need only a few ingredients. Best potato squash recipe ever!
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    Butternut Squash Potato Cakes
    Butternut Squash, Pear, Leek, Carrot and Parsnip Soup
    Butternut Squash, Pear, Leek, Carrot and Parsnip Soup is a wonderfully light and refreshing different kind of soup! Perfect for any time of year!
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    Butternut Squash, Pear, Leek, Carrot and Parsnip Soup.
    Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting
    Zucchini chocolate chip muffins with cream cheese frosting are so good. They're a yummy way to use up all of your summer zucchini and make the perfect treat anytime of day.  
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    Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins topped with a white frosting and placed onto a marble table.
    Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins
    Easy pumpkin zucchini muffins are lightly spiced and make a muffin that's perfectly moist and flavorful. It's a delicious muffins that's idea to serve for breakfast, a snack or dessert.
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    Three pumpkin zucchini muffins piled on top of each other on a white counter.
    Eggplant Zucchini Lasagna
    This lower carb lasagna swaps out the noodles with eggplant and zucchini. Add some meat, sauce and cheese and this is honestly the best lasagna I have ever eaten!
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    Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
    Get ready to swap out your regular old fries with this green alternative! We’ve included a homemade dipping sauce to bring out the natural flavors of the air-fried zucchini.
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    Air fryer zucchini fries on a white plate garnished with parsley.
    Cheesy Zucchini Fritters
    Crispy Cheesy Zucchini Fritters, Pancakes, Patties or Bites are so tasty, baked or fried, with Parmesan or feta, this appetizer or side recipe is amazing!
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    Cheesy Zucchini Cakes
    Cheesy Zucchini Potato Pancakes
    Cheesy Zucchini Potato Pancakes or Vegetable Fritters are easy to make and require few ingredients. These tasty potatoes are a vegan, keto dieter's dream! The perfect appetizer or side dish!
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    Cheesy Zucchini Potato Cakes
    Zucchini Pizza Bites
    Easy Zucchini Pizza Bites are tasty, low carb, keto, oven baked, frugal snack. Who can resist such an easy, cheesy, zucchini pepperoni pizza rounds recipe?
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    Easy Zucchini Pizza Boats
    Easy Zucchini Pizza Boats are stuffed with your favorite pizza toppings, baked, low carb and keto too! The perfect delicious snack, appetizer or small meal.
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    Easy Zucchini Pizza Boats
    Easy Stuffing Zucchini Casserole
    Our favorite stuffing zucchini casserole will be your favorite, too! This simple vegetable casserole is loaded with flavorful ingredients yet easy enough to cook for weeknights or an easy holiday side dish.
    Get the Recipe
    A plate of stuffing zucchini casserole on the table with a napkin and casserole dish in the background.
    Sauteed Zucchini and Onions
    If you're looking for a delicious and healthy side dish, sautéed zucchini and onions is an excellent choice. This dish highlights the flavors of fresh zucchini, but allows for the natural sweetness of onions to shine. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful side dish perfect for any main course.
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    A plate of sauteed zucchini and onions on a plate with a fork propped on the edge.
    Mom’s Zucchini Casserole
    Mom’s Best Zucchini Casserole recipe is a super easy, old fashioned, vegetable casserole with sour cream, stuffing mix, shredded carrots and so much more!
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    Mom’s Zucchini Casserole
    Baked Italian Zucchini Casserole
    This Baked Italian Zucchini Casserole is an easy and delicious vegetable side! The crunchy, cheesy topping finishes this casserole off beautifully!
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    Baked Italian Zucchini Casserole
    Zucchini Flatbread
    Zucchini flatbread uses spiralized zucchini, garlic, pesto, parmesan cheese topped with feta cheese and sliced sun dried tomatoes served hot or cold.
    Taco Zucchini Beef and Pork Skillet
    Taco Zucchini Beef and Pork Skillet is fast, easy and fabulous! A great way to use up vegetables. Comforting and hearty and served with a side of rice or in a burrito, this Taco dish never looked so good!
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    Taco Zucchini Beef and Pork Skillet.
    Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
    This chocolate chip zucchini bread is perfectly moist thanks to the addition of grated zucchini, and is dotted with chocolate chips for sweet pops of chocolate flavor. This zucchini bread is incredibly easy to make without the need for a stand mixer.
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    Slice of chocolate chip zucchini bread.
    Meaty Zucchini Casserole
    This Meaty Zucchini Casserole or Bake recipe, with the best shredded zucchini base, or pizza crust, uses cheese, ground beef or hamburger, chicken and more.
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    Ginger Beef or Chicken with Zucchini and Snap Peas
    Ginger Beef or Chicken with Zucchini and Snap Peas is a perfect weeknight dinner! Beef or chicken and your favorite vegetables. The sauce is divine!
    Pork Chop Zucchini Casserole
    Pork Chop Zucchini Casserole and is a fabulous one pan meal! If you love stuffing you will love this pork chop casserole, so delicious and so easy.
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    Pork Chop Zucchini Casserole.
    Parmesan Zucchini Bites - Air Fried, Baked or Deep Fried
    Whether you air fry, pan fry or bake these easy Crispy Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Crisps or Chips, they are perfect for dipping and an amazing snack.
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    Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
    Making zucchini boats with ground beef has never been easier! All you need is a few ingredients and a little kitchen time to put this hearty dish together!
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    Zucchini boats on a platter with a fork taking a bite.
    Four yellow squash and zucchini recipes.
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    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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