Yellow squash is a versatile summer vegetable that offers many delicious possibilities in the kitchen. From roasted side dishes to hearty casseroles, there are countless ways to enjoy this bright and flavorful squash.

You’ll find plenty of tasty options to make the most of your summer produce.

These yellow squash recipes will help you add variety to your meals and take advantage of the season’s bounty. Whether you’re looking for simple side dishes or creative main courses, you’ll discover new ways to prepare this popular vegetable.

Get ready to explore exciting flavors and textures that will please your taste buds and make yellow squash a family favorite.

1. Grilled Yellow Squash with Basil Vinaigrette

Grilled yellow squash is a tasty summer dish you can easily make at home. Cut the squash into planks and place them on a hot grill.

The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Grill each side for 3-4 minutes until you see nice char marks.

For extra flavor, brush the warm grilled squash with a homemade basil vinaigrette. This fresh, herb-packed dressing soaks into the squash, adding a burst of taste.

You can serve the grilled squash as a side dish or use it in a salad. For a complete meal, try adding some crumbled feta cheese and cherry tomatoes on top.

2. Yellow Squash Casserole with Cheddar

Yellow squash casserole with cheddar is a tasty way to use up summer squash. You’ll need yellow squash, onions, cheddar cheese, and crackers.

Slice the squash and mix it with chopped onions. Add grated cheddar cheese, some egg, and seasonings like salt and pepper.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top it with crushed crackers for a crunchy texture.

Bake until the squash is tender and the cheese is melty.

This casserole works as a side dish or main course. It’s cheesy, savory, and full of fresh squash flavor. You can customize it by adding other veggies or using different types of cheese.

3. Roasted Yellow Squash with Garlic and Herbs

Roasted yellow squash is a tasty and easy side dish. You can make it with just a few simple ingredients.

Start by slicing yellow squash into rounds. Toss the slices with olive oil, minced garlic, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Spread the squash on a baking sheet. Roast in a hot oven until the edges start to brown. This brings out the squash’s natural sweetness.

The garlic adds a savory flavor, while herbs give it a fresh taste. You can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

This dish goes well with many meals and is perfect for using up summer squash.

4. Yellow Squash Fritters

Yellow squash fritters are a tasty way to use up summer squash. You can make them with just a few basic ingredients.

To make the fritters, grate fresh yellow squash and mix it with flour, cornmeal, and egg. This creates a batter that holds together well when cooked.

Heat oil in a skillet and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

These fritters are crispy on the outside and soft inside. They make a great side dish or appetizer. You can eat them plain or serve with a dipping sauce.

For extra flavor, try adding some grated cheese or chopped herbs to the batter before cooking.

5. Yellow Squash and Zucchini Salad

This refreshing salad combines yellow squash and zucchini for a tasty summer dish. To make it, slice the squash and zucchini into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler or mandoline.

Mix the ribbons with fresh herbs like basil or mint for added flavor. Add some crunch with sugar snap peas or sliced red peppers.

For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey.

Toss the vegetables with the dressing and let marinate for at least 20 minutes before serving.

This salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. It’s a great way to use up extra squash from your garden.

6. Curried Yellow Squash Soup

This tasty soup combines yellow squash with curry spices for a flavorful dish. You’ll need yellow squash, onions, garlic, and curry powder as key ingredients.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Add chopped yellow squash and cook until tender. Stir in curry powder and let it become fragrant.

Add water or broth and simmer everything together. Once the squash is very soft, blend the mixture until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

You can serve this soup hot or chilled. For a cold version, refrigerate it for at least 6 hours before serving. This soup makes a great summer meal or appetizer.

7. Baked Yellow Squash with Parmesan

Baked yellow squash with Parmesan is a tasty and simple side dish. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Wash and trim the ends of 3 yellow squash. Slice them thinly and evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Arrange the slices on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake until the squash is tender and the cheese turns golden and crispy. This dish is easy to make and needs just a few ingredients.

You can add herbs or garlic for extra flavor if you like. Serve hot as a side to your main course.

8. Yellow Squash and Tomato Gratin

Yellow squash and tomato gratin is a tasty dish that uses up summer veggies. You slice yellow squash and tomatoes thinly, then layer them in a baking dish.

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian herbs between layers for flavor. Add some minced garlic and fresh basil too. Top it all with shredded cheese like Parmesan or mozzarella.

Bake the gratin in a 400°F oven until the veggies are soft and the cheese is bubbly and golden. It takes about 30 minutes.

This gratin works well as a side dish with meat or chicken. You can also serve it as a light vegetarian main course.

9. Yellow Squash Risotto

Yellow squash risotto is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender rice with fresh summer squash. To make it, start by heating olive oil in a large pot.

Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in minced garlic and diced yellow squash. Cook the squash until it’s slightly soft.

Next, add Arborio rice and toast it briefly. Gradually add warm broth, stirring frequently. This process takes about 20-25 minutes.

When the rice is creamy and al dente, mix in grated Parmesan cheese and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The result is a comforting risotto with a subtle yellow hue and delicate squash flavor. It makes a great side dish or vegetarian main course.

10. Yellow Squash Stir-Fry with Tofu

This quick and tasty dish combines yellow squash with tofu for a nutritious meal. Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes.

