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    BeeyondCereal » Round Up Recipes and Ideas

    20 Delicious Summer Squash Recipes

    Modified: Oct 17, 2023 Published: Sep 4, 2021 by Nicole Durham This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

    Find yourself with more squash than you know what to do with? Keep reading for some summer squash recipes that are sure to help lighten your load.

    a collage of different recipes made with summer squash.

    Summer squash is a wonderful and versatile veggie that can be bought almost as easily as it can be home grown. It's one of those plants that just keeps giving and sometimes you find yourself with more than you know what to do with.

    Thankfully squash is so popular that there's no limit to the fun recipes they can be used in. Everything from simple side dishes to main dishes and desserts can be improved upon by adding a little squash in the mix.

    Check out these 20 great recipes for summer squash and see why we can't stop raving about it. You're sure to find some great recipe inspiration below.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love Summer Squash Recipes
    • Summer Squash FAQs
    • Side Dishes
    • Main Courses
    • Snacks and Appetizers
    • Baked Goods and Desserts
    • Specialty Dishes
    • Quick and Easy
    • ❤️ More Delicious Summer Squash Recipes
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You'll Love Summer Squash Recipes

    1. Versatile Ingredient. Summer squash can be used in many dishes, from side dishes and main courses to desserts. It adds great flavor and texture to any recipe, making it a fun ingredient to cook with.
    2. Easy to Prepare. Many summer squash recipes are quick and simple. Dishes like Microwave Yellow Squash and Instant Pot Zucchini Noodles take little time to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
    3. Seasonal Freshness. Summer squash is best when it’s in season. Recipes like Grilled Zucchini and Squash Casserole use fresh, in-season squash for the best taste and vibrant flavors.
    4. Crowd-Pleasing Dishes. Summer squash recipes are often a hit with everyone. Dishes like Squash Casserole, Zucchini Fritters, and Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins are great for family meals, gatherings, or potlucks.

    Summer Squash FAQs

    Are summer squash and zucchini the same thing?

    Zucchini is part of the summer squash family, including crookneck, pattypan, and yellow squash. While all zucchinis are summer squash, the term also encompasses gourds with edible skin and tender flesh. So, when shopping, remember that zucchini is just one of the many tasty options within the summer squash family.

    What squash is considered summer squash?

    Summer squash comes in various forms such as green and yellow zucchini, pattypan squash, crookneck squash, and cousa squash. These varieties all belong to the Cucurbita pepo species, which also includes some hardier pumpkins.

    Can I substitute summer squash for zucchini?

    Both zucchini and young yellow squash are versatile in recipes. Swap yellow squash into your zucchini bread or spiralize both for colorful vegetable noodles. Experimenting with these varieties adds variety and flavor to your dishes while still enjoying the taste of summer squash.

    What is the most popular summer squash?

    Zucchini, a beloved summer squash, is widely cultivated by gardeners and farmers for its versatility in flavor, color, and shape. Unlike crookneck varieties, zucchinis feature thinner skin, a straighter shape, and flattened sides, making them a popular choice for various culinary uses.

    Side Dishes

    Summer squash side dishes highlight the vegetable's fresh and vibrant flavors. From grilling to sautéing, these simple recipes enhance the natural sweetness and tenderness of summer squash, making them the perfect addition to any meal.

    Grilled Zucchini is a favorite side dish because it’s simple, quick, and brings out the natural sweetness of the squash. With just a few ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for adding a flavorful and healthy option to your grilling menu.

    1
    aerial view of a plate full of grilled zucchini slices
    Out Grilling
    Grilled Zucchini
    Grilled Zucchini is a quick and easy side dish to make on the grill! Just a few simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep for a flavorful and delicious vegetable to add to your grilling menu. 
    Grilled Zucchini
    2
    a bowl filled with microwave yellow squash next to a large wooden serving spoon.
    Microwave Yellow Squash
    Microwaved yellow squash is a delicious and simple way to make your favorite summer squash side dish. Cooked, seasoned, and ready in under 5 minutes!
    Microwave Yellow Squash
    3
    a rectangular plate filled with sauteed zucchini
    She Loves Biscotti
    Italian Style Sauteed Zucchini
    Nothing is easier than making this side dish of Italian Sautéed zucchini.
    Italian Style Sauteed Zucchini
    4
    oven fried squash on a wooden cutting board
    Went Here 8 This
    Oven Fried Squash
    This crispy Parmesan Oven Fried Squash is an absolute crowd pleaser, perfect for parties, side dishes or a fun movie snack. Easy to make and BAKED, not fried, these little morsels of goodness are highly addictive!
    Oven Fried Squash

    Main Courses

    Summer squash main courses are hearty and filling, showcasing the vegetable's versatility. Whether in casseroles or pasta dishes, these recipes make summer squash the star of the meal, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

    Squash Casserole is a comforting and hearty main course that combines the freshness of summer squash with the rich flavors of sweet onions and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. This dish is easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or potlucks, ensuring everyone gets a satisfying and delicious meal.

