Skillet Zucchini and Yellow Squash {My Fave Summer Side}
This skillet zucchini and yellow squash recipe is so easy, delicious, and healthy, it is bound to become a summer side dish staple.
Considering this is the side dish we eat four out of five times during the late summer months, I feel like itās time to share my feelings about the gloriousness of sautĆ©ed zucchini and squash and then leave you to get on with your day and life.
Basically, itās easy (10-15 minutes max). It literally can be served with anything (and I mean anything).
And itās so yummy, I canāt be trusted alone with the skillet (no really, Iāll eat the whole thing).Ā Itās my favorite summer side dish and I love that there arenāt any frills or secret ingredients or squash pretending to be gourmet here.
For those of you that have already been doing this for, like, 100 years already, Iām happy weāve been on the same page for so long.Ā You know, great minds and all that.
But if you havenāt, you should definitely be hopping on board while the squash lasts.Ā
Whatever you do, remember to let the skillet get piping hot before adding that squash.
The delicious brown caramelization on the tender outsides of the squash is exactly what you are going for. Flavor, flavor, flavor.
As noted in the recipe, I love the addition of a tiny smattering of freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end.Ā It takes a rather simple (and terribly delicious) skillet zucchini and yellow squash number and gives it a little pizazz.
I love all of your comments on this recipe!
Youāve shared many variations on this simple side dish and each one sounds delicious!
If you are in need of further inspiration, read through the comments to see how to change this up a little bit here and there.
For instance, Michelle commented:Ā This is one of our fav summer dishes too!! We usually add potatoes to it as well. On lazy summer days, I throw in some kielbasa and broil some garlic bread and call it dinner!
Others have you have added fresh corn kernels, diced tomatoes, potatoes, and of course, lots cheese.Ā Canāt blame you for that at all. š
Simple Skillet Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Ingredients
- Ā½ tablespoon butter
- Ā½ tablespoon olive oil
- 2 small zucchini, ends trimmed and diced
- 2 small to medium yellow crookneck squash, ends trimmed and diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional but yummy
InstructionsĀ
- In a 10- or 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until hot and rippling.
- Add the zucchini and yellow squash in as even a layer as possible (it should sizzle as it hits the skillet) and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let it sit without stirring or moving for 2-3 minutes so it can get nice and golden. Give it a good stir, add a touch more salt and pepper to taste if needed, and let it continue to cook, stirring only every now and then, until the squash is browning here and there and tender to your liking, about 5-7 more minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and top with freshly grated Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: from Melās Kitchen Cafe
This looks very much like the zucchini recipe from my Mumās early-1970s Better Homes & Gardens cookbook. When I was of an age to help make dinner, I pretty much did most of the sides. So Iāve been cooking this since at least 1974 (age 12!).
We loved it then, my two husbands loved it, my kid loved it, and #2 and I are STILL loving it, and well we should. Itās so simple and easy to make, and goes with nearly anything, year round. I mean, Iām proof that even a child could make it, and yet the ingredients, simple as they are, elevate it to something fancier than the usual side.
Delicious and so easy and colorful too!