Summer Squash Recipes: Delicious Ways to Cook Yellow Squash and Zucchini

summer squash is one of those things that makes me truly appreciate the season. Seeing those vibrant yellow and green vegetables piled high at the market, I just know I'm in for a delicious summer. Whether it's the sunshiney yellow squash or the versatile zucchini, there's just something about these summer gems that screams "fresh and delicious!" I always find myself trying new recipes, always searching for that perfect balance of flavor and texture. So, if you're looking for inspiration to add a little summer sunshine to your plate, you've come to the right place!

(Part 1) - Summer Squash Basics: Getting to Know the Stars of the Show

Before we dive into all the delectable recipes, let's have a little chat about summer squash. This family of vegetables includes yellow squash, zucchini, and pattypan squash. While they might look different, they share similar characteristics. Their flesh is tender and delicate, with a slightly sweet and mild flavour.

Yellow Squash

I'll be honest, yellow squash is my personal favorite. It's like a ray of sunshine on your plate! It has a slightly firmer texture compared to zucchini, and I think the flavor is a bit more pronounced too. I love how it adds a pop of color and brightness to any dish.

Zucchini

Now, zucchini is a real workhorse in the kitchen. It's incredibly versatile, perfect for everything from salads to pasta dishes to breads! It's a bit more tender than yellow squash, and its mild flavour makes it a great blank canvas for all sorts of seasonings. I find that zucchini really shines when paired with strong, bold flavors.

(Part 2) - Simple and Delicious: Summer Squash Salad Recipes

Let's face it, sometimes you just want a light and refreshing salad. And summer squash is the perfect ingredient for that! Here are a few of my favourite salad recipes that showcase the best of summer squash.

1. Summer Squash and corn salad

This salad is a summer classic! It's so easy to make and bursting with fresh flavour. It's a perfect mix of sweet corn and slightly savory squash, all tossed in a tangy dressing.

Ingredients

1. 1 yellow squash, diced
2. 1 zucchini, diced
3. 2 ears of corn, kernels removed
4. 1/2 cup chopped red onion
5. 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
6. 1/4 cup olive oil
7. 2 tablespoons lime juice
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced squash, zucchini, corn kernels, red onion, and cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

2. Summer Squash and Feta Salad

This salad has a lovely combination of salty and sweet flavours. The tangy feta cheese adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the squash, and the fresh mint adds a refreshing touch.

Ingredients

1. 1 yellow squash, thinly sliced
2. 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
3. 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
4. 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
5. 2 tablespoons olive oil
6. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced squash, zucchini, feta cheese, and mint.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

(Part 3) - Summer Squash for Your Sides: Delicious Accompaniments

Summer squash is a fantastic addition to any meal! They make a wonderful side dish, bringing a touch of freshness and lightness to your plate.

1. Roasted Summer Squash with Herbs

This is a classic recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, flavourful, and oh-so-easy to make. The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, and the herbs add a wonderful aroma.

Ingredients

1. 1 yellow squash, diced
2. 1 zucchini, diced
3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
4. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
5. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced squash, olive oil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the squash mixture on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

2. Sauteed Summer Squash with Garlic

This is a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It's simple, but the flavors are amazing! The garlic adds a nice pungent note that complements the sweetness of the squash.

Ingredients

1. 1 yellow squash, thinly sliced
2. 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced squash and zucchini and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

(Part 4) - Summer Squash: The Star of Your Main Course

If you’re looking to elevate your main courses, summer squash is here to help! They can add texture, flavour, and a touch of summery goodness to your dishes.

1. Summer Squash Fritters

These fritters are a delightful way to enjoy summer squash. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and they’re perfect for a light lunch or dinner. These are a great way to use up extra squash and are always a hit with friends and family!

Ingredients

1. 1 yellow squash, grated
2. 1 zucchini, grated
3. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5. 1 egg, beaten
6. 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
8. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
9. Olive oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the grated squash, zucchini, flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the squash mixture into the hot oil.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve immediately.

2. Summer Squash and Sausage Skillet

This one-pan dish is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavour. It's a perfect combination of savory sausage and sweet squash, all cooked in one skillet. You can easily adapt this recipe to your taste preferences - try different types of sausage, add in some peppers or onions, or change up the herbs.

Ingredients

1. 1 pound italian sausage, casings removed
2. 1 yellow squash, diced
3. 1 zucchini, diced
4. 1/2 cup chopped onion
5. 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
6. 1/4 cup chicken broth
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Add the diced squash, zucchini, and onion to the skillet.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the basil and chicken broth.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes more.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

(Part 5) - Summer Squash in Your Baking

Beyond salads and side dishes, summer squash can add a delightful twist to your baking! Their subtle sweetness and moist texture make them perfect for breads, muffins, and even cakes.

1. Summer Squash Bread

This bread is a delightful blend of sweet and savoury flavours. It’s a wonderful way to use up a surplus of summer squash, and it’s always a hit with my family. It has a soft, moist texture and a slightly sweet taste.

