Easy Stovetop Yellow Squash Recipes: Delicious and Simple Side Dish Ideas

Right, let's chat about yellow squash. Now, I know it might not sound like the most exciting thing in the world, but trust me, this humble little vegetable is a real gem! It's versatile, easy to cook, and absolutely bursting with flavour – especially when you get it right. And the best part? It's so easy to whip up delicious side dishes that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

I've been cooking for ages, and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of making something simple and tasty. You know, the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary genius without actually having to slave over a hot stove for hours on end. And that's exactly what yellow squash is all about – quick, easy, and utterly delicious.

So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a complete beginner in the kitchen, I'm going to share some of my favourite yellow squash recipes that are so simple, even a toddler could handle them. We'll cover everything from basic sautéing to a bit more adventurous stuff, and I'll even throw in some tips and tricks to make your life easier (and your squash even tastier!).

(Part 1) Preparing Your Yellow Squash: The Foundation for Deliciousness

Alright, before we dive into the recipes, let's talk about prepping our star ingredient. You see, a bit of prep goes a long way with yellow squash, and trust me, it's worth the extra effort. Here’s how I like to do it:

1. Choosing the Right Squash

First things first, you want to pick the right yellow squash. Now, I'm a firm believer in fresh, seasonal produce, so whenever possible, I try to grab my squash from a local market. It's just bursting with flavour! But if you can't find fresh, frozen yellow squash works just as well in a pinch. Don't worry about sacrificing flavour, you can still create delicious dishes with frozen squash.

When choosing your squash, look for ones that are firm, with smooth skin and no blemishes. You want them to feel heavy for their size, which means they're packed with moisture and flavour. You can also opt for zucchini, as it's practically interchangeable in recipes! If you can't find yellow squash, zucchini is a great substitute and will provide similar texture and flavour in your dishes.

2. Washing and Trimming

Once you've got your perfect yellow squash, give them a good wash under running water. Then, using a sharp knife, trim off the ends. You don't need to peel the skin, especially if it's young and tender, but if it's a bit tough, feel free to peel it. Just be sure to remove the seeds from the middle, as they can be quite bitter. If you're dealing with larger squash, you can cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon for easier removal.

Now, here's where it gets fun. You can slice your squash into thin rounds, cubes, or even long strips, depending on the recipe. I like to slice them thin, about 1/4 inch thick, as it helps them cook faster and soak up the flavours beautifully. Smaller pieces will also ensure even cooking and prevent parts from becoming mushy while others remain hard. For a more rustic look, you can also try grilling or roasting your squash for added depth of flavour.

(Part 2) The Classic Sauté: A Simple and Versatile Side Dish

Let's kick things off with a classic – sautéed yellow squash. It's incredibly simple, super flavourful, and the perfect accompaniment to almost any dish. So, let's get started!

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for this simple yet delicious side dish:

• 1 pound yellow squash, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or dill)

2. Heat Up Your Pan

First things first, get your trusty pan – I prefer a cast iron skillet for that extra bit of flavour – and place it over medium heat. Add the olive oil to the pan and let it warm up for a minute or so. Make sure the oil is shimmering before you add the squash to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.

3. Time to Sauté

Now, add the sliced yellow squash to the hot pan. Give it a good stir to ensure all the slices are coated with the olive oil. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and turn a lovely golden colour. Don't overcook them, as you want them to retain their vibrant colour and tender texture.

You can tell the squash is cooked when it's slightly translucent and easily pierced with a fork. If it's still crunchy, it needs a bit more time. You can also add a pinch of garlic to the pan for an extra boost of flavour. Just be sure to add it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from burning.

4. Season and Serve

Once the squash is cooked to your liking, season it generously with salt and pepper. You can also add your favourite herbs at this point. Give it a final stir to combine everything nicely, and then you're good to go!

And there you have it! A delicious, flavourful, and easy side dish that'll impress your guests and make your meals even more special. Trust me, you can never go wrong with a classic sautéed yellow squash.

(Part 3) Spice Things Up: A Zesty Lemon and Herb Delight

Now, let's add a little zing to our yellow squash! This recipe is all about bright, citrusy flavours that will awaken your taste buds. Think of it as a sunshiney side dish for a summery feast.

1. What You'll Need

Here's the ingredient list for this zesty delight:

• 1 pound yellow squash, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2. The Sautéing Process

Get your pan nice and hot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for a minute or so. Now, toss in the sliced yellow squash and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're starting to soften and turn golden.

3. The Zesty Finish

While the squash is cooking, combine the chopped parsley, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir everything together to create a vibrant and aromatic sauce. The acidity of the lemon juice will brighten up the squash and balance out its natural sweetness.

Once the squash is cooked, add the herb mixture to the pan, and give it all a good toss to coat the squash evenly. Allow the squash to cook for another minute or so, allowing the flavours to meld together. If you want a bolder lemon flavour, you can add a pinch of lemon zest to the herb mixture.

