11 Summer Squash Recipes to Refresh Your Menu in 2025

Summer squash is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can transform your meals with its mild flavor and vibrant colors.

Whether you’re looking for light salads, hearty casseroles, or creative snacks, summer squash can be the star of your table.

Below are 11 refreshing summer squash recipes to inspire your 2025 menu, complete with detailed descriptions, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions.

1. Sautéed Yellow Squash with Crispy Parmesan Topping

This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a quick side or a light main course. The yellow squash is sautéed to tender perfection and topped with a crispy vegan parmesan and panko mixture, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. It’s a healthy and refreshing option for summer BBQs or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium yellow squash, sliced into rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup vegan parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced yellow squash and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
3. In a small bowl, mix vegan parmesan, panko, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Sprinkle the mixture over the sautéed squash and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the topping is crispy.
5. Serve warm as a side dish or over quinoa for a complete meal.

2. Roasted Summer Squash with Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of summer squash, while lemon pepper seasoning adds a zesty kick. This dish is crunchy, tender, and packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium summer squash (yellow squash, zucchini, or pattypan), sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the sliced squash with olive oil, lemon pepper, paprika, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
5. Serve as a side dish or add to salads for extra texture.

3. Southern Squash Casserole

A classic comfort food, this casserole combines tender summer squash with a cheesy, creamy filling and a buttery crumb topping. It’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups yellow squash, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup cracker crumbs
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Steam the squash until tender, then drain and mash slightly.
3. In a large bowl, mix the squash, cheese, sour cream, butter, cracker crumbs, onion, eggs, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

4. Zucchini Fritters with Greek Yogurt Dip

These crispy fritters are a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. Made with grated zucchini and a touch of seasoning, they’re perfect for appetizers or light meals. Serve them with a cool Greek yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Squeeze excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a clean towel.
2. In a bowl, mix zucchini, flour, parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the skillet and flatten into patties.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. For the dip, mix Greek yogurt and lemon juice. Serve with the fritters.

5. Summer Squash and Basil Pasta

This vibrant pasta dish features caramelized summer squash and zucchini tossed in a creamy basil sauce. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer evenings.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté zucchini and yellow squash until caramelized.
3. Add basil, parmesan, and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring until combined.
4. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

6. Grilled Zucchini Roll-Ups with Herbed Cream Cheese

These elegant roll-ups are perfect for parties or light lunches. Grilled zucchini slices are filled with herbed cream cheese, creating a flavorful and visually appealing dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill zucchini slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until tender.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the mixture onto each zucchini slice and roll up.
5. Secure with toothpicks and serve chilled.

7. Summer Squash Soup with White Beans

This hearty soup combines summer squash with white beans for a nutritious and filling meal. It’s perfect for cooler summer evenings or meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups yellow squash, chopped
• 1 can white beans, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot until softened.
2. Add squash, beans, broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Blend half the soup until smooth, then return to the pot.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

8. Summer Squash Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This refreshing salad features raw summer squash ribbons tossed with feta cheese, pine nuts, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It’s a light and colorful dish that’s perfect for summer picnics.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium summer squash, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange squash ribbons on a serving platter.
2. Sprinkle with feta and pine nuts.
3. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and serve immediately.

9. Stuffed Pattypan Squash with Quinoa

These adorable stuffed pattypan squashes are filled with a savory quinoa mixture, making them a nutritious and visually stunning main course.

Ingredients:

• 6 small pattypan squashes
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the squashes and scoop out the centers.
3. Mix quinoa, tomatoes, feta, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Stuff the mixture into the squashes and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender.

10. Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

These crispy zucchini chips are a healthy alternative to traditional snacks. Made in the air fryer, they’re guilt-free and perfect for movie nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss zucchini slices with breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Arrange slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
5. Serve with your favorite dip.

11. Summer Squash and Tomato Gratin

This gratin layers summer squash and tomatoes with a crispy, cheesy topping. It’s a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or fish.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium summer squash, sliced
• 3 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer squash and tomato slices in a baking dish.
3. Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Sprinkle the mixture over the vegetables.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.

These 11 summer squash recipes are sure to refresh your menu in 2025. From light salads to hearty casseroles, there’s something for every occasion. Enjoy the versatility aqnd freshness of summer squash in these delicious dishes!