Zesty Sauteed Summer Squash with Basil and Parmesan Recipe

Summer squash elevates ordinary meals into vibrant culinary experiences with its tender, mild-flavored profile and incredible versatility.

This delightful vegetable captures the essence of warm-weather cooking through its delicate texture and subtle sweetness.

Chefs and home cooks alike appreciate summer squash for its remarkable ability to absorb flavors and complement various ingredients.

Its smooth, subtle green hue hints at the fresh, garden-inspired taste waiting to be unlocked in your kitchen.

Incredibly nutritious and low in calories, summer squash provides a perfect canvas for experimenting with herbs, spices, and classic seasoning techniques.

The combination of sautéing, fresh basil, and parmesan creates a harmonious blend that elevates this simple vegetable into a sophisticated side dish.

Every bite promises a burst of seasonal freshness that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

Basil and Parmesan Take on Summer Squash

• Quick Summer Side Dish: Elevate your meal with this vibrant, easy-to-make sautéed squash that bursts with fresh, seasonal flavors in just 15 minutes.
• Texture Explosion: Enjoy golden-brown squash with a delightful crunch from toasted pine nuts, creating a perfect balance of soft and crispy elements.
• Flavor-Packed Technique: Develop deep, nuanced tastes by separately cooking garlic and red pepper flakes, then combining them with squash for a more complex and aromatic result.
• Elegant Finishing Touch: Brighten the dish with fresh basil and shaved Parmesan, adding layers of herbaceous and salty notes that transform a simple vegetable into a gourmet side.

Sautéed Summer Squash Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Yellow Squash: Fresh summer squash with mild, delicate flavor, key to the dish’s texture and taste. Choose firm, bright yellow squash without blemishes.

Pine Nuts: Rich, buttery nuts that add crunch and nutty depth to the dish. Select golden, whole pine nuts without discoloration.

Aromatics and Herbs:

Garlic: Provides sharp, pungent flavor base for the sautéed squash. Fresh garlic cloves are best for intense taste.

Scallion: Light, oniony accent that brings gentle sharpness to the dish. Choose bright green, crisp scallions.

Basil: Fresh herb with sweet, peppery notes that brighten the entire recipe. Use vibrant green leaves with no wilting.

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

Butter, Olive Oil: Fat combination for sautéing and adding rich, smooth flavor. Use unsalted butter and good quality olive oil.

Lemon: Adds bright, acidic balance to the rich squash. Fresh lemon with smooth, unblemished skin is ideal.

Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami cheese that provides a sharp finish. Select a high-quality, freshly grated block.

Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasoning blend for depth and subtle heat. Use freshly ground black pepper for best flavor.

Instructions for Sautéed Summer Squash

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

• Trim yellow squash
• Slice squash crosswise into thin rounds
• Finely chop garlic cloves
• Thinly slice scallion
• Juice half a lemon

Step 2: Toast Pine Nuts

Heat a large frying pan over medium heat

Toast pine nuts until golden brown

Transfer toasted nuts to a small bowl

Step 3: Sauté Squash

Melt butter and olive oil in the same pan

Spread squash in an even layer

Season with salt and black pepper

Cook until squash turns tender and light golden

Stir occasionally during cooking

Step 4: Add Aromatic Flavor

Push squash to one side of pan

Add garlic and red pepper flakes to other side

Cook garlic until fragrant and lightly golden

Toss everything together

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove pan from heat

• Toasted pine nuts
• Sliced scallion
• Lemon juice

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to serving bowl

Tear fresh basil leaves

Scatter basil over squash

Shave Parmesan cheese on top using vegetable peeler

Enjoy your vibrant summer squash creation!

Smart Tips for Flavorful Squash

• Slice Evenly: Cut squash into uniform 1/4-inch rounds to ensure consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Toast Nuts Carefully: Watch pine nuts closely while toasting, as they can quickly burn; stir frequently and remove from heat when golden brown.
• Create Caramelization: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve beautiful golden-brown edges on squash.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Cook garlic separately to prevent burning and release its maximum aromatic potential before combining with squash.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: Add torn basil leaves and shaved Parmesan just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavor and texture.