4. Serving with a Smile

Now you have a bright, fresh, and flavourful side dish that's perfect for summer barbecues, grilled meats, or even just a simple salad. The vibrant colour and fresh herbs will make your plate pop!

And there you have it – a simple but incredibly delicious way to elevate your yellow squash. It's a surefire way to add a touch of brightness and freshness to any meal.

(Part 4) A Sweet and Savoury Surprise: Maple-Glazed Yellow Squash

Now, let's get adventurous with a recipe that's both sweet and savoury – maple-glazed yellow squash. This is a bit of a twist on the classic, adding a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the squash's natural flavour.

1. The Maple-Glazed Magic

For this recipe, you'll need:

• 1 pound yellow squash, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2. Getting That Golden Glaze

Preheat your pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for a minute. Now, toss in the sliced yellow squash and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and turn golden.

3. Mixing the Sweet and Savoury

While the squash is cooking, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This will create a beautiful and flavourful glaze that'll make your squash irresistible. The Dijon mustard adds a tangy element that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup.

4. The Finishing Touches

Once the squash is cooked, pour the glaze over it and give it a good stir to coat everything evenly. Allow it to cook for another minute or two, letting the glaze thicken and caramelize. You'll know it's ready when the glaze starts to bubble and coat the squash beautifully.

Serve it warm, and you'll be amazed at how the sweet and savoury flavours come together. This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, especially if you're looking for a side dish with a touch of something special.

(Part 5) A Comforting Classic: Creamy Yellow Squash Casserole

Now, let's talk comfort food! A creamy yellow squash casserole is the perfect dish for a chilly evening. It's warm, satisfying, and packed with flavour. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover yellow squash.

1. Your Casserole Essentials

Here's what you'll need to create this creamy masterpiece:

• 1 pound yellow squash, sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

2. Layering Flavours

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it with butter. Now, let's start layering! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it's softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the sliced yellow squash and cook for another 5 minutes, or until it starts to soften. You can add a pinch of garlic to the skillet with the onion for a more robust flavour.

3. Creating a Creamy Sauce

While the squash is cooking, make your creamy sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth. This is called a roux, and it will help thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assembling the Casserole

Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked squash and onions in the baking dish. Stir gently to combine everything. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this casserole, but you can experiment with other varieties like Gruyere or Monterey Jack.

Finally, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese. Breadcrumbs will add a crispy texture and a lovely golden brown colour to the top of the casserole. You can also use a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavour.

5. Baking to Perfection

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The result is a warm, comforting casserole that's perfect for a cozy night in.

If you want to make this casserole even more decadent, you can add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each serving. This will add a tangy and creamy element to the dish.

(Part 6) A Crispy and Savoury Delight: Yellow Squash Fritters

Now, let's get a little creative! Yellow squash fritters are a fun, crispy, and flavourful snack or appetizer. They're incredibly easy to make and perfect for a light lunch or a party nibble.

1. The Fritter Formula

Here's what you'll need for these delicious fritters:

• 1 pound yellow squash, grated
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill)
• vegetable oil for frying

2. Mixing It Up

In a large bowl, combine the grated yellow squash, flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, egg, and chopped herbs. Stir everything together until it's well combined. You should have a thick batter, but don't worry if it's a bit runny – it'll thicken up as it cooks. For extra flavour, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.

The grated yellow squash will release some moisture, so if you find the batter is too runny, you can add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a desired consistency. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped into the hot oil.

3. Frying to Perfection

Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle immediately when the batter is added.

Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip the fritters carefully with a spatula to ensure even browning. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the fritters from getting crispy.

4. Enjoying the Crispy Goodness

Remove the fritters from the pan and drain them on paper towels. Serve them warm, with your favourite dipping sauce – I love a simple sour cream and dill dip, but you can get creative with whatever you like.

You can also experiment with other dipping sauces like a spicy ranch dressing, a tangy honey mustard, or even a sweet and sour sauce. The fritters are incredibly versatile, so you can pair them with whatever your taste buds desire.

These fritters are a delightful combination of crispy and soft, with a burst of flavour that's hard to resist. They're a fun and easy way to enjoy yellow squash in a whole new way. You can even serve them as a side dish for a grilled chicken or fish dinner.

(Part 7) A Colourful and Delicious Salad: Yellow Squash and corn salad

Now, let's brighten up our meals with a refreshing and flavourful salad. A yellow squash and corn salad is a perfect summer side dish, bursting with fresh, vibrant colours and flavours.

1. The Salad Lineup

For this salad, you'll need:

• 1 pound yellow squash, sliced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2. Grilling for Extra Flavour (Optional)

If you have a grill, you can add a smoky depth of flavour to your salad. Grill the sliced yellow squash for a few minutes, turning them over to get grill marks on both sides. This will give them a fantastic chargrilled flavour. If you don't have a grill, you can also pan-sear the squash in a hot skillet for a similar effect.

