What Can You Do With Summer Squash

You can do a lot with summer squash, and once you realize how versatile it is, you’ll want to keep a few on your counter all season long.
 
Summer squash is one of those garden gifts that keeps on giving, and there are so many ways to use it that you’ll never get bored.
 
From simple weeknight dinners to creative baked goods, summer squash can do way more than just sit in a veggie drawer.
 
In this post, we’ll look at what you can do with summer squash, including cooking methods, preserving ideas, and a few surprising tricks.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

What Can You Do With Summer Squash?

You can do just about anything with summer squash, and that’s the honest truth.
 
It’s mild, tender, and soaks up flavors beautifully, which makes it one of the most flexible vegetables in the kitchen.
 
Here are the best things you can do with summer squash:
 

1. Sauté It as a Quick Side Dish

One of the easiest things you can do with summer squash is slice it and sauté it in a hot pan.
 
A little olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper is really all you need.
 
It cooks in about five to seven minutes, so it’s perfect for a fast weeknight side.
 
You can also add onions, cherry tomatoes, or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
 

2. Grill It for Smoky Flavor

Grilling is another great thing you can do with summer squash.
 
Cut it into thick planks or halves, brush with oil, and toss it on a hot grill.
 
The high heat brings out a smoky sweetness that pairs well with almost any main dish.
 
Just keep an eye on it because summer squash cooks fast and can go from perfect to mushy in a minute.
 

3. Bake It Into Casseroles

You can also do a lot with summer squash by baking it into cheesy casseroles.
 
Layer slices with tomatoes, onions, and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
 
This is a classic way to use up a big harvest, and it freezes well too.
 

4. Turn It Into Noodles

If you’re watching carbs, you can do something fun with summer squash by spiralizing it into noodles.
 
Zucchini noodles, often called zoodles, work great as a pasta swap.
 
Just sauté them briefly or eat them raw with your favorite sauce.
 

5. Add It to Soups and Stews

Summer squash also works well in soups and stews.
 
It softens nicely and thickens the broth without overpowering other ingredients.
 
Toss it in near the end of cooking so it keeps some texture.
 

Creative Ways to Use Summer Squash

Beyond the basics, there are plenty of creative things you can do with summer squash that might surprise you.
 
Here are a few ideas worth trying:
 

1. Bake It Into Bread and Muffins

You can do wonders with summer squash in baked goods.
 
Grated squash adds moisture to breads, muffins, and cakes without changing the flavor much.
 
It’s a sneaky way to get extra veggies into picky eaters.
 

2. Stuff It With Fillings

Another thing you can do with summer squash is hollow it out and stuff it.
 
Fill zucchini boats with rice, meat, or beans, then bake until tender.
 
It’s a fun presentation and a complete meal in one.
 

3. Pickle It

Pickling is a great way to use summer squash when you have too much.
 
Slice it thin, add vinegar, salt, and herbs, and let it sit in the fridge.
 
The result is a tangy, crunchy topping for sandwiches and salads.
 

4. Freeze It for Later

You can also do a lot with summer squash by freezing it.
 
Grate it, squeeze out the excess water, and pack it into freezer bags.
 
Later, you can toss it into soups, sauces, or baked goods whenever you need it.
 

Tips for Cooking With Summer Squash

No matter what you decide to do with summer squash, a few tips will help you get the best results.
 
First, choose squash that’s firm and heavy for its size.
 
Second, don’t overcook it because it turns mushy fast.
 
Third, salt it before cooking to draw out extra moisture, especially for fritters and casseroles.
 
And finally, don’t peel it unless the skin is tough.
 
The skin holds nutrients and helps the squash keep its shape.
 

So, What Can You Do With Summer Squash?

You can do just about anything with summer squash, from sautéing and grilling to baking, stuffing, and pickling.
 
It’s one of the most forgiving and versatile vegetables you can grow or buy.
 
Whether you’re drowning in a garden harvest or just picked up a few at the store, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy them.
 
Hopefully, this post gave you plenty of ideas for what you can do with summer squash.
 
Now go grab a skillet and put that squash to work.