Zucchini and Summer Squash Recipes (Mains & Sides)
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If your garden is overflowing or you picked up a few extra squash at the market, this collection of Zucchini and Summer Squash Recipes (Mains & Sides) is for you! Summer squash and zucchini shine in so many delicious ways. Whether you roast them, sauté them, bake them into casseroles, or toss them with pasta, these versatile vegetables make every meal a little brighter.
For more recipes highlighting summer produce, browse my collections of Recipes Using Lemons and Recipes Using Fresh Tomatoes.
Making the Most of Summer Squash
Every summer, I find myself reaching for zucchini and summer squash again and again. They’re affordable, abundant, and can be transformed into everything from light side dishes to hearty family dinners. This collection brings together the recipes I make most often, and I hope it helps you discover a few new favorites to enjoy all season long.
For more summer recipe ideas, take a look at my favorite Summer Salad Recipes.
Made With Amore,
Table of Contents
Salads and Sides
Make the most of fresh zucchini and summer squash with simple side dishes that let their natural flavor shine. These recipes are easy to prepare and pair well with everything from grilled meats to hearty pasta dinners.
Serve with Juicy Homemade Burgers, Acqua Pazza Italian Poached Fish, or Grilled Flank Steak.
Easy Oven Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash Recipe
Charred Corn and Zucchini Salad
Eggplant, Zucchini, Tomato Casserole
Italian Stuffed Zucchini Recipe (Zucchine Ripiene)
Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Vegetable Au Gratin Recipe (Creamy Baked Vegetables)
Italian Zucchini Recipe
Pasta & Main Dishes
Summer squash blends beautifully into these easy pasta dishes and homemade dinners. All of these recipes turn zucchini into the star of the meal.
Pair with a Tomato Burrata Salad.
Spaghetti alla Nerano
Orzo with Vegetables and Parmesan
Mediterranean Lasagna Recipe
Easy Cod en Papillote with Vegetables
Zucchini Pasta Recipe
Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese
Comforting Soups
When you have an abundance of summer squash, these cozy soup recipes are always worth making. They’re simple, nourishing, and filled with fresh vegetables.
Serve with a slice of my Italian Bread Recipe (No Knead Crusty Bread) or No Knead Italian Ciabatta Bread.
Minestrone Soup Recipe
Ribollita Recipe
Italian Sausage Lentil Soup
Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe
Serving Ideas
- Breads: A slice of fresh bread is always welcome at the table. Serve these recipes with Italian Bread or No Knead Italian Focaccia Bread, and don’t forget a side of Italian Bread Dipping Oil for an easy finishing touch.
- Salads: A fresh salad is always a welcome addition, especially during the summer months. Peach Burrata Salad, Mediterranean Cucumber Salad, and Berry Goat Cheese Salad are easy recipes that complement these vegetable-forward dishes.
- Desserts: Finish the meal with a light, seasonal dessert. No Bake Lemon Bars and Peach Upside Down Cake are simple favorites that make a lovely ending to any summer meal. If you’re looking for a zucchini-filled dessert, try my Zucchini Bread.
FAQs
Zucchini is a type of summer squash with dark green skin and a mild flavor. Yellow summer squash has a similar taste and texture.
Yes! Zucchini and yellow summer squash can usually be swapped one for one.
Choose zucchini that feels firm and heavy for its size with smooth, unblemished skin. Smaller to medium-sized zucchini are often more tender and flavorful.
Zucchini and summer squash are at their peak during the summer months, especially from June through August.
Whether you’re looking for an easy side dish, a filling dinner, or a new way to use up extra zucchini, these recipes are a delicious place to start. Enjoy the flavors of summer and make the most of this versatile vegetable while it’s in season. Buon appetito!