Heat oil in a skillet and cook the tofu until golden brown. Set it aside and add sliced yellow squash and zucchini to the pan. Cook for about 7 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Return the tofu to the skillet and add soy sauce for flavor. For a spicy kick, mix in some sriracha sauce. Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes until heated through.

This stir-fry is ready in about 35 minutes and makes a great vegetarian dinner option. Serve it over rice or noodles for a filling meal.

11. Yellow Squash and Black Bean Tacos

Yellow squash and black bean tacos are a tasty veggie-packed meal. They’re quick to make and full of flavor.

Start by sautéing diced yellow squash with onions and garlic. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and spices like cumin and chili powder.

Warm up some corn tortillas. Fill them with the squash and bean mixture. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

For extra flavor, add some diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream. These tacos are great for lunch or dinner. They’re filling and nutritious.

12. Yellow Squash Pasta with Lemon and Olive Oil

This light and fresh pasta dish is perfect for summer. Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to package directions.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add diced yellow squash and onion, cooking until tender.

Stir in minced garlic and lemon zest for extra flavor. Toss the cooked pasta with the squash mixture, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This simple meal comes together quickly and lets the yellow squash shine.

13. Yellow Squash and Corn Chowder

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

To make it, you’ll sauté diced squash with onions and celery. Then add corn kernels and milk. Some recipes call for blending part of the mixture for a creamier texture.

You can add bacon for extra flavor. Cheese is another yummy topping option. Some people like to sprinkle cheddar on top before serving.

This chowder is filling and perfect for using up extra summer produce. It’s a great way to enjoy yellow squash in a new form.

14. Yellow Squash and Quinoa Pilaf

Yellow squash and quinoa pilaf is a tasty and nutritious dish. It combines the mild flavor of yellow squash with protein-packed quinoa.

To make it, cook quinoa according to package directions. While it’s cooking, sauté diced yellow squash in a pan with some oil.

Mix the cooked quinoa and squash together. Add some herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor.

You can also toss in some diced tomatoes or spinach for more color and nutrients.

This pilaf works great as a side dish or light meal. It’s quick to make and can be served warm or cold.

15. Yellow Squash and Chickpea Curry

Yellow squash and chickpea curry is a tasty vegetarian dish. It combines the mild flavor of yellow squash with protein-rich chickpeas in a flavorful curry sauce.

To make it, you’ll sauté diced yellow squash and onions. Then add curry paste, coconut milk, and vegetable stock to create the sauce. Toss in chickpeas and let everything simmer together.

For extra thickness, mash some of the cooked squash pieces with a fork. This helps the curry reach a nice consistency.

Serve your yellow squash and chickpea curry over rice for a filling meal. You can add other veggies like tomatoes or zucchini if you want more variety.

16. Yellow Squash Pancakes

Yellow squash pancakes are a tasty way to use up extra summer squash. They’re easy to make and kid-friendly too.

To make them, blend yellow squash until you have 1 cup of puree. Mix it with eggs, flour, and seasonings. Cook the batter on a hot griddle until golden brown.

These pancakes are versatile. You can eat them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Try topping them with sour cream, salsa, or marinara sauce.

Yellow squash pancakes offer good nutrition. They’re low in calories but high in vitamin C. The eggs and flour add protein and fiber.

You can freeze leftover pancakes. Let them cool, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a storage container.

Nutritional Benefits of Yellow Squash

Yellow squash packs a nutritional punch while being low in calories. It offers many vitamins, minerals, and health benefits that can boost your well-being.

Vitamins and Minerals

Yellow squash is rich in vitamin C, which helps your immune system. It also contains vitamin A for eye health and folate for cell growth.

This veggie gives you potassium for heart health. It has magnesium for muscle function and calcium for strong bones.

Yellow squash provides manganese, which aids metabolism. You’ll also get some iron for blood health and zinc for wound healing.

One medium yellow squash has only about 38 calories. It’s low in carbs and fat but gives you 2 grams of protein and fiber.

Health Benefits

Yellow squash can help you lose weight. Its high water and fiber content keeps you full with few calories.

The antioxidants in yellow squash fight cell damage. Beta-carotene and alpha-carotene may lower your cancer risk.

This veggie’s fiber aids digestion and keeps you regular. It can help control blood sugar in people with diabetes.

Yellow squash’s potassium may lower blood pressure. Its vitamin C boosts collagen for healthy skin and joints.

Eating yellow squash can improve eye health. Its vitamin A and lutein protect against age-related vision problems.

Cooking Techniques for Yellow Squash

Yellow squash can be prepared in many tasty ways. Two popular methods are grilling and baking. These techniques bring out the squash’s natural flavors and textures.

Grilling Methods

Grilling yellow squash gives it a smoky flavor and nice char marks.

Cut the squash into 1/4-inch 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.

Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Coat the squash and let it sit for 30 minutes before grilling.

You can also use a grill basket for smaller pieces.

Cut the squash into chunks and toss in the basket while grilling. Shake every few minutes until lightly charred.

Baking Tips

Baking yellow squash is easy and brings out its natural sweetness. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Cut the squash into 1/2-inch rounds. Toss the slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For a crispy texture, bread the squash before baking. Dip slices in beaten egg, then coat in seasoned breadcrumbs.

Bake on a greased sheet for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Try making a squash casserole. Layer sliced squash with cheese and herbs in a baking dish.

Pour cream over the top and bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly.