Forktionary

Summer Squash

Cucurbita pepo Vegetable

Summer Squash Vegetable

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable

The Forktionary Angle

"Celebrating the ephemeral bounty of warmer months, offering delicate texture and mild flavor adaptable to endless culinary creations."

Definition

A category of squash harvested when immature, characterized by soft edible skin and tender flesh. Examples include zucchini, yellow squash, and pattypan.

Average Water Content Typically 90-95% water, contributing to low calories.
Optimal Storage Unwashed in a cool, dry place for 3-5 days; refrigerate up to 1 week.
Vitamin C Content Excellent source of Vitamin C (approx. 17mg/100g).

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Summer Squash are:

Mild slightly sweet watery earthy

Chef’s Secret

To reduce bitterness and excess water, slice squash, sprinkle with salt, let sit 15 mins, then pat dry before cooking. Great for grilling!

Best Substitutes

Zucchini

if specific type not needed
Ratio 1:1

Cucumber

for raw uses, different texture cooked
Ratio 1:1

Eggplant

for cooked uses
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose firm, unblemished squash heavy for its size. Avoid soft spots or dull skin. Smaller ones are often more tender.

Culinary Pairings

Garlic herbs (basil thyme) tomatoes olive oil cheese pasta lemon onions corn

Recipes Using Summer Squash

Autumn Vegetable Succotash image
Stove Top Stove Top Low Calorie Low Protein

Autumn Vegetable Succotash

This vibrant Autumn Vegetable Succotash recipe is a delicious and healthy side dish, bursting with the flavors of fall! Sweet corn, butternut squash, and bell peppers mingle with savory lima beans and herbs for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner.

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Baked Cod With Summer Squash image 137
Main Dish Saltwater Fish Cod Equipment

Baked Cod With Summer Squash

Flaky baked cod fillets nestled on a bed of vibrant summer squash, bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes! This healthy and flavorful recipe is perfect for showcasing the bounty of your local farmer's market. Minimal oil is used, making it a guilt-free delight. Inspired by Whole Foods Market, this dish is easy to make and ready in under an hour.

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A Humdinger Of A Wrap image
Time To Make Preparation Course Number Of Servings

A Humdinger Of A Wrap

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This quick and easy recipe for A Humdinger of a Wrap can be made in minutes and is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Customize it with your preferred tortillas (plain, whole wheat, sundried tomato, or spinach) and load it up with your favorite veggies. Warning: Seriously addictive! Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a snack. #quickrecipe #easyrecipe #wraprecipe #lunchideas #dinnerideas #customizable #addictive

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Best Of Summer Salad image
Green Yellow Beans Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Low Carb

Best Of Summer Salad

Capture the taste of summer with this incredible salad, adapted from a classic Good Food Magazine recipe (August 1987)! Sweet summer vegetables mingle with a vibrant basil-garlic dressing for a refreshing and unforgettable dish. (Note: Marinating time adds an additional hour.)

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Baked Pasta With Roasted Veggies image 127
Penne Main Dish Course Penne

Baked Pasta With Roasted Veggies

A vibrant and flavorful baked pasta dish bursting with roasted vegetables! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Enjoy tender pasta tossed in a creamy sauce with perfectly roasted veggies – a healthy and delicious meal the whole family will love!

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Aunt Fannie's Summer Squash Casserole image
Low Calorie Oven Low Carb Low In Something

Aunt Fannie's Summer Squash Casserole

A taste of summer sunshine! This comforting and flavorful summer squash casserole is a family favorite, bursting with the delicious taste of fresh summer squash. A treasured recipe passed down through generations, this dish is easy to make and perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a cozy weeknight meal. Get ready for colossal summer flavor!

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Basil Summer Squash image
Beginner Cook Beginner Cook Healthy Course

Basil Summer Squash

This vibrant vegetarian recipe is a healthy, lower-fat twist on a classic basil chicken dish. Imagine breathtaking colors and summery flavors in every bite! Sweet summer squash, earthy beets, and fragrant basil create a symphony of taste, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. Ready in under 20 minutes!

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Autumn Leaves image
Occasion Equipment Squash Time To Make

Autumn Leaves

Capture the vibrant colors of autumn with this delicious and easy vegetable rice casserole! This hearty dish features summer squash, tomatoes, and herbs, creating a stunning and flavorful meal perfect for any time of year. The creamy sauce complements the tender vegetables and fluffy rice, making it a crowd-pleasing recipe that's both beautiful and satisfying. Get ready to enjoy a taste of fall, no matter the season!

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Baked Penne With Roasted Vegetables Courtesy Giada De La image 105
Main Dish Vegetables Main Dish Equipment

Baked Penne With Roasted Vegetables Courtesy Giada De La

A crowd-pleasing vegetarian bake inspired by Giada De Laurentiis! This recipe, adapted from her Everyday Italian show, features perfectly roasted vegetables tossed with al dente penne, rich marinara, and melted cheeses. A family favorite, even picky eaters will love this hearty and flavorful dish. (Note: This version includes garlic, unlike Giada's original garlic-free recipe for her mother.)

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Baked Summer Squash Casserole image
Main Ingredient Course 60 Minutes Or Less Low In Something

Baked Summer Squash Casserole

This creamy, dreamy Baked Summer Squash Casserole (also known as Squash Dressing!) has been a family favorite for over 30 years! Perfect for showcasing the delicious flavors of summer yellow squash, this comforting side dish is incredibly easy to make. Enjoy this classic recipe during peak squash season – it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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