This Sautéed Zucchini and Yellow Squash Recipe is the perfect summer side dish. Stovetop zucchini and squash is easy and super delicious!
When your garden is overflowing with summer squash, try this simple side dish to serve with dinner. Whether you're harvesting your own squash or buying it at the grocery store or farmer's market this is the perfect summer recipe.
Yellow summer squash and zucchini are plentiful in the late summer months. There are many health benefits of zucchini including being high in antioxidants.
This recipe is one of my favorite ways to serve zucchini and squash. Another delicious veggie side dish to try is Sautéed Balsamic Asparagus or Seasoning for Fresh Green Beans.
Use more of your end of the summer zucchini in this moist Chocolate Zucchini Bread.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Using fresh garlic is an easy way to add delicious flavor to this healthy side dish.
- The simple ingredients in this easy side dish are a perfect way to use garden veggies.
- This zucchini recipe cooks in under 10 minutes and it is packed with delicious flavor.
Recipe Ingredients
You'll need the following ingredients to make Sautéed Zucchini and Yellow Squash.
Zucchini has a very mild flavor and is sometimes described as very slightly sweet.
Yellow Squash is also very mild and has a very subtle buttery flavor.
Fresh Garlic Clove adds a bunch of flavor to the summer squash recipe.
Butter adding a little butter to the olive oil creates a richness to the sautéed squash and zucchini.
Olive Oil helps cook and brown the squash and zucchini.
Salt and Black Pepper a little bit of salt and pepper go a long way to enhance the flavor of this dish.
Optional: add a little grated parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top as a garnish.
How to Make It
Here are some quick visual instructions for this simple recipe. The full recipe with ingredient measurements is below!
Cut a medium-size zucchini and yellow squash into ¼ inch circles of half moons. Mince the garlic.
Use a large skillet on medium heat and melt the butter and a little bit of olive oil.
Add the zucchini, squash and minced garlic to the pan in a single layer if possible.
Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper and gently mix it around to coat the vegetables in butter.
Sauté, flipping the squash and zucchini over to cook both sides. Once, they have softened to your liking remove the from the pan. Enjoy this delicious summer side dish.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Keep your eye on the squash. If it becomes overcooked it will begin to fall apart in the pan.
- To brown the squash cook it on medium-high heat.
- If you find that is starting to fall apart try slicing it thicker.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat the squash in the microwave.
- Freezing: Freezing the cooked zucchini and squash isn't recommended.
Additions and Substitutions
- Garlic Powder or Jarred Minced Garlic can be substituted for fresh garlic, but fresh garlic is always going to give it better flavor.
- Yellow Zucchini can be a substitute for the green zucchini or yellow squash.
- Vegan Butter can replace regular butter or omit the butter and replace it with a little olive oil to make his dish vegan.
Variations
Here are some ideas on how to customize this recipe to make the perfect side dish!
Spicy- Add ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper to the pan to give it a spicy kick!
Veggie Mania- Add any of the following vegetable to the pan:
- Red Onion or sweet onion can be added before the zucchini if you want them to be softened, or with the zucchini if you like your onion a little more firm.
- Green Beans will take a little longer to soften so add them to the pan a few minutes before adding the zucchini.
- Grape Tomatoes can be added to the skillet a few minutes before it is done for a burst of flavor.
Fresh Herbs- Add ¼ teaspoon of fresh thyme or dried thyme to the zucchini and squash to add an earthy flavor.
Black Beans- Add ½ cup (or more) of cooked beans a few minutes before it finishes to add protein and fiber to this dish. I have a great recipe for No Soak Instant Pot Black Beans!
Frequently Asked Questions
Zucchini contains a lot of water so it can easily get soggy when cooking with it. If you are sautéing it in a skillet wait until the pan is hot. Add a little butter and olive oil and sauté it quickly on medium-high heat. If cooking it in the oven you can cook it on a cooling rack elevated over a cookie sheet. If breading it and frying it make sure you cool on a cooling rack and eat it quickly before it gets soggy. The longer it cooks the more moisture it will release.
Cooking zucchini on the stove is a quick way to prepare zucchini. The time will vary based on how thick you slice the zucchini. Try slicing it in ¼ inch circles or half-circles and cook on medium-high for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it because it will cook quickly and begin to fall apart.
Zucchini is a very versatile vegetable and can be prepared in many different ways. It can be sautéed on the stove with a little butter and olive oil. It can also be roasted in the oven. You can also bread it and fry it in oil or in an air fryer. In addition, zucchini can be grated and used in zucchini bread baked in the oven.
📖 Recipe
Sautéed Zucchini and Yellow Squash Recipe
Equipment
- 1 skillet pan
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 medium yellow squash
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the yellow squash and zucchini. Use a knife to cut both into ¼ inch circles. You can cut them again into half circles if you want smaller pieces.
- Mince the garlic.
- Heat a sauté pan on medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted add the zucchini, yellow squash, and garlic to the pan.
- Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the squash and garlic. Use a cooking utensil to gently mix it around in the pan so the butter coats the vegetables.
- Sauté for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is cooked and tender. Keep an eye on it because squash will soften very quickly and remove it when it has reached your desired softness.
Notes
- Keep your eye on the squash. If it becomes overcooked it will begin to fall apart in the pan.
- To brown the squash cook it on medium-high heat.
- If you find that is starting to fall apart try slicing it thicker.
- Storage: Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat the squash in the microwave.
What to Serve with Zucchini
Here are a few main dishes that work well with this sauteed zucchini side dish:
Baby Back Ribs or Pork Spare Ribs are delicious fall-off-the-bone ribs that pair really well with this delicious side dish.
Eye Round Roast is a delicious, thinly sliced roast with a rich gravy.
Pork Tenderloin is a delicious option to go with sauteed squash.
Air Fryer Cod has a crispy coating and flaky and moist center.
Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes are perfect with the sautéed veggies for a comforting old school dinner.
Cube Steak made in the crockpot is a great set it and forget it dinner with a delicious gravy!
Grilled Cat Fish made with a lemon herb rub would be a great compliment to these veggies.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are baked in a mouthwatering garlic alfredo sauce and full of cheesy goodness.
Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is pure comfort food and goes really well with these sautéed veggies.
Grilled or Fried Pork Chops are great for a quick mid-week dinner.
Debbie says
I made this to go with our steak and it was incredible. I had no idea zucchini could have so much flavor. The fresh garlic is so good!
Jen Talley says
That's music to my ears Debbie! The garlic adds so much flavor to the zucchini!
MacKenzie says
This recipe is so fresh and delicious. Perfect for end of summer.
Jen Talley says
Hi MacKenzie! I'm glad you liked it!
Tara says
Oh my gosh! These veggies were amazing! Loads of flavor. I'll be making this side dish again and again.
Jen Talley says
Awesome Tara! They are a great side to have in your dinner rotation!
Jovita says
This looks very appetizing. Love zucchini, very nice and interesting recipe 🙂
Jen Talley says
I hope you give it a try!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
Really love the garlic with the zucchini. Such a simple and delicious way to eat these seasonal vegetables.
Jen Talley says
Thanks Amanda!
Dannii says
We had this with some grilled chicken and it was delicious. Perfectly cooked.
Jen Talley says
That's great Dannii! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!