This recipe for roasted yellow squash requires only three ingredients and about five to ten minutes of prep time making it simple to make and a fast side to get on the dinner table! I especially love eating this in the summer when paired with some grilled chicken or anything else on the grill. Maybe you have a garden and have an abundance of yellow squash or zucchini; zucchini can be used for this recipe as well! This is a good recipe to use those garden fresh squash! Let’s make this 3 ingredient roasted yellow squash recipe. 🙂
We recently moved into a new home and my husband built planter boxes for our garden this year. We’re starting to have the zucchini and squash come in, and I’m so excited! There’s nothing like eating fresh veggies from your very own garden. If you don’t have a garden, no worries! You can still use veggies from the grocery store or, even better, see if your area has a local farmers market!
Why is roasted squash such a great veggie for a side dish?
Roasted squash makes a fantastic vegetable side dish for several reasons:
- Flavor Enhancement: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of squash and enhances its flavor profile, making it more enjoyable to eat.
- Versatility: Squash, particularly varieties like yellow squash, acorn squash, or butternut squash, can be seasoned in various ways before roasting, allowing for versatility in flavor profiles to complement different main dishes.
- Texture: Roasting squash results in a tender yet slightly caramelized texture, offering a delightful contrast to the main course.
- Nutritional Benefits: Squash is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Roasting preserves these nutrients while enhancing the overall taste, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
- Easy Preparation: Roasting squash is a simple and straightforward cooking method that requires minimal preparation and hands-on time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick yet satisfying side dish.
- Appealing Presentation: Roasted squash adds vibrant color and visual appeal to the dinner table, making it an attractive side dish that can elevate the overall dining experience.
Overall, roasted squash is a great vegetable side dish that offers a perfect balance of flavor, texture, nutrition, and ease of preparation, making it a favorite choice for many meals.
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The simple steps to this recipe:
(scroll to the end of this post for the printable recipe card)
- toss the squash with the olive oil and seasonings
- arrange on a baking sheet
- top with grated parmesan cheese
- bake until golden
What is the difference between crooked neck and straight neck yellow squash?
The primary difference between crooked neck and straight neck yellow squash lies in their appearance:
- Crooked Neck Yellow Squash: As the name suggests, crooked neck yellow squash has a curved or crooked neck, with a bulbous end. The neck of this squash typically bends sharply, giving it a distinctive appearance. The skin is smooth and typically a bright yellow color.
- Straight Neck Yellow Squash: Straight neck yellow squash, on the other hand, has a uniformly straight neck without any curvature. It resembles a more traditional squash shape, with a slightly tapered end. The skin is also smooth and yellow, similar to crooked neck squash.
Both varieties of yellow squash have similar flavor profiles and nutritional content, and their appearance may affect how they are used in cooking and their visual appeal on the plate. Crooked neck squash may be preferred for their unique shape, while straight neck squash may be favored for their more uniform appearance, especially in dishes where aesthetics are important.
If you have yellow squash that are overly large, you might want to use them in another recipe such as this banana zucchini bread or this amazing zucchini chocolate cake. The larger the yellow squash get, the bigger the seeds are, tougher the skin and the texture will not be nearly as yummy as some of the smaller ones. It’ll be much less noticeable if you use them in a muffin or bread recipe. Discard the seeds and shred it like you would zucchini. There’s no reason to waste the larger yellow squash, but, I think you’ll find using some smaller sized ones for this recipe is tastier!
3-Ingredient Roasted Yellow Squash
Simple Roasted Yellow Squash
a simple recipe using fresh yellow squash that is healthy and quick to make!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. yellow squash sliced into 1/2" rounds (about 2 medium)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
- grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh herbs for garnish such as parsley, basil, or thyme
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss together the squash rounds, oil, salt and pepper.
- Arrange single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake in a 425 degree oven for about 12 minutes or until desired tenderness,
- Place under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve.
Notes
I like to use a dark baking sheet for this recipe. It helps to brown the squash.
If you don't have fresh grated Parmesan cheese, you can use the pre-grated chese in a can.
It's best served right after baking!
Nope, because the skin is tender and thin, it’s just fine staying on!
I recommend eating it right away after baking, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for up to 3 days. I wouldn’t freeze leftovers as it will be mushy and soggy after thawing unfortunately.
Absolutely! Zucchini or yellow squash works great for this recipe.
Yellow squash offers a variety of nutritional benefits, making it a healthy addition to your diet. Here are some of its key nutritional highlights:
- Vitamins and Minerals: Yellow squash is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin K, potassium, manganese, and folate. These nutrients play important roles in supporting overall health, including immune function, vision, bone health, and metabolism.
- Antioxidants: Yellow squash contains antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lutein, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.
- Fiber: Yellow squash is a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation, and may lower the risk of developing conditions like hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and colon cancer.
- Low in Calories: Yellow squash is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great choice for those looking to manage their weight or control their calorie intake. It can be a filling addition to meals without adding excess calories.
- Hydration: Yellow squash has a high water content, which can help keep you hydrated, especially during hot weather or after physical activity. Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and helps regulate body temperature, support digestion, and maintain healthy skin.
- Heart Health: The combination of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants in yellow squash can contribute to heart health by helping to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels.
Incorporating yellow squash into your diet can provide a wide range of nutrients and health benefits, making it a nutritious and delicious addition to meals. Whether roasted, grilled, sautéed, or added to soups and stews, yellow squash can be a versatile and flavorful ingredient in various dishes.
Have an abundance of zucchini? Try these great zucchini recipes!
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This easy roasted yellow squash recipe uses just three ingredients and is one of my go-to healthy veggie side dishes I can put on the table in just minutes!