3. Combining the Elements

In a large bowl, combine the sliced yellow squash (grilled or not), corn kernels, red onion, and cilantro. The red onion adds a sharp bite to the salad, while the cilantro provides a refreshing and herbaceous flavour. You can also add other ingredients like chopped bell peppers, avocado, or black beans to make it even more substantial.

4. The Zesty Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until it's well coated. The lime juice provides a bright and tangy flavour, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness.

If you prefer a more intense flavour, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. You can also use a pre-made vinaigrette if you're short on time, but make sure it has a bright and citrusy flavour to complement the salad.

5. A Refreshing Side Dish

Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It's a vibrant, refreshing, and flavourful side dish that's perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any summer gathering. The combination of sweet corn, tangy squash, and spicy onion creates a perfect balance of flavours.

This salad is a testament to how simple yet delicious yellow squash can be. It's a great way to incorporate a vegetable into your diet while enjoying the freshest flavours of summer.

(Part 8) Yellow Squash: A Versatile Kitchen Staple

So there you have it – a collection of easy and delicious yellow squash recipes that are sure to impress your taste buds and your guests! I've covered everything from classic sautéed squash to a creamy casserole and even some fun and flavourful fritters.

The beauty of yellow squash is its versatility. It's incredibly easy to work with and takes on flavours beautifully. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. It's low in calories and a good source of vitamin C and potassium, making it a nutritious choice for any diet.

Now, go forth and experiment! Don't be afraid to get creative with your own flavour combinations. You can add your favourite spices, herbs, and other vegetables to create your own unique yellow squash recipes.

And remember, cooking should be enjoyable! So, put on your favourite tunes, gather your ingredients, and have fun creating delicious dishes that'll make your kitchen sing.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute zucchini for yellow squash in these recipes?

Absolutely! Zucchini and yellow squash are practically interchangeable in most recipes. They have a similar flavour and texture, so feel free to use one in place of the other. You might notice a slight difference in sweetness, with zucchini tending to be a bit milder than yellow squash.

However, if you're looking for a specific flavour profile, you might want to stick with the original ingredient. For example, in the maple-glazed squash recipe, the sweetness of yellow squash complements the maple syrup better than the milder sweetness of zucchini.

2. How can I prevent the yellow squash from getting watery?

A common issue with yellow squash is it can get watery when cooked. To avoid this, try these tips:

• Salt it before cooking: Salt the sliced squash for about 15 minutes before cooking. This will draw out excess moisture. The salt will also help to enhance the flavour of the squash.

• Don't overcrowd the pan: Make sure there's enough space between the squash slices in the pan to allow them to cook evenly without steaming. Overcrowding will trap moisture and make the squash soggy.

• Cook over medium heat: Avoid high heat, as it can cause the squash to release more moisture. Medium heat allows for gentle cooking and prevents the squash from becoming mushy.

• Pat dry before cooking: After salting, pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

3. Can I freeze yellow squash?

Yes, you can freeze yellow squash. First, wash and slice it as you normally would. Then, blanch the slices in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Once they're cool, drain them well and place them in freezer-safe bags. You can use frozen yellow squash in most recipes, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

When using frozen yellow squash, it's important to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in a bowl of cold water for a few hours.

4. What are some other ways to cook yellow squash besides stovetop methods?

Besides stovetop cooking, you can also cook yellow squash in a variety of other ways, including:

• Grilling: Grill sliced yellow squash for a smoky and flavorful addition to salads or side dishes. You can brush the slices with olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, and herbs before grilling.
• Roasting: Roast yellow squash in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and seasonings for a tender and slightly caramelized side dish. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), toss the squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs, and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
• Microwaving: Microwave sliced yellow squash for a quick and easy side dish. Place the slices in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.

5. What are some other recipes I can try using yellow squash?

You can use yellow squash in a wide variety of recipes, beyond just side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Yellow squash soup: A creamy and flavorful soup that's perfect for a chilly evening. You can blend cooked yellow squash with broth, cream, and seasonings for a delicious and healthy soup.

• Yellow Squash Fritters: A fun and crispy snack or appetizer. You can add different herbs and spices to the batter for a variety of flavour combinations.
• Yellow Squash Bread: A sweet and savory bread that's perfect for breakfast or a snack. Yellow squash adds moisture and flavour to quick breads and muffins.
• Yellow Squash Noodles: A healthy and delicious alternative to pasta noodles. You can use a spiralizer to turn yellow squash into long, noodle-like strands. These noodles are a great way to add vegetables to your pasta dishes.

• Yellow Squash Risotto: A creamy and comforting risotto that's packed with flavour. You can use yellow squash as a main ingredient or add it towards the end of cooking for a burst of freshness.

As you can see, yellow squash is a truly versatile vegetable with endless possibilities in the kitchen. So, get creative, have fun, and enjoy the deliciousness!