Yellow squash is a versatile vegetable that adds color and nutrition to many dishes. It’s easy to grow and cook, making it a popular choice for summer meals. You can prepare yellow squash in many ways, from grilling to roasting to sautéing.
These 15 yellow squash recipes will give you new ideas for using this tasty vegetable. You’ll find options for side dishes, main courses, and even desserts. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to bring to a potluck, you’ll find a recipe here that fits your needs.

1. Grilled Yellow Squash with Garlic and Herbs
Grilled yellow squash is a tasty summer side dish. You can make it easily on your outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan.
Start by slicing the squash into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds or strips. Mix olive oil with garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano, basil, or rosemary in a bowl.
Coat the squash slices with the herb mixture. Grill them on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re tender and have nice char marks.
This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of yellow squash. The herbs and garlic add great flavor, while grilling gives a nice smoky touch.

2. Yellow Squash Casserole
Yellow squash casserole is a tasty way to use up summer squash. You’ll need yellow squash, onions, cheese, and crackers.
Start by cooking sliced squash and onions until tender. Drain the excess liquid. Mix the vegetables with eggs, cheese, milk, and mayonnaise.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top it with crushed crackers for a crunchy finish.
Bake the casserole at 350-400°F until it’s golden and bubbly. This dish is perfect as a side for barbecues or family dinners.
You can customize it by adding different cheeses or herbs. It’s an easy recipe that even picky eaters might enjoy.

3. Roasted Yellow Squash Soup
Roasted yellow squash soup is a tasty way to use up summer squash. You start by roasting the squash in the oven at 350°F for about 40 minutes.
Toss the squash with a bit of cinnamon before baking for extra flavor. Stir it every 10-15 minutes while it roasts.
Once roasted, transfer the squash to a pot on the stove. Add vegetable stock and simmer until the squash is very soft, about 15-20 minutes.
Blend the soup until smooth. You can use an immersion blender or regular blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

4. Yellow Squash and Zucchini Fritters
Yellow squash and zucchini fritters are a tasty way to use up summer squash. To make them, grate the squash and mix with flour, egg, and seasonings.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and flatten them slightly.
Cook for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
These fritters are crispy on the outside and tender inside. They make a great side dish or light meal. You can add herbs or cheese for extra flavor.

5. Yellow Squash Bread
Yellow squash bread is a tasty way to use up extra summer squash. It’s similar to zucchini bread but with a slightly different flavor.
To make it, you’ll need yellow squash, flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Grate the squash first.
Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them. Fold in the grated squash last.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for about an hour.
The result is a moist, sweet bread perfect for breakfast or snacking. You can add nuts or pineapple for extra flavor if you like.

6. Parmesan Crusted Yellow Squash
This tasty dish turns yellow squash into a crispy, cheesy delight. Start by slicing your squash into thin rounds. Toss the slices with oil and seasonings in a bowl.
Spread grated Parmesan cheese on a baking sheet. Place the seasoned squash slices on top of the cheese. Sprinkle more Parmesan and some parsley over the squash.
Bake at 425°F (220°C) until the squash is tender and the cheese is golden brown. The result is a crispy, flavorful side dish that’s sure to impress.
You can adjust the seasonings to your taste. Try adding garlic powder or Italian herbs for extra flavor. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for using up summer squash.

7. Stuffed Yellow Squash Boats
Stuffed yellow squash boats are a tasty way to enjoy summer squash. Cut yellow squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. This creates a “boat” shape perfect for filling.
To prepare, microwave or roast the squash halves until tender. While they cook, make a flavorful stuffing. Mix breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and cooked vegetables like onions and tomatoes.
Spoon the stuffing into the squash boats. Top with extra cheese if you like. Bake or air fry until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown.
These stuffed squash boats work great as a side dish or light meal. You can customize the fillings based on your tastes and what’s in your fridge.

8. Yellow Squash and Corn Chowder
This summer soup combines the best flavors of the season. Yellow squash and fresh corn create a sweet, creamy base.
Add crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor. The bacon adds a salty crunch, while the cheese melts into the warm soup.
You can use both whole corn kernels and pureed corn to vary the texture. Fresh herbs like green onions or chives brighten up the dish.
This chowder is filling enough for a light meal. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping. It’s a great way to use up extra squash and corn from your garden or farmers market.

9. Yellow Squash Stir-Fry
Yellow squash stir-fry is a quick and tasty dish you can make in minutes. Start by slicing your yellow squash into thin rounds.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash along with other veggies like zucchini, carrots, and onions.
Stir-fry the vegetables until they’re tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or broth near the end of cooking. Serve your stir-fry hot as a side dish or over rice for a light meal.

10. Yellow Squash and Sausage Skillet
This tasty one-pan meal combines yellow squash with savory sausage. Start by browning your favorite sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the sausage is cooked, add sliced yellow squash to the pan. Toss in some diced onions and minced garlic for extra flavor.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook everything together until the squash is tender but still has a slight crunch.
For a heartier meal, you can add cooked pasta or rice to the skillet. Stir it all together and top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

11. Yellow Squash Gratin
Yellow squash gratin is a tasty side dish that’s perfect for summer. To make it, slice yellow squash thinly and layer it in a baking dish.
Mix cream, garlic, and herbs for added flavor. Pour this mixture over the squash slices. Top with grated cheese like Parmesan or Gruyere.
Bake the gratin in a hot oven until the squash is tender and the top is golden brown. The cheese will form a delicious crust.
This dish works well alongside grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course. You can also add zucchini for more color and variety.