    5
    an upclose view of a slice of squash casserole on a plate
    Sparkles to Sprinkles
    Squash Casserole
    Squash casserole is a quick and easy vegetable casserole you can whip up! Summer squash, sweet onions, and more all in a Ritz cracker topped casserole. 
    Squash Casserole
    6
    a bowl of zucchini penne pasta.
    Zucchini Penne Pasta
    Zucchini penne pasta is a vegetarian dinner option perfect for fresh summer squash. It's tangy and perfect for hot summer days when you want to eat a lighter meal.
    Zucchini Penne Pasta
    7
    a pot full of summer squash and zucchini lasagna
    Home Cooked Roots
    Summer Squash and Zucchini Lasagna
    This healthy lasagna is made with spiralized summer squash and zucchini!
    Summer Squash and Zucchini Lasagna
    8
    two zucchini taco boats on a plate with cheese and toppings.
    Instant Pot Taco Zucchini Boats
    Instant Pot Zucchini Boats are a tasty low carb meal that packs flavor and crisp veggies in every bite. Eating healthy never tasted this good. Make the turkey taco meat recipe below or use prepared taco meat you already have on hand.
    Instant Pot Taco Zucchini Boats
    9
    aerial view of a white square baking dish filled with pesto pasta with veggies and squash
    Monica Nedeff
    Pesto Pasta with Veggies
    This one dish basil pesto pasta meal is easy to make in a casserole dish and full of roasted yellow squash, zucchini and tomatoes. 
    Pesto Pasta with Veggies

    Snacks and Appetizers

    Summer squash snacks and appetizers are both tasty and fun. Recipes like fritters and savory pies are great for gatherings or quick bites, offering a delightful twist on traditional snacks.

    Zucchini Fritters are a savory and crispy snack or appetizer that’s gluten-free and easy to make. These fritters are perfect for serving as a snack, side dish, or even a patty for burgers, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.

    10
    a photo of zucchini fritters next to a small bowl of dip
    Deli Crunch
    Zucchini Fritters
    This recipe for zucchini fritters is easy, savory and gluten-free! So crispy fried and perfect for either snacks, sides, or a meal even as a patty for burgers too.
    Zucchini Fritters
    11
    an upclose view of zucchini pie slice
    Sparkles to Sprinkles
    Zucchini Pie
    Zucchini pie is a savory zucchini recipe that is baked in the oven. This zucchini pie recipe takes minutes to prep before you toss it in to bake. 
    Zucchini Pie

    Baked Goods and Desserts

    Baked goods and desserts with summer squash add moisture and a unique flavor twist. From zucchini bread to chocolate chip muffins, these recipes are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, making good use of extra squash.

    Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins are a delightful baked good that combines the moistness of zucchini with the sweetness of chocolate chips. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, offering a tasty way to use up extra zucchini while satisfying your sweet tooth.

