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What to make with summer squash and zucchini starts with a simple idea: use them in dishes that celebrate their mild flavor and tender texture, and you really can’t go wrong.
When you’re staring at a counter full of summer squash and zucchini, it’s easy to feel stumped about what to make with them.
The good news is that summer squash and zucchini are some of the most versatile vegetables you can keep in your kitchen.
They work in everything from quick weeknight dinners to baked treats, and once you know a few go-to ideas, you’ll never wonder what to make with summer squash and zucchini again.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best dishes to make with summer squash and zucchini, plus a few tips to keep them tasting fresh.
Let’s dig in.
What to Make With Summer Squash and Zucchini: The Best Ideas
Figuring out what to make with summer squash and zucchini comes down to how you like to cook them.
Here are the crowd-pleasers that make the most of both veggies.
1. Grilled Summer Squash and Zucchini Skewers
One of the simplest things to make with summer squash and zucchini is grilled skewers.
Slice both into thick coins, toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then thread them onto skewers.
Grill for a few minutes per side until they’re tender with those lovely char marks.
This is a great way to make summer squash and zucchini shine with almost no effort.
2. Zucchini and Summer Squash Fritters
If you’ve got a bumper crop, fritters are a delicious answer to what to make with summer squash and zucchini.
Grate the veggies, squeeze out the extra moisture, and mix with flour, egg, cheese, and herbs.
Pan-fry until golden and crispy, then serve with a dollop of sour cream.
These little patties make summer squash and zucchini the star of the plate.
3. Cheesy Summer Squash and Zucchini Casserole
A baked casserole is one of the coziest things to make with summer squash and zucchini.
Layer sliced veggies with cheese, a little cream, and breadcrumbs, then bake until bubbly.
You can make summer squash and zucchini the base of a dish the whole family will scoop up happily.
It’s comfort food that still feels fresh.
More Ways to Make Summer Squash and Zucchini Taste Amazing
Beyond the classics above, there are plenty more ways to cook summer squash and zucchini.
Here are a few favorites worth trying.
1. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Spiralizing zucchini into noodles is a fun way to make summer squash and zucchini into a lighter meal.
Toss them quickly in a hot pan with garlic and olive oil, or serve them raw with your favorite sauce.
This is an easy way to make summer squash and zucchini replace pasta without losing flavor.
2. Roasted Summer Squash and Zucchini Medley
Roasting is arguably the easiest way to make summer squash and zucchini taste sweet and caramelized.
Cut them into chunks, toss with oil and seasonings, and roast at 425°F for about 20 minutes.
You can make summer squash and zucchini a no-fuss side dish any night of the week.
3. Zucchini Bread and Muffins
If baking is your thing, you can make summer squash and zucchini into moist, tender baked goods too.
Grated zucchini adds moisture to breads and muffins without overpowering the flavor.
It’s a sneaky way to make summer squash and zucchini disappear into something sweet.
Tips for Making Summer Squash and Zucchini at Their Best
No matter what you make with summer squash and zucchini, a few small tricks keep them tasting great.
Here are the ones worth remembering.
1. Salt and Drain to Avoid Sogginess
Summer squash and zucchini hold a lot of water, so sprinkle sliced pieces with salt and let them drain before cooking.
This step keeps your dishes from turning mushy when you make summer squash and zucchini.
2. Don’t Overcook Them
Summer squash and zucchini are best when they’re just tender, not soft and limp.
Cook them briefly over high heat to make summer squash and zucchini keep their bite.
3. Pick Them While They’re Small
Smaller summer squash and zucchini have more flavor and fewer seeds.
When you make summer squash and zucchini from smaller picks, the texture is much better.
So, What to Make With Summer Squash and Zucchini?
What to make with summer squash and zucchini really comes down to how you like to eat them, and there’s no shortage of options.
You can make summer squash and zucchini into grilled skewers, crispy fritters, cheesy casseroles, zoodles, roasted sides, or even bread.
With these ideas in your back pocket, you’ll turn every harvest into something worth sharing.