How to Cook Yellow Squash

5 from 12 votes
9 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy.

Yellow squash is an easy, healthy summer veggie side dish that can be roasted, boiled (or steamed), grilled, sautéed, or even fried in the air fryer!

Grilled, roasted, sautéed, and air fried squash on separate plates

Yellow squash is a great way to add some color to your plate. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, beta-carotene, folate, and potassium. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal: you can make it into a salad, toss it in with some pasta or rice and veggies, add it to soup—you name it!

Our yellow squash recipe is also versatile enough that it pairs well with nearly any main course. With its mild flavor and tender texture, yellow squash can add a hint of sweetness to your meal without overpowering it. Plus, if you’re looking for a way to sneak some veggies into kids’ diets, this is an excellent option!

A yellow crookneck squash and two straight neck squash on a table


Types of Yellow Squash

When someone refers to “summer squash” they are most likely referring to the yellow variety. These come in two common types. Straight-neck and Crookneck. Either of these varieties can be used in the recipes below. They taste similar, but there are a few different subtle differences:

  • Straightneck – More commonly found in stores. It has a thinner, smoother skin than crookneck varieties. It has a mild, smooth flavor.
  • Crookneck – Has a slightly thicker, bumpier skin. It often grows with a more pronounced, bulbous end and a crook-neck (hence the name) near the stem, but can sometimes grow with a straighter neck (like the picture above). The flavor is a little nuttier than the straight neck varieties and, because of the thicker, waxier skin, it could take longer to cook.

Yellow Squash Nutrition

Yellow squash is a great, nutritious vegetable (well, technically a fruit, but we won’t get into formalities) that is high in Vitamin C, Vitamin B-6, and Potassium. It is also low carb (7g*), low calorie (31 calories*), and has 2.2g of fiber*. It’s great vegetable for those practicing a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
*based on a medium sized squash according to the USDA.

Close up of a slice of sautéed yellow squash with seasoning

Ingredients Needed to Cook Squash

For all of the cooking methods below, you really only need these few simple ingredients.

  • yellow squash (medium-sized)
  • butter (or olive oil)
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

6 Easy Ways to Cook Yellow Squash

There are so many different ways to cook up squash. It can be roasted, steamed, sautéed, grilled, baked, fried, or even air fried. Here are our four favorite easy methods of cooking yellow summer squash:

Roasted (or Baked) Yellow Squash

Cut in half, slice or cut into pieces. Brush with olive oil and season with salt. Place on a single payer on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 400-degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Throw some other veggies on there to make a delicious roasted vegetable medley.

Sautéed Squash

Slice or cut into smaller pieces and sauté in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes or until tender. We like to sauté the squash in butter but vegetable oil or avocado oil work great too. Season with salt or seasoning (see ideas below).

Boiled Yellow Squash

Cut the squash into rounds or chunks. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the squash and cook for 5-6 minutes until it’s tender but not mushy. Drain and season as desired.

Steamed Squash

Slice the squash and place it in a microwave-safe bowl with a bit of water. Cover and microwave for 3-5 minutes, checking for tenderness. Alternatively, use a stovetop steamer by boiling water in a saucepan, placing the squash in a steamer basket, and steaming for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Grilled Squash

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 Fryer Yellow Squash

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.

A close up of vegetable seasoning for squash

Add Some Toppings or Mix-Ins

Now here’s the fun part. I love topping my cooked squash with fun toppings and seasonings to add some variety. Of course you can never go wrong with simply seasoning with salt and pepper. Sometimes you just want to bring out the natural flavors, and that’s totally fine. But sometimes, it’s fun to try something new. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up:

  • Seasoned Panko Breadcrumbs: Try adding a crispy panko topping after cooking. If you are baking, roasting, or air-frying your squash you can add the breadcrumbs beforehand. Just add a little oil or cooking spray over the top to help the breadcrumbs stay put. Sprinkle on some garlic salt and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for some added color and flavor.
  • Flaked Parmesan Cheese: This is such a quick and easy way to add some extra flavor. Simply sprinkle on a generous amount of parmesan cheese before serving (not the powdered kind, try to use the shredded or flaked). If parmesan isn’t your favorite you could also try cheddar cheese or mozzarella.
  • Feta or Goat Cheese: Crumbled feta or creamy goat cheese can add a creamy and tangy element.
  • Grill Seasoning: My favorite grill seasoning to put on this squash is the Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Blend seasoning (see above). I found this stuff at Costco and I find myself putting it on EVERYTHING. It gives the squash a nice boost of flavor. If you want to go all-out, add this seasoning, THEN sprinkle with breadcrumbs AND parmesan cheese. I’m telling you, it’s heavenly.
  • Bacon or Pancetta: Crispy bacon or pancetta bits can infuse the squash with a smoky, savory taste.
  • Sautéed Onions: Sauté onions alongside the yellow squash for added depth and sweetness.
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add creaminess and a hint of tang.
Summer and winter squash varieties including butternut, yellow, pumpkin, zucchini, acorn, and spaghetti squash

Learn How to Cook All Squash Varieties

Now that you are a pro at cooking yellow squash, why not try your hand at some more varieties? Check out our post on How to Cook Squash: An Easy Guide to Common Varieties. You will learn how to cook summer AND winter squash varieties including acorn quash, butternut squash, zucchini, and more! And don’t forget our easy guide on how to cook spaghetti squash, specifically. Since we have 4 different ways to cook spaghetti squash, including recipes, we felt it needed its own post.

