10 Best Summer Squash Recipes
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the bounty of fresh vegetables that are available. One of the most versatile and delicious vegetables is summer squash. Whether you prefer it grilled, sautéed, or roasted, there are endless ways to enjoy this seasonal favorite. Here are the 10 best summer squash recipes that you won’t want to miss.
The Top 10 Summer Squash Recipes
- Grilled Summer Squash with Feta and Mint
- Summer Squash and Zucchini Frittata
- Crispy Baked Summer Squash Fries
- Summer Squash and Corn Chowder
- Summer Squash and Ricotta Tart
- Summer Squash and Tomato Skewers
- Summer Squash and Pesto Pizza
- Summer Squash and Quinoa Salad
- Summer Squash and Chicken Stir-Fry
- Summer Squash and Shrimp Tacos
These recipes are perfect for any occasion, from a quick and easy weeknight dinner to a backyard barbecue with friends and family. Each recipe is simple to prepare, but packed with flavor and nutrition.
Grilled Summer Squash with Feta and Mint
One of the best ways to enjoy summer squash is grilled. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of grilled squash with tangy feta cheese and fresh mint.
- Ingredients:
- 2 summer squash, sliced lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Directions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush both sides of squash slices with olive oil.
- Grill squash for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
- Remove from grill and sprinkle with feta cheese, mint, salt, and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
This recipe is a perfect side dish for grilled meats or fish, or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course.
Summer Squash and Zucchini Frittata
Frittatas are a great way to use up leftover vegetables, and this recipe is no exception. It combines summer squash and zucchini with eggs and cheese for a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch dish.
- Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 summer squash, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 8 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add summer squash and zucchini and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Pour egg mixture over vegetables in skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, then transfer skillet to oven.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until frittata is set and lightly golden.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
This frittata can be served on its own or with a side salad for a complete meal.
Crispy Baked Summer Squash Fries
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional french fries, look no further than these crispy baked summer squash fries. They are easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Ingredients:
- 2 summer squash, cut into fries
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each summer squash fry into beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
- Place fries on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fries are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
These fries are a great addition to any meal, or can be enjoyed as a snack on their own.
Summer Squash and Corn Chowder
This hearty chowder is packed with summer vegetables and makes a great lunch or dinner. The addition of corn gives it a sweet and savory flavor that is sure to please.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 summer squash, diced
- 2 cups corn kernels
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add summer squash and corn and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Add broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Add milk and cream and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
This chowder is perfect for a rainy day or when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
Summer Squash and Ricotta Tart
This elegant tart is perfect for a summer dinner party or special occasion. The creamy ricotta filling pairs perfectly with the tender summer squash.
- Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 summer squash, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Spread cheese mixture evenly over pie crust.
- Arrange summer squash slices on top of cheese mixture, slightly overlapping each other.
- Drizzle olive oil over squash slices and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is set.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
This tart is a showstopper and is sure to impress your guests.
Summer Squash and Tomato Skewers
These colorful skewers are perfect for a summer barbecue or as a side dish for grilled meats or fish. The combination of summer squash and cherry tomatoes is both sweet and savory.
- Ingredients:
- 2 summer squash, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Directions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread summer squash slices and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
- Brush skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
- Serve hot.
These skewers are a fun and colorful way to enjoy summer squash.
Summer Squash and Pesto Pizza
This pizza is packed with fresh summer flavors and is perfect for a casual dinner or party. The combination of pesto, summer squash, and cheese is a classic.
- Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1 summer squash, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Spread pesto evenly over pizza crust.
- Arrange summer squash slices on top of pesto, slightly overlapping each other.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over pizza.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
This pizza is a great way to use up leftover summer squash and is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Summer Squash and Quinoa Salad
This fresh and healthy salad is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. The combination of summer squash, quinoa, and fresh herbs is both filling and flavorful.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 summer squash, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add summer squash and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
- In a large bowl, mix together cooked quinoa, cooked vegetables, parsley, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toss to combine.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and is both filling and flavorful.
Summer Squash and Chicken Stir-Fry
This stir-fry is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken and is packed with summer vegetables. The addition of cashews adds a satisfying crunch.
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 summer squash, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Directions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add summer squash, bell pepper, and chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and chicken is heated through.
- Add cashews and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until cashews are lightly toasted.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour sauce over stir-fry and toss to coat.
- Serve hot.
This stir-fry is a quick and easy dinner that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Summer Squash and Shrimp Tacos
These tacos are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy summer squash. The addition of shrimp adds a light and refreshing touch.
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 summer squash, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
- Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add summer squash and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
- Add shrimp, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly toasted.
- Divide shrimp and squash mixture evenly among tortillas.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
These tacos are a great way to enjoy summer squash and are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Conclusion
Summer squash is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. From grilled to sautéed to roasted, there are endless possibilities for cooking with summer squash. These 10 recipes are just a few of our favorites, but there are many more to discover. So grab some fresh summer squash and get cooking!
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to store summer squash?
A: Summer squash should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container. It will keep for up to a week.
Q: Can summer squash be eaten raw?
A: Yes, summer squash can be eaten raw