Summer in the South means a veggie invasion – that period in July and August when everyone is looking for ways to use up summer squash and zucchini. I know my garden is overrun with it, and my friends, family and coworkers are just as squashed out as I am (as in, eating it at every meal).
But if you’re going to be eating a lot of something, it might as well be squash. Raw yellow summer squash has virtually no calories – a whole cup has just 18 calories and 1 fat calorie (though that doesn’t count the ranch dressing that I like to dip it in) – and it’s a great source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps promote healing in skin, bones and connective tissue. Cooking the squash doubles the calories, but with just 36 calories in a cup, it certainly is one of the healthier options you can enjoy.
So if you’re looking for some creative ways to put your squash harvest to good use this summer, consider five of our favorite ideas:
Slice Squash Into Noodles
If you’re looking for a healthier pasta replacement, there’s no doubt you’re familiar with the technique of spiralizing squash and zucchini into fine ribbons or “noodles.” Even if you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a normal vegetable peeler to create these long strips of squash, which you can boil and top with pasta sauce or create a Zucchini Noodle Salad. Just don’t forget to drain them first – especially if you’re making our Zucchini Noodle Skillet Lasagna.
Fry Squash Into Fritters or Croquettes
Hands down, this is one of our most popular summer recipes. Even if your family isn’t a huge fan of squash, they won’t even know that’s the secret ingredient in these fried croquettes. For picky eaters, add aioli or even ketchup as a dipping sauce.
Yellow Squash Fritters (Croquettes) Perfect Summer Side
FAQ
How do you use a lot of squash?
What can I do with squash to preserve?
Can you freeze squash?
What to do with old squash?
Make Squash Kid-Friendly Turn boring old squash into fun shapes, like these zucchini boats. You can stuff them with anything – we like this taco-inspired combination of rice, salsa and chickpeas. Add a toothpick to create a fun tomato “sail.” 5. Diversify Your Squash Recipe Repertoire
how do I prepare yellow squash?
Roasted (or Baked) – Cut in half, slice or cut into pieces. Brush with olive oil and season with salt. Bake at 400-degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Throw some other veggies on there to make a delicious roasted vegetable medley. Sautéed – Slice or cut into smaller pieces and sauté in butter over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Season with salt or seasoning (see ideas below). Grilled – Cut into thick slices or wedges. Brush with vegetable oil and grill for 5 minutes per side or until tender. Season with salt with each turn. Air Fried – Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Air fry at 375-degrees for 8 minutes, flipping half-way through. Season more after flipping if needed.
What can you eat with squash?
Whether roasted, sautéed, or grilled, all varieties of squash are strong contenders for a side dish that can partner with almost anything. But that’s just the beginning when it comes to squash recipes, because these vegetables can be baked into casseroles, cooked with pasta, simmered into soup, tossed into salads, and so much more.
What can I do with butternut squash?
The sweet squash pairs so well with savory curry powder in my silky smooth hummus recipe. You can also use butternut squash in veggie burger recipes, in soup recipes, in pasta sauce, or by just adding the roasted cubes to your favorite pasta dish.