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
5. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
6. 2 eggs
7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8. 1 cup grated summer squash
9. 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Stir in the grated squash and nuts (if using).
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Summer Squash Muffins

These muffins are a quick and easy breakfast or snack option. They’re packed with flavour and a little bit of sweetness. They're a great way to start your day or to pack for a quick and healthy snack on the go.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
2. 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
4. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
6. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
7. 1/4 cup brown sugar
8. 1/2 cup milk
9. 1 egg, beaten
10. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
11. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12. 1 cup grated summer squash
13. 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugars, milk, egg, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Stir in the grated squash and nuts (if using).
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

(Part 6) - Summer Squash: A Treasure Trove of Flavour

Summer squash is an ingredient that brings a burst of flavour and freshness to any dish. They’re incredibly versatile and can be cooked in countless ways. I love how they can be the star of the show, but they can also add a touch of magic to your side dishes and baked goods. They’re so easy to work with, and they’re a delicious way to enjoy the bounty of summer.

(Part 7) - Storage and Preparation Tips

Now, let’s talk about how to keep your summer squash at its best and how to prepare them for all your culinary creations.

Storage

Summer squash is best stored in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to a week. Keep them in a plastic bag or container, and make sure they’re dry. This will help them stay fresh and prevent them from spoiling too quickly.

Preparation

Summer squash is super easy to prepare. Simply wash them and trim off the ends. Then, you can slice them, dice them, grate them, or even spiralize them! For most recipes, you can use both yellow squash and zucchini, but if you want to use only one, I recommend going with whichever you have more of.

Here are some specific tips for different preparation methods:

• Slicing: Thinly slice summer squash for salads, pizzas, or stir-fries.
• Dicing: Dice summer squash for soups, stews, or fritters.
• Grating: Grate summer squash for breads, muffins, or fritters.
• Spiralizing: Spiralize summer squash for a fun and healthy alternative to pasta.

(Part 8) - More Summer Squash Inspiration

I know I’ve shared a bunch of recipes, but there’s still so much more to explore! If you’re looking for even more ways to enjoy summer squash, try these ideas.

Summer squash soup

You can make a delicious and creamy soup with summer squash. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and it’s super easy to make. You can even add some other summer vegetables, like tomatoes, corn, or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.

Summer Squash Pizza

Summer squash makes a fantastic topping for pizza! It adds a nice bit of sweetness and a touch of summery flavour. Try topping your pizza with thinly sliced squash, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil for a simple and delicious pizza.

Summer Squash stuffed peppers

Get creative with stuffed peppers! Instead of traditional rice fillings, try using a mixture of diced summer squash, ground meat, and herbs. It’s a fun twist on a classic dish, and it's a great way to use up extra squash.

(Part 9) - FAQs About Summer Squash

Let’s answer some common questions about this versatile summer favourite.

1. Is Summer Squash Good for You?

Absolutely! Summer squash is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. It's low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for any diet.

2. How Can I Tell If Summer Squash is Ripe?

Look for squash that is firm to the touch. The skin should be glossy and without any soft spots or blemishes. If you’re buying zucchini, it should have a slightly green hue with a firm texture. If you’re looking for yellow squash, it should have a bright yellow colour and feel heavy for its size.

3. What Can I Do with Overripe Summer Squash?

Overripe summer squash can be used in recipes where texture isn’t as important, like soups and stews. You can also try grating them and freezing them for later use.

4. How Can I Make Summer Squash Less Bland?

Summer squash has a mild flavour, so it’s important to season it well! Add some salt, pepper, herbs, or spices to enhance its taste. You can also try roasting it or sauteing it with garlic and olive oil to add some depth of flavour.

5. How Do I Prevent Summer Squash from Getting Watery?

To avoid a watery mess, salt the grated squash for about 10 minutes before adding it to a recipe. This will help draw out excess moisture, which can make your dish more flavorful and less watery. You can also use a kitchen towel to gently press out any excess moisture.

(Part 10) - Enjoying the Bounty of Summer

Summer squash is a wonderful reminder of all the fresh and delicious food that the season brings. It’s versatile, healthy, and absolutely bursting with flavour. So, get out there, grab some summer squash, and start experimenting with these recipes. You might just discover a new favourite!

(Part 11) - Summer Squash Around the World

Summer squash is enjoyed all over the world, and different cultures have their own unique ways of using it. Here are a few examples:

Italy

In Italy, zucchini is a staple ingredient in many dishes, from simple sauteed zucchini to more complex dishes like zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta cheese.

Greece

In Greece, zucchini is often used in salads, stews, and fritters. A popular Greek dish is zucchini fritters, called "kolokithokeftedes," which are made with grated zucchini, herbs, and spices.

India

In India, zucchini is used in curries, stir-fries, and vegetable dishes. A popular Indian dish is "kadhi," a yogurt-based curry that often features zucchini.

(Part 12) - Fun Facts About Summer Squash

Here are a few fun facts about these summery vegetables:

• Zucchini is a type of squash, not a cucumber.
• The word "zucchini" comes from the Italian word "zucca," which means "pumpkin."
• Summer squash is a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage.
• Summer squash is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for any diet.
• Summer squash is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

(Part 13) - Summer Squash: A Versatile and Delicious Ingredient

Summer squash is a truly special ingredient. It's so easy to work with, and it can add a touch of magic to any dish. Whether you're enjoying it in a salad, a side dish, or even in your baking, summer squash is a delicious reminder of the beauty and bounty of the summer season. So, get out there, grab some summer squash, and let your culinary creativity shine!