5 Delicious Summer Squash Recipes You'll Love

Summer is the perfect season to embrace the abundance of fresh, vibrant produce, and nothing says "summer" quite like the delightful taste of summer squash. Known for their mild flavor and versatility, summer squash like zucchini, pattypan, and yellow squash can be the star of the show or the perfect complement in a wide array of dishes. Whether you're looking for healthy options, quick weeknight dinners, or something to impress at your next cookout, these recipes featuring summer squash will provide you with delightful flavors and nutritional benefits.

Recipe 1: Grilled Zucchini Rolls

If you’re attending a summer barbecue or simply want to spice up your grill menu, these Grilled Zucchini Rolls are not only visually appealing but also pack a flavorful punch.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup goat cheese or ricotta
• Basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high.
2. Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the zucchini slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until you get nice grill marks.
4. Once cooled, spread a layer of cheese over each strip, place a basil leaf, and roll up tightly.
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.

👨‍🍳 Note: The goat cheese can be swapped for cream cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.

Recipe 2: Summer Squash Ribbons

Here’s a light and refreshing salad that showcases the tender nature of summer squash.

Ingredients:

• 2 yellow squashes
• 2 zucchinis
• 1 lemon, juice and zest
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ¹⁄₄ cup parmesan shavings
• Fresh mint or dill for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, slice the squashes into long, thin ribbons.
2. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the squash ribbons in this dressing.
3. Arrange the dressed ribbons on a plate, top with parmesan shavings, and garnish with herbs.

🔁 Note: For a different texture, you can add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch.

Recipe 3: Baked Summer Squash Casserole

Perfect for when you have a larger harvest than expected, this casserole is a comforting way to use up your squash.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups sliced summer squash
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the squash and onions in a skillet until tender. Drain excess water.
3. In a bowl, mix the squash, onions, cheese, mayonnaise, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer to a greased casserole dish, top with the crushed crackers mixed with melted butter.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden.

Recipe 4: Stuffed Pattypan Squash

Pattypan squash is not only adorable but incredibly delicious when stuffed with this vibrant filling.

Ingredients:

• 6 small pattypan squashes
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped herbs like parsley, chives
• 1/2 lemon, zested
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the pattypan squashes and scoop out the seeds to create a hollow.
3. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
4. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add cooked quinoa, tomatoes, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
5. Fill each squash with the quinoa mixture, top with feta, and bake for 25-30 minutes until squashes are tender.

🌿 Note: This recipe can be adapted to vegetarian or vegan diets by omitting the feta cheese or substituting with a vegan cheese alternative.

Recipe 5: Zucchini and Yellow Squash Fritters

Fritters are always a crowd-pleaser, and these are no exception. Light, crispy, and packed with summer squash flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 2 medium yellow squashes
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Grate the squashes and squeeze out excess moisture using a cloth or paper towel.
2. Mix grated squash, egg, flour, Parmesan, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the pan, flattening them with the back of the spoon.
4. Fry until golden on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Summer squash provides an excellent foundation for countless delicious recipes, showcasing their versatility from appetizers to main dishes. These five recipes not only highlight the subtle sweetness and tender texture of summer squash but also incorporate various cooking techniques, ensuring that you have a range of dishes to enjoy or serve at your next gathering. The simplicity of these recipes means they're achievable for cooks of all skill levels, while the flavors promise a delightful taste of summer. Enjoy the produce at its peak, and let these summer squash recipes brighten your table with fresh, vibrant, and healthy dishes.

How do you select the best summer squash for cooking?

+

Choose squashes that are firm, have smooth skin, and are free of blemishes or soft spots. Smaller squashes tend to be sweeter and less watery, making them ideal for recipes where you want to preserve flavor and texture.

Can these recipes be adapted for people with dietary restrictions?

+

Absolutely! Here are some tips:

• Vegan: Use plant-based cheeses or omit cheese entirely.
• Gluten-Free: Replace flour in fritters with gluten-free flour or almond meal.
• Lactose Intolerant: Opt for dairy alternatives like coconut or almond milk cheese.

What can I do with leftover summer squash?

+

Here are some ideas:

• Grill or roast for a side dish.
• Slice and freeze for later use in soups or stews.
• Make zucchini or squash bread or muffins.
• Pickle slices for a crunchy snack.