Simple Zucchini and Squash Recipe

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Quick and easy, this simple but sensational zucchini and squash recipe makes the perfect healthy summer side dish for any meal.

Fork of zucchini and squash.

Now, this zucchini and squash recipe is the definition of simple: simple to prepare (in under 15 minutes) with simple ingredients and simple instructions. However, so many of the best dishes are that way. They don’t need to be complicated or overthought in order to be delicious. I’ve been convinced that most of life is meant to be that way as well – simple. 

And this sautéed zucchini and squash combine to make a perfectly caramelized and delicious tasting side dish. This recipe is also low carb, keto, and can easily be adapted to suit your needs.

Want to add parmesan cheese? Go for it. Need more vegetables in your life? You can totally throw some more into the skillet. Missing that spice? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to take it to the next level. I love simple recipes that you can make your own and this zucchini and squash recipe definitely ticks that box.

Serve your zucchini and squash side dish alongside all types of main meals, including beef brisket, pork chops, grilled chicken, and pork burgers.

Ingredients for zucchini and squash.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Yellow squash
  • Zucchini
  • Butter (You can use 1/2 cup water in place of butter if you like. The butter does add a nice flavor hint but the veggies also taste wonderful on their own).
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Helpful Kitchen Tools

Butter in skillet.

Place butter or water in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Slice zucchini.

Slice the zucchini into reasonably thin and even slices to ensure they cook equally.

Slice squash.

Then slice the yellow summer squash the same size.

I always eat a few slices of summer squash raw because, you know, cooking is hard work and you’ve got to keep your strength up!

Add zucchini and squash to skillet.

Add the zucchini and squash slices to the melted butter in the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring every few minutes.

Cook vegetables in skillet.

Continue cooking until veggies become translucent, or about 8 to 10 minutes.

You don’t want them so cooked that they cry uncle, but just enough to make them tender.

Bowl of zucchini and squash.

Remove to bowl or platter.

Bowl of zucchini and squash.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper according to your taste, and serve.

This simple summer squash and zucchini side dish is simple and clean tasting and goes really well with pretty much anything.

You can serve this as is or add in other vegetables while it cooks, too! Try adding onions, tomato slices, thinly sliced carrots, or anything else you have on hand!

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, I recommend warming the dish in a skillet again to ensure the zucchini and squash is crispy once more.
  • It’s not recommended to freeze sautéed squash, as it can become mushy once thawed.

Recipe Notes

  • If you’d like more flavor, sprinkle your zucchini and squash with one or more of the following: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. You can also add some dried or fresh herbs to the vegetables while cooking, like oregano, fresh basil leaves, parsley, and thyme.
  • Two vegetables not enough? You can also throw some other vegetables into the skillet, like eggplant, thinly sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, fennel, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, and other types of squash.
  • Another option is to sprinkle your zucchini and squash with freshly grated parmesan cheese before cooking.
  • If you prefer roasted squash and zucchini rather than sautéed, spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking tray and roast in a 400-degree oven for approximately 20 minutes. Flip the vegetables halfway through.

Spoon lifting vegetables out of bowl.

Recipe FAQs

Can this zucchini and yellow squash recipe be made vegan?

Yes, simply use water or olive oil instead of butter and this recipe is instantly vegan.

Do you peel the squash before cooking?

There’s no need to peel the yellow squash or zucchini before cooking. The skin adds a nice texture (and fiber) to the dish.

What do you serve with zucchini and squash?

This squash and zucchini recipe is a delicious side dish to accompany any main meal. Enjoy it alongside your favorite protein, whether that’s fried chicken, pulled pork, or beef ribs

You can also serve it with other popular Southern side dishes, like cornbread, hush puppies, fried okra, fresh green beans, and buttermilk biscuits.

Another option is to add the vegetables to your salad or wrap for lunch.

Here are more delicious zucchini and squash recipes to enjoy:

Stuffed Zucchini Boats, Tex-Mex Style

Zucchini Bread Recipe

Baked Zucchini Fries (Low Carb and YUM!)

Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread

How To Make Squash Casserole

How To Make Squash Relish

Bowl of zucchini and squash.

Simple Zucchini and Squash Recipe

Quick and easy, this simple but sensational zucchini and squash recipe makes the perfect healthy summer side dish for any meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: squash
Servings: 4
Calories: 17kcal

Ingredients

  • 1-2 yellow squash
  • 1-2 zucchini
  • 1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup water
  • salt and pepper to taste*

Instructions

  • Place butter or water in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Slice vegetables and add to pan once butter is melted.
    1-2 zucchini, 1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup water, 1-2 yellow squash
  • Cook over medium-high heat, stirring every few minutes, until veggies become translucent - about 8-10 minutes.
  • Remove to bowl or platter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
    salt and pepper to taste*

I prefer kosher salt for this but table salt will work just fine.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 17kcal
    Tried this recipe?Mention @southernplate or tag #southernplate!

     

     

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    103 Comments

    1. Amen, sister, and Amen.
      And another Amen for good measure.
      Actually . . . from a book of my childhood, O Ye Jigs and Juleps: Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, glory three times also and amen twice.

      you are super special!

    2. Ha my family says “Ain’t got no time for that!”, about everything these days. They really are good words to remember. Amazing recipe too. I’ve been doing something similar with zucchini for a couple years. Zucchini is possibly the best vegetable ever. Thank you for the recipe!

    3. I have many a times put off going to the Doctor for me cause I don’t have time for that! To have to tell them I have had this problem for several months and have just now had the time to come and see them about it. When I make appts for myself… I have one day of the week that is usually set aside for getting things done for me… Not everyone is so understanding… then I just say hey look with 6 kiddos at home (back in Novemeber- it was a Family member at home with in home hospice) you have to work with me… I have too many things to do to be trying to work around your schedule if they think it is important then they work with me…otherwise they might have to wait 6 months or longer… I love your posts…So very glad you got those stitches and we love squash around this here house.

    4. I make this with a squeeze of lemon at the end. It adds a great flavor to a simple dish (I use less butter, or sometimes 1/2 butter 1/2 olive oil).

      Simple for my veggies is the way I like to go. I got time for that!

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