Ratatouille right before it goes in the oven so the veggies are still raw.

Squash Casserole or Ratatouille

Try your summer squash in a casserole, like this easy Parmesan Squash Casserole or our flavorful Ratatouille recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many carbs in yellow squash?

According to the USDA, there are 7g of carbs in one medium-sized yellow squash.

What’s the difference between yellow squash and summer squash?

Yellow squash is a type of summer squash. Not all summer squash is yellow, however. Zucchini, for example, is a type of summer squash, even though it is not yellow.

What should I do with leftovers?

Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Read Next: Easy Dinner Ideas

More Easy Squash Recipes

What to Serve with Yellow Squash

Squash is a great side dish, especially in the summer and fall. But what recipes go well with squash? What can it complement? Here are some of our favorite main dish ideas:

How to Cook Yellow Squash

4 plates of yellow Summer squash seasoned with breadcrumbs, salt, seasoning, and parmesan cheese

How To Cook Yellow Squash (6 Easy Ways)

5 from 12 votes
Yellow squash is an easy, healthy summer veggie side dish that can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, steamed, boiled, or even fried in the air fryer!
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Video

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Wash and dry squash and cut into 1/2" slices. Choose a method to prepare. *See boiling and steaming instructions in the notes below
    Two yellow Summer squash on a cutting board, one has been sliced half-way through

To Roast (or Bake):

  • Brush with olive oil and season with salt. Bake at 400-degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
    Sliced Summer squash on a baking sheet with olive oil ready to be roasted

To Sauté:

  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add squash slices. Sauté for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
    Sliced yellow squash being sautéed in a skillet

To Grill:

  • Brush with butter or oil grill for 5 minutes per side or until tender. Season with salt with each turn.
    Yellow squash being grilled on a grill

To Air Fry:

  • 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.
    Sliced squash in an air fryer ready to be cooked

Notes

*To Boil:

Cut the squash into rounds or chunks. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the squash and cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s tender but not mushy. Drain and season as desired.
*To Steam:
Slice the squash and place it in a microwave-safe bowl with a bit of water. Cover and microwave for 3-5 minutes, checking for tenderness. Alternatively, use a stovetop steamer by boiling water in a saucepan, placing the squash in a steamer basket, and steaming for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Recipe Tips:

I love topping my cooked squash with fun toppings and seasonings to add some variety. Of course you can never go wrong with simply seasoning with salt and pepper. Sometimes you just want to bring out the natural flavors, and that’s totally fine. But sometimes, it’s fun to try something new. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up:
    • Seasoned Panko Breadcrumbs – You can add the breadcrumbs after cooking, or if you are baking, roasting, or air-frying your squash you can add the breadcrumbs beforehand. Just add a little oil or cooking spray over the top to help the breadcrumbs stay put.
    • Flaked Parmesan Cheese – This is such a quick and easy way to add some extra flavor. Simply sprinkle on a generous amount of parmesan cheese before serving (not the powdered kind, try to use the shredded or flaked).
    • Grill Seasoning – My favorite grill seasoning to put on this squash is the Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Blend seasoning (see above). I found this stuff at Costco and I find myself putting it on EVERYTHING. It gives the squash a nice boost of flavor. If you want to go all-out, add this seasoning, THEN sprinkle with breadcrumbs AND parmesan cheese. I’m telling you, it’s heavenly.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 71kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 53mgPotassium: 344mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 436IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg

Love this recipe?

We want to hear from you! Please leave a review.

Rate and Review



Share This With the World

PinYummly

About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and her three beautiful girls. Beyond the world of recipes, she loves adventuring with everything from kayaking, to cruising, to snowboarding and taking the family along for the thrill ride.

More about Erica Walker
5 from 12 votes (8 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How many stars would you give this recipe?




Comments

  1. I love squash boiled with onions, drain the water and place the squash mixture in another container to keep hot, cook hot Italian sausage, when done, add the squash mixture back and sauté for about 10 minutes. You can also use, flour or cornstarch mixture to add, as the squash is watery, to make gravy. I don’t add any seasonings, as this mixture has it already, especially with the hot sausage.

  2. One more way to use yellow squash: boil squash and onion and drain well. Mix one can Cream of Chicken Soup with 8 oz. carton of sour cream. Toss Pepperidge Farm herb Stuffing mix with butter.
    Mix squash and sour cream and soup together. Layer squash with stuffing mix and bake. More like a souffle but so good.

  3. I went to thr farmers market last Thursday, brought some yellow squash, after I got home I didn’t know what I was going to do with it because I’m not a very good cook. but, I surprised myself. I followed one of your receipt and it turned’ out delicious.

  4. 5 stars
    I have learned to love squash!! It has become one of my favorites to eat & use in recipes. When I am wanting to eat healthier, I will substitute the pasta with squash. These tips help for sure!

  5. 5 stars
    I have an abundance of squash right now. So many ways to prepare it. Can’t wait to try them all.