Who else loves yellow squash? Like zucchini, it starts to take over my fridge at this point in the summer, but I really can’t complain. This tender, sunny summer squash is versatile, nourishing, and super easy to cook. I love to grill it, roast it, and even eat it raw, but lately, I’ve been hooked on this sautéed yellow squash recipe. Yellow squash itself has a mild flavor, so I toss it with a bright herb oil as soon as it comes off the heat. Then, I pile on a savory panko topping for crunch. Just a heads up – this topping is seriously addictive. It’s totally vegan, but thanks to my easy vegan Parmesan, it tastes rich and cheesy. Topped onto the tender, herb-flecked squash, it makes this simple recipe irresistible.
How to Select Summer Squash
Anytime you’re making a simple, produce-forward recipe, the quality of your ingredients counts. You can’t make a great Caprese salad without sweet, tangy tomatoes, and peach cobbler falls flat without juicy peaches. Here, it pays to use the best yellow squash you can find. Look for small or medium-sized yellow squash at the farmers market or grocery store. They should have vibrant, glossy skins and be firm to the touch – soft spots are a sign of rot. Avoid buying summer squash that are particularly long or thick. They’re often bland, with a spongy, seedy, and watery texture. When in doubt, choose the smallest squash available. They’ll have a lightly sweet flavor and firm/tender interior.
How to Cook Yellow Squash
Right now, sautéing is my favorite method for how to cook yellow squash. I love how the veggies become slightly soft and sweet but still retain a nice bite. Here’s how I do it: First, slice the squash into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. If your squash is particularly large, cut the rounds into half-moons.
Then, cook! Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and sauté the squash for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until it softens but still has a nice bite. You don’t want it to become mushy! Finally, season it. Remove the summer squash from the heat and toss it with the herb oil. Sprinkle it with the panko topping and fresh herbs, and enjoy!
Yellow Squash Recipe Serving Suggestions
This sautéed yellow squash recipe is a simple, delicious summer side dish. Serve it with your favorite protein, homemade pizza, eggplant Parmesan, or one of these summer pasta recipes:
Easy Pesto Pasta Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Linguine with Lemon and Tomatoes Creamy Pasta Pomodoro Best Vegetarian Lasagna Or any of these 25 Easy Pasta Recipes!
Round out the meal with homemade focaccia or good crusty bread to sop up any herb oil left on your plate. Enjoy!
More Favorite Summer Squash Recipes
If you love this sautéed yellow squash, try one of these summer squash recipes next:
Baked Zucchini Chips Stuffed Zucchini Boats Zucchini Noodles Crispy Summer Squash Casserole Vegan Pasta Salad Chocolate Zucchini Bread Or any of these 35 Best Zucchini Recipes!
