Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for cooking summer squash, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Yellow Squash – These summer squash are very similar to zucchini (so similar that you can use a mix of yellow squash and zucchini here!), but they taste a little sweeter and more nutty. There are actually two varieties, crookneck and straightneck yellow squash. Either will work for yellow squash recipes, but straightneck is easier when you want to cut sheets or strips. Since squash releases a lot of water, small to medium yellow squash are sweeter and less watery, making them easier to brown. Olive Oil – Used for flavor and browning, and to prevent sticking. You can use any neutral cooking oil you like, such as avocado oil. Since all of these methods use fairly high heat, I don’t recommend using butter, but you can drizzle with some melted butter towards the end for flavor if you like. Sea Salt & Black Pepper Optional Flavor Boosters – Add grated parmesan cheese for a savory and nutty flavor, garlic powder for a classic flavor, homemade Italian seasoning for an herby flavor, or crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
How To Cut Summer Squash (4 Ways)
There are 4 different ways to cut squash for yellow squash recipes! You can use most of these slicing techniques with any method, but I’ll tell you why I prefer some over others. After you trim off the ends, you can choose the shape you want:
Strips – Cut crosswise into shorter pieces. Cut each piece in half lengthwise, then repeat again. You’re basically creating long wedges. This cut is ideal for roasting (shown below) or air frying, because it’s easy to flip and cooks quickly. You can also add breading to this shape, similar to healthy zucchini fries. Circles – To cut it into circles, trim the ends and slice crosswise to make 1/2-inch-thick rounds. It’s perfect for sauteing, air frying (shown below), or roasting because it allows for even cooking and caramelization. I cut my squash this way most often! It’s also good for a squash casserole recipe or making fried zucchini with yellow squash instead.
Sheets – You can roast or grill summer squash cut in half lengthwise, but in my testing this method turned out kind of mushy and didn’t cook evenly. Instead, a better option is to slice lengthwise into thin sheets. (You can use a knife for this, but a mandoline makes it even easier.) This method is ideal for grilling (shown below), because it exposes a larger surface area to the grill, allowing for beautiful grill marks, and won’t fall through the grates like other shapes would. I use the same method for grilled zucchini! Cubes – Slice it lengthwise into thick slices. Stack the slices and cut lengthwise again to make strips. Finally, stack the strips and slice them crosswise to make cubes. This shape is ideal for sauteing (shown below), but it works for air frying or roasting, too.
How To Cook Yellow Squash
This section shows how to cook yellow squash in 4 different ways, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Baked Yellow Squash:
Sauteed Yellow Squash:
Grilled Yellow Squash:
Air Fryer Yellow Squash:
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Meal prep: Cut or slice squash and store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, until ready to cook. Reheat: Reheat in a warm skillet, in the microwave, or in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.
Can You Freeze Summer Squash?
Yes, you can freeze cooked summer squash. Allow it to cool completely, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simple salt and pepper is all you need to make flavorful summer squash, but every know and then, I like to spice it up. Here are some ideas, mix and match to your taste:
Onion – Saute some diced onions (or cook for longer and make caramelized onions!) before cooking yellow squash in a skillet. Fresh Herbs – After cooking, sprinkle your squash with fresh basil, fresh parsley, or fresh thyme for a more summery flavor. Cheese – You can toss with grated parmesan before or after you cook yellow squash, as mentioned above. But it’s also delicious with any type of shredded cheese melted on top at the end! Sauces – Drizzle cooked yellow squash recipes with lemon butter sauce, creamy lemon garlic aioli, or sugar-free marinara. Lemon – Squeeze some lemon juice on the squash for a zesty, fresh flavor.
To freeze summer squash before cooking, wash and slice it into desired shapes and blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then quickly cool it in ice water, drain, and pat dry. Place the prepared squash in airtight freezer bags or containers, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Yellow Squash Recipes
Now that you’ve learned how to cook yellow squash recipes 4 different ways, you can pair this summer veggie with just about any main dish. Here are some of my favorites:
Grilled Meats – While you’re grilling the yellow squash, keep the grill on and make shrimp skewers, juicy grilled pork chops, crispy grilled chicken thighs (or chicken breasts), a fancy tri tip or grilled lobster tail, or a simple grilled steak. Or keep it super basic with some juicy burgers! Air Fryer Mains – Make a full air fryer meal or cook yellow squash using another method while you make air fried cod, crispy air fryer chicken thighs, or juicy air fryer pork chops simultaneously with other yellow squash cooking methods. Baked Mains – Try nut-crusted baked haddock or a reverse sear steak with your yellow squash recipe for a special meal. For every day, make easy baked chicken legs or baked salmon. Stovetop Dishes – You can’t go wrong with a juicy ribeye steak topped with compound butter, but for a weeknight meal, try pan fried tilapia or honey garlic chicken.
More Easy Summer Squash Recipes
I love fresh cooked veggies in the summer! Once you learn how to cook yellow squash, try these other summer squash ideas: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info does not include optional flavor boosters.
