How To Cook Yellow Squash (4 Easy Ways) (2024)

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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