Sautéed Summer Squash: A Simple & Delicious Side Dish

Summer squash, with its delicate flavor and tender texture, is one of the true joys of the season. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or simply sautéing, this versatile vegetable shines in a variety of dishes. But sometimes, the simplest preparations are the best. This recipe for sautéed summer squash is quick, easy, and highlights the natural sweetness of the squash, making it the perfect side dish for any summer meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Sautéed Summer Squash Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **Versatile:** This dish pairs well with grilled meats, fish, chicken, or can be enjoyed as a light vegetarian meal.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Summer squash is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Summer Squash:** Use a combination of yellow squash and zucchini for the best flavor and color. About 2 pounds is ideal.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor and helps the squash brown nicely.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is essential for adding a savory depth to the dish.
* **Onion:** A small yellow or white onion provides a subtle sweetness and aroma.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Fresh basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley all work well. Choose your favorite or use a combination.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, of course!
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat.
* **Lemon Juice (Optional):** A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a hint of acidity.
* **Parmesan Cheese (Optional):** A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect sautéed summer squash:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Wash the summer squash and zucchini thoroughly. There’s no need to peel them, as the skin is thin and edible.
* Trim the ends of the squash and zucchini.
* Cut the squash and zucchini into ½-inch thick rounds or half-moons. The shape doesn’t matter too much, as long as the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
* Peel and finely chop the onion. You’ll want about ½ cup of chopped onion.
* Mince the garlic. Aim for about 2-3 cloves, depending on your preference.
* Chop the fresh herbs. You’ll need about 1-2 tablespoons of chopped herbs.

**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a skillet with a wide bottom to ensure the squash cooks evenly without overcrowding.
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Add the Squash and Zucchini**

* Add the sliced summer squash and zucchini to the skillet.
* Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Stir well to combine the vegetables with the onion, garlic, and seasonings.

**Step 4: Cook the Squash**

* Cook the squash over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is tender-crisp and lightly browned. This will take about 8-10 minutes.
* Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this will cause the squash to steam instead of sautéing. If necessary, cook the squash in batches.
* The squash is done when it is easily pierced with a fork but still retains a bit of firmness.

**Step 5: Finish and Serve**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Stir in the chopped fresh herbs and lemon juice (if using).
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.
* Transfer the sautéed summer squash to a serving dish.
* Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Sautéed Summer Squash

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Overcrowding will cause the squash to steam instead of sautéing. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh summer squash, garlic, and herbs will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Don’t Overcook the Squash:** The squash should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Cook it until it is easily pierced with a fork but still has a bit of firmness.
* **Adjust the Seasonings:** Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preferences.
* **Get creative with herbs:** Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, oregano, dill or chives to create new flavors.

## Variations and Additions

This sautéed summer squash recipe is delicious as is, but you can also customize it to your liking with these variations and additions:

* **Add Other Vegetables:** Bell peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or corn are all great additions to this dish. Add them to the skillet along with the squash and zucchini.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
* **Make it Creamy:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy texture.
* **Add Cheese:** Feta cheese, goat cheese, or mozzarella cheese are all delicious additions. Crumble or sprinkle the cheese over the squash before serving.
* **Add Nuts:** Toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds add a nice crunch to the dish. Sprinkle them over the squash before serving.
* **Add Bacon or Pancetta:** Cooked and crumbled bacon or pancetta adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish. Add it to the skillet along with the onion and garlic.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite flavor combination. Thyme, oregano, dill, or chives all work well.
* **Make it Vegan:** Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative.

## Serving Suggestions

Sautéed summer squash is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Grilled Meats:** Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or sausages.
* **Grilled Fish:** It’s a perfect complement to grilled salmon, tuna, or mahi-mahi.
* **Roasted Chicken:** It’s a great side dish for a roasted chicken dinner.
* **Pasta Dishes:** Serve it alongside pasta dishes, such as spaghetti aglio e olio or penne alla vodka.
* **Grain Bowls:** Add it to grain bowls with quinoa, farro, or brown rice.
* **Salads:** Toss it into salads for added flavor and nutrients.
* **Eggs:** Serve it with scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas for a healthy breakfast or brunch.
* **Vegetarian Main Courses:** Serve it as a side dish for vegetarian main courses, such as lentil soup or vegetable curry.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover sautéed summer squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the squash in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may become a bit mushy.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 80-120
* Fat: 6-10g
* Saturated Fat: 1-2g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 100-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 5-8g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 2-4g
* Protein: 1-2g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen summer squash?**

A: While fresh summer squash is best, you can use frozen in a pinch. Thaw the squash completely and pat it dry before sautéing. Keep in mind that frozen squash may be a bit softer than fresh.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?**

A: Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and corn are all great additions. Add them to the skillet along with the squash and zucchini.

**Q: How do I prevent the squash from becoming mushy?**

A: Avoid overcrowding the skillet and don’t overcook the squash. Cook it until it is tender-crisp, not mushy.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can make it ahead of time, but it’s best served fresh. The squash may become a bit softer if stored in the refrigerator.

**Q: Can I grill the squash instead of sautéing it?**

A: Yes, grilling is a great option! Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill it over medium heat until tender and slightly charred.

**Q: What are some good herbs to use with summer squash?**

A: Basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, dill, and chives all work well. Choose your favorite or use a combination.

**Q: Can I add cheese to this dish?**

A: Yes, feta cheese, goat cheese, or Parmesan cheese are all delicious additions. Sprinkle the cheese over the squash before serving.

**Q: Is summer squash healthy?**

A: Yes! Summer squash is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. It’s also a good source of fiber.

## Conclusion

This sautéed summer squash recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy way to enjoy the bounty of summer. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you can create a flavorful side dish that will complement any meal. So grab some fresh summer squash and get cooking!

Enjoy!