Sautéed Yellow Squash with Garlic Lemon and Herbs

Need to know how to cook yellow squash This easy sautéed squash recipe with garlic lemon and herbs is ready in 20 mins A bright tasty side dish Get the recipe ... Quick & Easy Weeknight Meals
Recipe Introduction: Let's Talk Squash!
Ever wondered what to do with that yellow squash staring back at you from the fridge? Honestly, sometimes I look at a pile of veggies and just blank.
But fear not, because this sautéed squash recipe is about to become your new favourite quick side. Think sunshine-y flavors and a dish that's ready faster than you can say "Zucchini And Yellow Squash Recipe!"
This dish, inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, is super simple. How to cook yellow squash without any fuss? That’s the goal.
It's all about highlighting fresh ingredients. This recipe for squash is ready in about 22 minutes. This recipe yields about 4 servings and is perfect for a family dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe For Squash
One of the best things is that this dish is packed with nutrients. Squash is a good source of Vitamin C, you know? Plus, it’s just so darn tasty! It’s fantastic for a light lunch, or as a side with grilled chicken or fish.
What makes this quick squash side dish so special? It's the combination of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. It’s like a little party in your mouth!
Get Ready to Sauté!
This isn't your grandma's boring yellow squash dishes . We are going to use some Olive oil, yellow squash, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper.
Ready to get your yellow squash with garlic on? Don't be scared of that garlic, trust me. It's gonna be good!
Sautéed Yellow Squash with Garlic Lemon and Herbs Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear for Awesome Squash
So, you wanna know how to cook yellow squash like a pro? First, grab your ingredients. Good ingredients are key! Let’s break it down. This sautéed squash recipe is super simple.
Main Ingredients: Quality Counts!
Here's what you'll need. Remember, these are per four servings. Adjust if you're feeding the 5000!
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil.
- 1 pound (450g) yellow squash. Pick squash that are firm and brightly coloured. Avoid ones with bruises or soft spots. It really matters.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon .
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried).
- Salt and pepper. Add to taste!
Honestly, finding good recipes yellow squash can be tricky. But this one? Easy peasy.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Garlic and lemon? A match made in heaven. It's a Mediterranean squash recipe for a reason. Don't skip the fresh herbs! They add so much flavour. Thyme and parsley work great together.
Feel free to tweak it. Want some heat? Add more red pepper flakes! No lemon? White wine vinegar works in a pinch.
Essential Equipment: Keep It Simple
You really don’t need fancy gear. This quick squash side dish can be made with:
- A large skillet or frying pan. Non-stick is your friend.
- A cutting board.
- A good knife. Keep those fingers safe!
- A zester (optional). Lemon zest is the best, though.
That’s it! This zucchini and squash side dish recipes needs hardly any equipment. So, are you ready to dive in? This recipe for squash is a winner, I promise.

Let's Talk Squash: Sautéed Goodness
Alright, my friends, let’s dive into how to cook yellow squash ! This isn’t your nan's soggy, boiled squash. We're making a sautéed squash recipe that’s bursting with flavour.
Honestly, it's so easy, even I can't mess it up, and that’s saying something. Perfect as a quick squash side dish !
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, mise en place – fancy French for "get your stuff ready." Wash and slice 1 pound (450g) of yellow squash into ¼-inch rounds .
Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Zest and juice half a lemon. Chop up 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried).
Got it? Good.
Sauté Like a Boss
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes . Sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Chuck in the squash and sauté for 8- 10 minutes , stirring now and then, until tender-crisp.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately. Simple!
Pro-Level Tips
Want to take your Yellow Squash Dishes to the next level? Don't overcrowd the pan! You'll end up steaming the zucchini and yellow squash recipe instead of getting that lovely browning.
Fresh herbs are king here, they make all the difference. You can't find Summer squash recipes easy ?. This is your key! And taste as you go – adjust the lemon and herbs to your liking.
If you are looking for recipes yellow squash , look no further. If you like Mediterranean squash recipe , just add a dash of oregano.
Common mistake: Overcooking! Nobody wants mushy squash. You want it tender-crisp, like a good al dente pasta.
So, there you have it! A recipe for squash that’s dead easy and tastes amazing. Perfect with grilled chicken, fish, or even just on its own. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Right then, let's get into the nitty-gritty of this sautéed squash recipe . Honestly, how to cook yellow squash is probably one of the most searched things online.
Serving Up Sunshine: Plating & Pairings
Think of this as a Mediterranean squash recipe dream. A simple plate looks lovely. Arrange the yellow squash dishes nicely.
A sprinkle of extra parsley adds a pop. This zucchini and squash side dish recipe goes great with grilled chicken.
Some crusty bread for mopping up the lemon-garlic juices? Yes, please. A crisp glass of white wine seals the deal!
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? (Doubt it!). Keep the yellow squash with garlic in an airtight container. It'll be happy in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing isn't ideal; the texture might suffer. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. But honestly, it's best fresh.
Remixing the Recipe: Variations Ahoy!
Need a tweak? For a vegan version, just make sure you use olive oil and not butter. Got zucchini instead of yellow squash? No worries! This zucchini and yellow squash recipe works a treat with either.
Want some extra spice? Go wild with that red pepper.
Nutrition Nuggets
This recipe for squash is a good source of vitamins. It's also low in calories. At only 80 calories per serving, it's a guilt-free side.
Plus, that little bit of fiber is good for the gut! Not bad for a quick squash side dish .
So there you have it! This summer squash recipes easy to follow. A super simple guide, with all the tips.
You now have all the deets to create a delicious sautéed squash recipe . Get in the kitchen and give it a go! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my yellow squash is cooked perfectly? I don't want it mushy like my nan's overcooked marrow!
You're aiming for tender-crisp, not mushy! The squash should be easily pierced with a fork but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooking will result in a soggy texture, so keep a close eye on it during the sautéing process. Think al dente pasta – that's the kind of texture we're after.
Can I use a different type of squash with this recipe, or is it strictly for yellow squash?
While this recipe is specifically for yellow squash, you absolutely can substitute other types of squash! Zucchini works wonderfully, as it has a similar texture and mild flavour. You could even do a mix of yellow squash and zucchini for a more colourful dish – a right proper rainbow on your plate!
How to cook yellow squash so it's not bland? I've had some pretty tasteless experiences.
Ah, the dreaded bland squash! The key is to build flavour with the garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. Don't be shy with the salt and pepper, as they really bring out the natural sweetness of the squash. Sautéing the garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil first infuses the oil with flavour, adding depth to the final dish.
Can I prepare this yellow squash dish ahead of time? Like, can I be a proper Blue Peter presenter and "here's one I prepared earlier"?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can certainly prep some of the ingredients in advance. Chop the garlic, zest the lemon, and chop the herbs ahead of time to save on prep time when you're ready to cook. However, I wouldn’t recommend fully cooking the squash in advance, as it can become a bit soggy. If you must prepare it in advance, undercook it slightly and then reheat it gently just before serving.
How long does sautéed yellow squash last in the fridge? And can I freeze it?
Leftover sautéed yellow squash will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Freezing isn't ideal as the texture can become quite soft upon thawing, but if you must, freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer bag to prevent clumping. It will be best used in soups or sauces after freezing.
Is yellow squash good for me? I'm trying to be a bit more healthy these days.
Absolutely! Yellow squash is a nutritional powerhouse. It's low in calories and packed with vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. It's a great way to add some healthy vegetables to your diet without compromising on flavour. Think of it as your secret weapon in your quest for a healthier lifestyle!