    12
    an upclose view of a chocolate zucchini muffin with chocoalte chips in a green muffin liner
    Baking Beauty
    Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
    Moist chocolate muffins filled with 2 different kinds of chocolate chips and zucchini. The perfect way to use up leftover zucchini!
    Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
    13
    sliced amish zucchini bread.
    Amish Zucchini Bread
    Made from scratch (with or without walnuts), this Amish zucchini bread is simple and easy to make. Packed with freshly shredded zucchini and warm cinnamon spice, this bread is perfect for any occasion.
    Amish Zucchini Bread
    14
    sliced zucchini bread.
    Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread
    You're going to love this zucchini bread recipe. Made with fresh zucchini and cinnamon, this is a summer favorite perfect for using up garden zucchini. Recipe makes 1 large loaf.
    Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread
    15
    sliced mini loaf of zucchini bread with two more loaves in background.
    Zucchini Bread Mini Loaves
    Why make one large loaf when you can make several mini zucchini bread loaves? These loaves are fluffy, flavorful, and well spiced. Share them with friends and family as gifts or store some in the freezer for future snacking.
    Zucchini Bread Mini Loaves
    16
    two loaves of snickerdoodle zucchini bread on a cutting board with two fresh zucchini.
    Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread
    Zucchini bread just got a fabulous new upgrade. With this snickerdoodle zucchini bread recipe, you'll find the perfect balance of squash and cinnamon with fabulous crispy cinnamon topping too.
    Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread
    17
    zucchini carrot oatmeal muffins with fresh zucchini and carrots to the sides.
    Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Muffins
    Muffins made with zucchini, carrots, oatmeal, walnuts and bananas are a tasty and healthier treat to snack on. Every bite packs a little sweetness, flavor, fiber, and fruit/veggie combination that works together perfectly. You're going to love these simple breakfast muffins!
    Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Muffins
    18
    three stacked zucchini cookies on a wooden cutting board
    Veggie Desserts
    Zucchini Cookies
    You’ll love these chewy Chocolate Oatmeal Zucchini Cookies! Fresh zucchini is grated up then added to oatmeal cookie dough along with raisins and chocolate chips for a soft cookie with great texture, sweetness, and zucchini!
    Zucchini Cookies

    Specialty Dishes

    Specialty dishes, like savory tarts, offer a refined and unique way to enjoy summer squash. These recipes are perfect for special occasions, impressing guests with creative and flavorful meals.

    Zucchini Galette is a savory freeform tart that stands out as a specialty dish due to its elegant presentation and rich, layered flavors. The combination of a ricotta-based cheese spread and garden-fresh zucchini tossed in garlic olive oil makes this dish a delicious and visually appealing addition to any meal.

    19
    aerial view of slized zucchini galette
    If You Give A Blond a Kitchen
    Zucchini Galette
    Three cheese zucchini galette is a savory freeform tart layered with a ricotta-based cheese spread and garden zucchini tossed in garlic olive oil.
    Zucchini Galette
    20
    a skillet full of calabaitas with cheese
    Maricruz Alvos
    Calabacitas
    Calabacitas is a Mexican traditional dish very simple and delicious. Summer Mexican squash is cooked with tomatoes, onions, peppers and corn, then topped with cheese.
    Calabacitas

    Quick and Easy

    Quick and easy summer squash recipes are ideal for busy days. With minimal prep and cooking time, dishes like instant pot recipes and quick sautés are perfect for weeknight dinners.

    Instant Pot Zucchini Noodles are a quick and easy alternative to traditional pasta, perfect for those on a low-carb diet or anyone looking for a healthy, fast meal. These zoodles are ready in less than 5 minutes, offering a convenient and tasty option for busy weeknights.

    21
    a photo of a bowl of zucchini noodles next to a fork
    Corrie Cooks
    Instant Pot Zucchini Noodles
    Looking for pasta but on a low-carb diet? Try these Instant Pot zucchini noodles. These zoodles are quick (less than 5 minutes) and easy to make, healthy, and have a great taste. 
    Instant Pot Zucchini Noodles
    22
    steamed zucchini and lemon wedges on a plate with a fork.
    Instant Pot Zucchini
    The Instant Pot is a great way to steam your favorite vegetable to perfection. With an easy cooking process and only 2 minutes of actual cooking time, this recipe is as simple as it gets!
    Instant Pot Zucchini
    23
    roasted zucchini on a plate
    Marcellina In Cucina
    Roasted Zucchini
    This roasted zucchini recipe is a crowd pleaser. It’s a quick and easy side dish that teams perfectly with grilled meats and roasts! 
    Roasted Zucchini

    Hopefully, you found some great summer squash recipes to use now and in the future. What's your favorite way to serve up summer squash?

    ❤️ More Delicious Summer Squash Recipes

    • a dinner plate topped with gnocchi with veggies.
      Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Sausage and Vegetables
    • steamed zucchini and lemon wedges on a plate with a fork.
      Instant Pot Zucchini
    • sliced amish zucchini bread.
      Amish Zucchini Bread
    • a bowl of zucchini penne pasta.
      Zucchini Penne Pasta

    If you've given any of these Summer Squash Recipes a try, don't forget to share your experience! Give them a star rating using ⭐️ stars and leave your thoughts in the 📝 comments below. I would truly appreciate it!

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