12. Yellow Squash and Basil Pasta
Yellow squash and basil pasta is a tasty summer dish. To make it, slice yellow squash into thin rounds.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the squash with garlic. Add fresh basil for extra flavor.
Cook your favorite pasta according to package directions. Toss the cooked pasta with the squash mixture.
For added protein, you can include Italian sausage or chicken. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights. It uses fresh ingredients and comes together in about 30 minutes.

13. Yellow Squash Pancakes
Yellow squash pancakes are a tasty way to use up extra summer squash. To make them, slice yellow squash and cook it in boiling water for about 5 minutes until tender.
Drain and mash the cooked squash. Mix it with flour, eggs, and seasonings to form a batter. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot pan. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels before serving.
These savory pancakes make a great side dish or light meal. You can add herbs or cheese for extra flavor. Serve them warm with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.

14. Yellow Squash Tacos
Yellow squash makes a tasty and fresh filling for tacos. You can easily add it to your next taco night for a vegetarian twist.
Slice yellow squash thinly and cook it in a pan until tender. Season with salt, chili powder, and cumin for classic taco flavors.
Load the cooked squash into warm tortillas. Top with your favorite taco fixings like cheese, salsa, and cilantro.
For extra protein, add some black beans to the squash filling. A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors.
These tacos are light yet satisfying. They’re perfect for using up extra summer squash from your garden or farmers market haul.

15. Yellow Squash and Chickpea Salad
This fresh summer salad combines yellow squash with protein-packed chickpeas. It’s a perfect light lunch or side dish for warm days.
Start by slicing yellow squash into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler or mandoline. Add drained chickpeas to a bowl with the squash ribbons.
Whisk together a simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like basil or mint. Pour it over the squash and chickpeas, then toss gently to coat.
For extra flavor and crunch, sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds. You can also add crumbled feta cheese if you like.
Serve this refreshing salad chilled or at room temperature. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it great for meal prep.
Nutritional Benefits of Yellow Squash
Yellow squash packs a nutritional punch. It’s low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals. This veggie can be a great addition to your healthy diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Yellow squash is full of important nutrients. It’s high in vitamin C, which helps your immune system. You’ll also get vitamin A for good eyesight. The squash has B vitamins like folate and riboflavin too. These help your body make energy.
For minerals, yellow squash gives you potassium. This helps control your blood pressure. You’ll also get some magnesium, which is good for your bones.
Yellow squash has antioxidants like beta-carotene. These fight harmful molecules in your body. Eating foods with antioxidants may lower your risk of some diseases.
Low-Calorie Option
If you’re watching your weight, yellow squash is a smart choice. One cup of sliced yellow squash has only about 18 calories. It’s also low in carbs and has no fat.
The squash is mostly water, which helps fill you up. It has some fiber too. Fiber makes you feel full and aids digestion.
You can eat a lot of yellow squash without adding many calories to your diet. This makes it great for weight loss or maintenance. Try using it in place of higher-calorie foods in your meals.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
Yellow squash is easy to cook and very versatile. Here are some helpful tips to make the most of this tasty vegetable in your kitchen.
Best Practices for Sautéing
Cut your yellow squash into even slices or cubes before sautéing. This helps it cook evenly. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed.
Add the squash to the hot pan in a single layer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring to get a nice golden brown color. Then flip or stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper at the end of cooking. You can also add garlic, herbs, or lemon juice for extra flavor. Don’t overcook – the squash should still have a slight crunch.
Grilling Yellow Squash
Grilling gives yellow squash a smoky flavor and nice grill marks. Start by slicing the squash lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick planks. Brush both sides with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the squash slices directly on the grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until tender with grill marks.
You can also use a grill basket for smaller pieces. Cut the squash into rounds and toss with oil and seasonings. Cook in the basket for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme before grilling. A squeeze of lemon juice after cooking brightens the flavor.
Storage and Preservation
Yellow squash can stay fresh for days or months with proper storage. Refrigeration works well for short-term use, while freezing keeps squash edible much longer.
Refrigeration
Put unwashed yellow squash in a plastic bag with small holes. Place the bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. This keeps the squash fresh for about 5-7 days. Don’t wash squash before storing, as extra moisture can lead to mold.
Only wash your squash right before you plan to use it. Check stored squash every few days. Remove any that show signs of decay to prevent it from spreading.
Freezing Methods
Freezing lets you enjoy yellow squash long after summer ends. Start by washing and slicing the squash into 1/4-inch rounds. Blanch the slices in boiling water for 3 minutes, then cool them quickly in ice water.
Pat the squash dry and lay the pieces on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer the frozen slices to freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label with the date and use within 8-12 months for best quality.