Summer Squash Recipes (2024)

Credit: Stephen Devries; Food Styling: Erin Merhar

Summer produce is as colorful as it is delicious. A great way to put your garden to use is to grow squash in the summer and the winter. In the sweltering heat, use bright yellow summer squash in a variety of side dishes from cheesy squash casseroles to easy squash sautés. These dishes are easy to assemble, easy to prep, and have a bright and fresh flavor.

Spiralized Squash and Caramelized Onion Galette image

Spiralized Squash and Caramelized Onion Galette Recipe

This savory summer galette is a most delicious way to showcase your bounty of peak season zucchini and yellow squash. Spiralizing summer squash for the filling gives this rustic tart a super fun look—it’s sure to be a stand out addition to any potluck or cookout spread. Accented with savory-sweet caramelized onions and cherry tomatoes, this “zoodle” filled galette is like a slightly more elegant, veggie-forward take on “spaghetti pie.” One spiralizer pro-tip for keeping excess moisture to a minimum: Once you’ve spiralized the zucchini and yellow squash, place the strands into a clean kitchen towel and give it a good squeeze, and then dump them into a colander placed over a large bowl while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

Quick Summer Squash and Bell Pepper Gratin

Quick Summer Squash and Bell Pepper Gratin Recipe

You could also layer sliced tomatoes in between the onion mixture and the squash and bake a few minutes longer.

Sauteed Summer Squash with Thyme and Almonds

Sauteed Summer Squash with Thyme and Almonds Recipe

Cutting the squash into rather thick slices helps it retain a bit of fresh snap after it's sautéed.

Summer Squash and Chicken Chowder

Summer Squash and Chicken Chowder Recipe

This silky, veggie-forward soup is a fantastic way to use up a load of fresh summer squash. This would also work well with zucchini.

Squash-Ribbon Salad with Herbs

Squash-Ribbon Salad with Herbs Recipe

Ethereal squash ribbons plus a simple vinaigrette combine for a salad that takes the edge off soaring summer temperatures. Customize this no-cook side with a generous handful of your favorite herbs—we love the combination here, but sneaking in some cilantro or tarragon would add a flavorful twist. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, toss the squash mixture with some cooked whole wheat penne for a summery pasta supper.

mr- Summer Fresh Zucchini-Squash Zoodles with Shrimp and Green Goddess Dressing

Zoodles with Shrimp and Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

Using a blend of spiralized summer squash and zucchini “noodles,” this light and bright summer entree is as refreshing as they come. We absolutely love the fresh flavors this simple green goddess dressing packs into the dish; any leftover dressing would be great for dipping veggies into for an easy snack. Taking advantage of already steamed shrimp from the seafood counter of your favorite grocery store keeps this vibrant dish entirely no-cook and incredibly speedy. And to save a few extra minutes, you can grab containers of pre-spiralized vegetables from the produce section. In order to prevent sogginess, wait until it’s time to eat before assembling the components of your zoodle bowl.

Squash Casserole

Squash Casserole Recipe

This yellow squash casserole gets added flavor and texture from the French fried onions that are added to the buttery breadcrumb topping.

Summer Squash Salad with Crispy Shallots

Summer Squash Salad with Crispy Shallots Recipe

This raw salad shows off the beauty of a mix of squashes. Investing a little time to salt them, which pulls out moisture, ensures that the dressing doesn't get watered down. If you have zucchini blossoms, tear a few into strips and add them as well.

Summer Veggie Pasta

Summer Veggie Pasta Recipe

No-cook veggies make this easy dish a weeknight favorite. Peeling zucchini and squash into ribbons makes them fun to eat for kids.

Summer Squash and Corn Chowder

Summer Squash and Corn Chowder Recipe

Enjoy a low-caloriesoup in the summertime by making this satisfying chowder with the season's best produce. Top with cheese and bacon for kid appeal.

mr-Herb-Grilled Summer Squash Image

Herb-Grilled Summer Squash Recipe

Grilled vegetables are as essential a part of the outdoor, open-flame cooking experience as any cut of meat. And few vegetables say summer quite like zucchini and yellow summer squash. Dressed in olive oil and an abundance of fresh herbs, this versatile grilled vegetable recipe is perfect for just about any occasion.

Broiled Pork Chops with Basil Butter and Summer Squash

Broiled Pork Chops with Basil Butter and Summer Squash Recipe

The basil butter is the star here: It seasons the pork and adds an herby, rich flavor to the roasted squash.

Stuffed Pattypan Squash with Beef and Feta

Stuffed Pattypan Squash with Beef and Feta Recipe

Feta cheese and fresh dill add a Greek accent to stuffed squash. Pattypan squash make cute, round vessels for this tasty filling, but you can also use zucchini or summer squash.

Summer Squash Salad with Crispy Shallots

Summer Squash Salad with Crispy Shallots Recipe

This raw salad shows off the beauty of a mix of squashes. Investing a little time to salt them, which pulls out moisture, ensures that the dressing doesn't get watered down. If you have zucchini blossoms, tear a few into strips and add them as well.

Tilapia and Summer Squash Tacos

Tilapia and Summer Squash Tacos Recipe

Summer squash adds a fresh seasonal element that makes for a sumptuous fish taco filling. Use Fresno chiles instead of chipotles for less heat.

Halloumi-and-Summer Vegetable Kebabs

Halloumi-and-Summer Vegetable Kebabs Recipe

Firm Halloumi cheese holds up well on the grill and provides a nice contrast to the tender layers of squash on these vegetarian kebabs. Use a Y-shaped vegetable peeler to shave the squash into long, thin strips. Turn these kebabs into a quick panzanella. Removing the cooked ingredients from the skewers and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and toasted bread cubes.

mr-Zucchini-Squash Pickle Relish Image

Zucchini-Squash Pickle Relish Recipe

Got a boatload of zucchini and summer squash? Put it to good use in this deliciously tangy-sweet pickled relish. It’s a delicious accouterment for any number of meat and veggie dishes, but we especially love it spooned right over a grilled hotdog.

Spicy Chicken Thighs with Summer Squash

Stuffed Summer Squash Recipe

A metal cooling rack set in a rimmed baking sheet makes bi-level cooking possible--squash below, chicken above--so the meat's glaze stays nicely charred, while the juices drip into and moisten the squash.

Squash Frittata

Squash Frittata Recipe

Squash Frittata makes a stunning presentation when plated. Fresh summer flavor abounds in every bite.

Minty Grilled Summer Squash image

Minty Grilled Summer Squash Recipe