The 9 Best Ways to Cook Summer Squash (2024)

It is possible to cook vegetables deliciously. Don't listen to picky eaters or the self-proclaimed vegetable-averse. So, how to cook squash during the summer so it's something everyone will want to eat? Summer squash's tender flesh and mild flavor can make it seem less exciting than the nutty, sturdier fall squashes like butternut, acorn, and honeynut. But we're wild about all of these ways to cook summer squash, and firmly believe that once you realize how versatile and tasty it is, you'll be pro-pattypan, zucchini, crookneck, and yellow squash.

What Is Summer Squash?

Low-calorie summer squash, which is a close relative to pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons, grows on bushes rather than on vines, like winter squashes. While winter squashes are harvested when matured fully, summer squashes are picked while the seeds are small and the skin is still soft and edible. Leave the skin on no matter how you prepare your summer squash, as this is where most of the fiber and vitamins A, B6, and C live. (Which means it's one of the best foods to eat for clear skin.)

As you learn all the ways of how to cook squash, remember that different varieties, including zucchini, yellow squash, pattypan, cousa, zephyr, tatuma, and more, can yield different results with each method—a little experimentation will certainly help lead you to the cooking style you prefer for each. From the air fryer to the oven, you'll definitely want seconds of these tasty seasonal recipes.

1. How to Roast Squash

It might take a little extra time to roast summer squash, but the delicious caramelization added to the veggies by roasting is oh, so worth it. If you're seeking a hands-off cooking technique, this is one of the best ways to cook summer squash. Add any seasoning you like before roasting, but try not to use too much olive oil, or your squash can get soggy.

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Use a knife to cut squash into bite-size chunks or cubes.
• Place squash in a large shallow roasting pan or sheet pan.
• Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and, if desired, another spice blend.
• Roast, uncovered, about 15 minutes or until the squash is just tender, stirring once.

2. How to Steam Squash

Steaming summer squash can be as quick as boiling, and can help retain a lot of flavor and nutrition. Remember to season your squash once it's finished steaming for the best result.

• Use a mandoline or a knife to slice uniformly sized ¼- to ½-inch thick coins.
• Insert a steamer basket into a saucepan.
• Add enough water to the saucepan, so the level is just below the bottom of the basket.
• Bring water to boiling.
• Add the sliced squash to the steamer basket.
• Cover and steam 3 to 5 minutes or until the squash is just tender.

3. How to Steam Squash in the Microwave

If you don't have time to wait for water to boil, try steaming your summer squash in the microwave. (By the way, here's how to *finally* get that appliance squeaky clean.) The cooking time is a little longer, but this way is quicker, overall, than boiling or stovetop steaming, since you don't have to boil a whole pot of water.

• Use a mandoline or a knife to slice uniformly sized ¼- to ½-inch thick coins.
• Place squash in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Cover and microwave on 100% power (high) 4 to 6 minutes or until the squash is just tender, stirring once after 2 minutes of cooking.

4. How to Grill Squash

When asked how to cook squash in summer, we do have one favorite: on the grill! For a super-delicious side, toss skewers or slices of squash onto the grill at your summer cookout for serving alongside burgers, chicken, and barbecue.

• Preheat your grill and adjust for medium heat. (If you need a refresher, here's how to control grill temps.)
• Use a mandoline or a knife to slice uniformly-sized ¾- to 1-inch thick coins and thread them onto skewers. Or cut the squash in half lengthwise into ¼-inch planks.
• Brush the squash lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Or brush on a marinade.
• Place the squash on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium heat. Grill 10 minutes or until the squash is just tender, turning once.

5. How to Sauté Squash

You need just one skillet for this fast way to cook summer squash. In about 10 minutes, you can have a fresh vegetable side dish ready to share.

• Use a mandoline or a knife to slice uniformly sized ¼- to ½-inch thick coins.
• Place the slices in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and allow them to stand 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
• Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet on medium-high.
• Allow the squash slices to turn golden brown on one side (this should take about 5 minutes), then flip and cook about 3 more minutes or until the other side is golden brown.

6. How to Boil Squash

Boiled summer squash is a quick and flavorful addition to soups, stir-fries, and pasta entrées. In just a few minutes, the squash is tender and ready to blend into a soup, toss into a wok, or fold into a bowl of pasta.

• Use a mandoline or a knife to slice uniformly sized ¼- to ½-inch coins.
• In a saucepan, bring lightly salted water to boil.
• Add the sliced squash to the boiling water.
• Cover and cook 3 to 6 minutes or until the squash is just tender. Drain well.

7. How to Broil Squash

If you don't have time to roast your squash, and the weather isn't prime for grilling, broiling summer squash is another great method. Prep your vegetables just as you do for roasting.

• Preheat the broiler.
• Use a mandoline or a knife to slice uniformly sized ¼- to ½-inch thick coins.
• Arrange squash slices in a single layer in a large shallow roasting pan or sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss to coat.
• Broil the squash about 5 inches from the heat for about 3 to 5 minutes or until it's just tender.

8. How to Air-Fry Squash

Interested in cooking summer squash in an air fryer? We like to prep it similarly to our fan-favorite Air Fryer Pickle Chips for a crowd-pleasing party snack.

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Use a mandoline or a knife to slice uniformly sized ¼- to ½-inch thick coins.
• Place the squash slices in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. Allow them to stand 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
• In a shallow bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
• In another shallow bowl, mix buttermilk and any additional desired flavoring ingredients, such as Sriracha.
• Mix panko (or other desired coating) and oil in a third shallow bowl.
• Working in batches, dust dried squash slices with cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess, then dunk in buttermilk mixture. Roll in panko to coat evenly.
• Place breaded squash slices in the air-fryer basket, taking care not to overfill. Cook 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown. Keep the cooked slices in a 200°F oven while finishing the remaining slices.

9. How to Bake Squash into Breads, Cakes, or Bars

Adding shredded summer squash to baked goods helps ensure moist, tender results. Using the coarse side of a box grater, shred yellow squash or zucchini to use for baking. You can also roast or steam the squash, then blend until smooth for a puree that can take the place of canned pumpkin, or as a substitute for different fats or liquids in baking recipes.

How to Avoid Soggy Squash

To prevent your squash from becoming soggy during the cooking process, managing its moisture is key. Start with fresh, firm squash, and cut uniformly for the most even cooking. To go the extra mile, you can sprinkle the cut squash with salt and let rest for 30 minutes over paper towels to draw out excess moisture before cooking.

In terms of cooking methods, we recommend roasting, broiling, sautéing, or grilling for the best texture. High heat and quick cooking is key for avoiding soggy (or mushy) squash.

Selecting the Best Summer Squash

Summer squash hits its peak from early to late summer. Look for small- to medium-size squash that feel heavy for their size. While it might be tempting to buy one large squash instead of two or three smaller ones, the flavor and texture of larger squash just can't compare. Avoid any squash with soft spots, dents in the skin, or bruises. They should be firm the touch, smooth, and vibrant in color. Check that the stem end looks fresh, without any shriveled stems.

Storing Summer Squash

Summer squash is highly perishable, so store it in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for up to five days. If you need more time, here's how to freeze fresh squash to use later. Avoid washing the squash until you're ready to use it to reduce excess moisture, which can quicken spoilage.