Storing and Reheating Summer Squash

• Refrigeration: Store leftover sautéed squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the fresh basil and Parmesan separate to maintain texture.
• Reheating: Gently warm the squash in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and preserve the delicate texture.
• Best Serving: Sprinkle fresh basil and Parmesan cheese after reheating to revive the bright, fresh flavors and add a crisp element to the warmed dish.

Side Pairings for Summer Squash

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the light, summery flavors of sautéed squash with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complement the dish's herbal and citrusy notes.
• Serve Alongside Grilled Protein: Match the squash with a simple grilled chicken breast or delicate white fish like halibut, allowing the vegetable's subtle flavors to shine while adding protein to the meal.
• Create a Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Transform the squash into part of a larger spread by adding hummus, olives, feta cheese, and warm pita bread, creating a vibrant and interactive dining experience that highlights the dish's fresh ingredients.
• Add a Rustic Bread Companion: Serve with a crusty sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious buttery, lemony juices and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender squash.

Unique Twists on Summer Squash

• Zucchini Mediterranean Mix: Swap yellow squash with zucchini and add diced sun-dried tomatoes for a robust Mediterranean flavor profile. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan for an extra tangy touch.
• Spicy Southwest Squash: Incorporate diced jalapeños and replace pine nuts with roasted pepitas. Use cilantro instead of basil and add a dash of cumin for a southwest-inspired kick.
• Herb Garden Celebration: Mix yellow squash with green zucchini for color variation. Replace pine nuts with chopped almonds and add fresh thyme and oregano alongside basil. Drizzle with white wine vinegar for brightness.
• Garlic Lovers' Edition: Double the garlic quantity and add roasted garlic cloves. Include minced shallots for deeper flavor complexity. Garnish with chives and use smoked sea salt for an intense, aromatic experience.

Sauted Summer Squash with Basil and Parmesan Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Sautéed summer squash with basil and parmesan celebrates seasonal garden freshness with elegant simplicity. Quick Mediterranean-inspired cooking brings zucchini golden and tender, topped with fragrant herbs and salty cheese that invite pure summer pleasure.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium yellow squash (about 1 pound total / 454 grams)
• 5 large fresh basil leaves
• 1 small (about ½-ounce / 14 grams) piece Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 medium scallion
• ½ medium lemon
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Carefully toast pine nuts in a large frying pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they turn a light golden-brown color. Remove and set aside in a small bowl.
2. Melt butter and olive oil in the same pan over medium-high heat, creating a flavorful cooking base.
3. Arrange sliced yellow squash in an even layer across the pan, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Allow the squash to cook without constant stirring, developing a golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
4. Create space in the pan and introduce minced garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes. Sauté briefly until the garlic becomes fragrant and takes on a delicate golden hue.
5. Integrate the garlic mixture with the squash, then remove the pan from heat.
6. Incorporate toasted pine nuts, sliced scallions, and fresh lemon juice, gently tossing to distribute flavors evenly.
7. Transfer the sautéed squash to a serving bowl, artfully garnishing with hand-torn basil leaves.
8. Complete the dish by delicately shaving Parmesan cheese over the top, adding a final layer of rich, savory complexity.

Notes

• Toasting pine nuts brings out their rich, nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the dish, transforming simple sautéed squash into a gourmet experience.
• High heat and occasional stirring ensure the squash develops beautiful golden-brown edges while maintaining a tender, not mushy, texture.
• Separating garlic cooking helps prevent burning and allows it to release its aromatic qualities without overwhelming the delicate squash.
• Fresh basil and lemon juice brighten the entire dish, adding a zesty, herbal note that cuts through the richness of butter and Parmesan.
• Shaving Parmesan directly over the hot squash helps the cheese slightly melt, creating a luxurious and creamy finish.
• This versatile side dish can be prepared in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or elegant summer gatherings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 165
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg