As summer comes to an end, you may find yourself with an abundance of yellow squash from your garden or farmer’s market. With a surplus of this versatile vegetable, you may be wondering what you can do to use it all before it goes bad. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious ways to incorporate yellow squash into your meals and snacks.
From sautéing and grilling to baking and roasting, there are endless possibilities for incorporating yellow squash into your recipes. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to use up all of that excess squash, so you can enjoy its delicate flavor and health benefits before the season ends. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the kitchen, you’re sure to find some new and exciting ways to use this delightful summer vegetable.
The Benefits of Yellow Squash
Yellow squash is a nutritious vegetable that can provide a range of benefits to the body. It is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium. The squash’s bright yellow color also indicates its high antioxidant content, which helps the body fight off harmful free radicals.
Not only is yellow squash healthy, but it is also versatile in cooking. It can be added to a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and salads. Its mild flavor pairs well with a range of herbs and spices, making it easy to incorporate into many different cuisines. Additionally, yellow squash is easy to grow in home gardens, meaning that it can provide a fresh and low-cost option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.
A Creative Solution: Using Yellow Squash for Baking Recipes
If you’re looking for a creative way to use up your surplus of yellow squash, why not try using them in baking recipes? Yellow squash can add moisture and texture to cakes, breads, and muffins while also providing a dose of healthy vitamins and fiber. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters!
One of the most popular baking recipes using yellow squash is zucchini bread. Simply substitute yellow squash for zucchini in your favorite recipe and enjoy the same delicious flavor and texture. You can also try making yellow squash muffins, cupcakes, or even a yellow squash cake. Yellow squash can also be used in savory baked goods like cheesy squash casserole or squash and pepper quiche. Get creative in the kitchen and give some of these recipes a try!
Preserving Yellow Squash for Later Use
Preserving Yellow Squash for later use is an excellent way to utilize the excess in your garden. Yellow Squash can be canned, frozen, or dehydrated. Canning is a popular way to preserve squash for later use. You can either can the squash alone or make pickles. For canning, it is best to use smaller squash, and the process involves sterilizing jars, preparing the squash, adding seasonings, and filling jars.
Dehydrating yellow squash is a great option for long-term storage because it can last for months. You can use a dehydrator or an oven to dehydrate the squash, and you can either refrigerate or freeze it for further use. Freezing squash is the easiest way to preserve it and requires minimal effort. Because the texture may change after thawing, it is better to use frozen squash in soups, stews, and casseroles where the texture is not as noticeable. With these preservation methods, you can enjoy yellow squash throughout the year.
A Vegetable Delight: Yellow Squash Soup Recipe
If you are looking for a delicious way to use up your excess yellow squash, try making a hearty and healthy yellow squash soup. This recipe is not only simple and easy to make, but it is also packed with flavor and nutrients.
To start, sauté onions and garlic with some olive oil in a pot until the onions become translucent. Then, add diced yellow squash, vegetable broth, and your choice of herbs and spices. Let the ingredients simmer until the squash becomes soft and tender. Then blend everything together until it forms a smooth and creamy soup. You can add some cream or coconut milk for added richness. Serve hot with a side of bread or crackers for a satisfying meal. This soup is perfect for those who want to cut down on their meat consumption and incorporate more vegetables into their diet.
Light and Healthy: Grilled Yellow Squash Salad
Grilled Yellow Squash Salad is an excellent way to incorporate yellow squash into a light, healthy meal. The simple yet flavorful salad is perfect for summer days when you want to enjoy a light meal with fresh ingredients. The salad comprises of juicy grilled yellow squash slices, crunchy lettuce, and flavorful herbs.
To prepare this dish, slice yellow squash horizontally and grill them until they are lightly charred. Once they cool down, serve them with greens, such as arugula or baby spinach. Add a few herbs such as thyme, oregano, and chives, along with walnuts or pine nuts for an extra crunch. You can drizzle a vinaigrette or a simple lemon-dijon dressing to finish this delicious salad. Not only is this salad rich in nutrients, but it is also low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a healthy option for people who want to watch their calorie intake.
Different Ways to Cook Yellow Squash
If you have an abundance of yellow squash and are looking for different ways to cook it, you’re in luck. There are several ways to prepare this versatile vegetable, making it a delicious addition to any meal.
One popular way to cook yellow squash is to sauté it with garlic and onions to bring out its natural sweetness. Another option is to slice and roast it in the oven along with other vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a colorful and nutritious side dish. You can also grill yellow squash for a smoky flavor that pairs well with grilled meats and fish. For a healthier alternative to french fries, try slicing yellow squash into thin strips and baking them in the oven until crispy. Get creative with yellow squash by adding it to soups, stews, and casseroles, or even spiralizing it into “noodles” for a low-carb pasta alternative. With so many options, you’ll never get tired of cooking and eating this delicious summer vegetable.
Donating Yellow Squash to Help Fight Food Insecurity in Your Community
Food insecurity is a harsh reality for many people and families worldwide. With the abundance of excess yellow squash in your garden, you can make a significant difference by donating them to those in need. Several organizations and food banks accept fresh produce donations, and your contribution can provide healthy and nutritious food to people who cannot afford it.
By donating your surplus yellow squash, you can help alleviate food insecurity in your community while reducing food waste. Many people struggle to provide themselves and their families with nutritious meals, and your small act of kindness can make a significant impact on their lives. So, if you have too many yellow squash in your garden, consider donating them to a local food bank or charitable organization. Your donation can provide much-needed support to those in need and help build a healthier and happier community for everyone.
Final Words
If you have an abundance of yellow squash, don’t let it go to waste! There are so many things you can do with it, from traditional recipes like squash casserole or sautéed squash to more creative options like squash pickles or squash chips. You can also freeze or can your excess squash to enjoy all year round.
In addition to being delicious, yellow squash is also incredibly healthy. It’s low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C, potassium, and folate. So not only will you be reducing food waste by using up your excess squash, you’ll also be doing your body a favor by incorporating more of this nutritious vegetable into your diet.