33 Best Summer Squash Recipes That Are So Darn Gourd
Veggie-packed ideas, right this way.
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It shouldn’t be too hard to guess when summer squash is in season, so when the weather heats up add these tasty summer squash recipes to your weekly repertoire. Just like with corn recipes, tomato recipes, and other summer veggies, you can make summer squash the star of your next backyard cookout. Here, you'll find quick summer pasta recipes, easy dinner ideas, grilling recipes to try all season long.
What is summer squash? Technically speaking, it includes a few different types of squash: yellow squash, pattypan, and, of course, zucchini. Luckily, they all have the same characteristics (soft, edible skin and mild flavor) so you can use whichever you have on hand. So don't fret if you're craving a zucchini recipe and only have yellow squash in the garden. Simply swap one for the other.
All of these summer squash recipes cook up quickly. For an easy family dinner, try Ree Drummond's pasta with zucchini pesto, grilled veggie burritos, or the summer squash vegetable soup that's ready in just 30 minutes. Looking for a side dish for your Fourth of July menu? A Southern classic like the squash casserole with buttery cracker topping is sure to be a hit. At the end of the day, you may find yourself with way too much squash. The good news is you can always freeze your summer squash or make a batch or two of homemade zucchini bread.
Greek Chicken Kebabs
Oh, what a sprinkle of lemon-pepper seasoning can do. These chicken, zucchini, and onion skewers are grilled to perfection and get even better with a side of soft pita bread.
Get Ree's Greek Chicken Kebabs recipe.
Veggie Stir-Fry
Ree says, "I could eat it every day for the rest of my life." And you'll see why. Zucchini, broccoli, peppers, baby corn, and onions get a flavor boost from soy sauce, fresh ginger, and spicy Sriracha.
Get Ree's Veggie Stir-Fry recipe.
Sheet-Pan Ranch Pork and Veggies
The secret to this quick and flavorful meal? A packet of ranch dressing mix. It not only makes the juicy pork chops taste amazing, but the squash, peppers, and onions on the side, too.
Get Ree's Sheet-Pan Ranch Pork and Veggies recipe.
Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini is so versatile that it can even substitute for noodles if you're looking for something low in carbs but big on flavor. The spicy peppers will take care of that.
Get Ree's Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles recipe.
Stuffed Zucchini
Make summer squash the star of the dinner table with this stuffed zucchini recipe. It's loaded with spicy Italian sausage and crispy breadcrumbs for flavor and texture.
Get the Stuffed Zucchini recipe.
Fried Zucchini
Here's a fun way to cook zucchini: fry it! The crispy zucchini sticks are sort of like a twist on veggie fries.
Get the Fried Zucchini recipe.
Beef-Vegetable Kebabs
Tender veggies like zucchini or yellow squash cook up in the same amount of time as the tomatoes, onions, and steak so they're perfect for adding to skewers on the grill.
Get Ree's Beef-Vegetable Kebabs recipe.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is the ultimate summer side dish, so it only makes sense to load it up with fresh seasonal veggies too. You can use either yellow squash or zucchini, bell peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes.
Get the Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe.
Vegetable Lasagna
Swap out the meat for this vegetarian lasagna instead. But don't worry it's still loaded with good stuff like cheese, sauce, and tons of summer veggies.
Get Ree’s Vegetable Lasagna recipe.
Squash Casserole
This Southern classic is a creamy, cheesy potluck favorite. The buttery cracker topping really takes it over the top.
Get the Squash Casserole recipe.
Zucchini Fritters
We love using grated or spiralized zucchini to make the crispy, craggily edges of these veggie fritters. It's perfect for a weeknight side dish or a party appetizer.
Chili-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
You can use zucchini or yellow squash to make these cute veggie boats. Either one will work as a vessel for holding the delicious ground beef and poblano chili filling.
Get Ree's Chili-Stuffed Zucchini Boats recipe.
Rigatoni with Summer Vegetables
This light summer pasta is a great way to showcase the best of garden-fresh produce like yellow squash, corn, basil, and dill. Don't forget to add some cracked black pepper and parmesan on top for extra flavor.
Get Ree's Rigatoni with Summer Vegetables recipe.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Pair this creamy, comforting casserole with your favorite grilled meats and dinner is served. It has a crispy panko breadcrumb topping that everyone in the family will love.
Get the Cheesy Zucchini Casserole recipe.
Zucchini Bread
This might just be the quick-bread of all quick-breads. It's perfect for using up a surplus of zucchini and it's a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies.
Get the Zucchini Bread recipe.
Pasta with Zucchini Pesto
This recipe uses summer squash two ways: zucchini in the pesto and sautéed yellow squash mixed in with the pasta.
Get Ree's Pasta with Zucchini Pesto recipe.
Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles
Here's a fun way to transform your summer squash: turn it into noodles. You can spiralize the zucchini or yellow squash, or use a vegetable peeler to shave it into ribbons.
Get Ree's Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles recipe.
End-of-Summer Quinoa Salad
This simple grain salad gets an extra boost of flavor from the curry vinaigrette. It'll get everyone excited about eating salad.
Get the End-of-Summer Quinoa Salad recipe.
Summertime Shrimp Pizza
Take pre-made pizza dough and give it the gourmet treatment with zucchini, corn, shrimp, cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh basil. It'll cook up in less than ten minutes!
Get the Summertime Shrimp Pizza recipe.
Roasted Zucchini and Eggplant Puttanesca Pasta
Briny, savory, and fresh all at the same time, this filling pasta dish is perfect for a casual dinner any night of the week. If you want to add some protein to complete the meal, try chicken.
Get the Roasted Zucchini and Eggplant Puttanesca Pasta recipe.
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