Vegan Yellow Squash Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious

Yellow squash is a versatile and vibrant vegetable that brings color, nutrition, and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to any dish. For those embracing a vegan lifestyle, yellow squash offers endless possibilities to create delicious, wholesome meals that satisfy the palate and nourish the body.

From simple sautéed squash to hearty casseroles and fresh salads, the bright yellow hue alone can uplift your dining experience.

In this post, we’ll explore a variety of vegan yellow squash recipes that are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you have a glut of summer squash from your garden or want to try something new, these recipes highlight the best ways to enjoy yellow squash in your plant-based meals.

Plus, we’ll share tips, nutritional insights, and serving ideas to help you get the most out of this wonderful vegetable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Yellow squash is not only visually appealing but also incredibly nutritious. It’s low in calories, rich in vitamins A and C, and a good source of dietary fiber.

The mild flavor allows it to absorb spices and herbs beautifully, making it adaptable for many cuisines and cooking styles.

These vegan yellow squash recipes are designed to be simple yet flavorful, showing you how to transform this humble vegetable into standout dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, these recipes are perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients

• Yellow squash – 3 medium-sized, sliced or diced depending on the recipe
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons for sautéing or roasting
• Garlic cloves – 3, minced
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or thyme) – 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved (optional for salads or roasting)
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon for brightness
• Chickpeas – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed (for protein-rich variations)
• Plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast – ¼ cup (optional for cheesy dishes)
• Breadcrumbs – ½ cup (optional for crispy toppings)
• Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon (for a hint of heat)

Equipment

• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Baking sheet (for roasting)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander (for rinsing chickpeas and vegetables)
• Oven or stovetop

Instructions

1. Prepare the squash: Wash the yellow squash thoroughly. Trim the ends and slice into half-moons or dice into cubes, depending on the recipe you choose.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the squash: Toss in the sliced yellow squash, stirring to coat in the garlic and onion mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the squash is tender but still slightly crisp.
4. Season: Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in fresh herbs and lemon juice for brightness. For extra protein, add rinsed chickpeas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through.
5. Optional roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized.
6. Cheesy topping (optional): For a vegan cheesy touch, sprinkle plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast over the squash in the last 5 minutes of roasting or sautéing. Add breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.
7. Serve: Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy warm as a side dish, over grains, or as a filling for wraps and sandwiches.

Tips & Variations

“To keep your yellow squash from becoming too watery, salt the slices lightly and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes before cooking. This draws out excess moisture and improves texture.”

• Stuffed Yellow Squash: Hollow out larger yellow squash and stuff with a mixture of quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, and herbs. Bake until tender for a satisfying main course.
• Yellow Squash Noodles: Use a spiralizer to create squash noodles as a low-carb pasta alternative. Toss with your favorite vegan sauce, like a vegan bechamel sauce for creamy comfort.
• Squash and Tomato Salad: Combine roasted yellow squash with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing summer salad.
• Slow Cooker Delight: Add chopped yellow squash to your slow cooker vegetable meals for a tender, flavorful addition.
• Spicy Stir-fry: Incorporate sliced yellow squash in a quick stir-fry with tofu, bell peppers, and soy sauce or tamari for a savory dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Yellow squash dishes pair wonderfully with a variety of vegan-friendly sides and mains. Consider serving sautéed or roasted squash alongside quinoa, brown rice, or a hearty lentil dish.

For a lighter meal, try it as part of a fresh salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy dressing.

For a comforting option, incorporate yellow squash into a creamy vegetable pasta with a vegan Alfredo sauce. If you love experimenting, try adding it to wraps or vegan tacos for an unexpected but delightful crunch and flavor.

For more inspiration, check out these recipes:

• Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners
• Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas
• Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes

Conclusion

Yellow squash is a delightful, nutrient-packed vegetable that shines in vegan cooking. Its versatility allows you to create dishes that are both simple and sophisticated, whether you’re in the mood for a quick sauté, a roasted side, or a fully loaded stuffed squash.

With these recipes and tips, you can enjoy the vibrant flavor and health benefits of yellow squash in exciting ways all year round.

By incorporating fresh herbs, spices, and complementary ingredients like chickpeas or plant-based cheese, you can elevate your yellow squash dishes to new heights. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cooking methods and flavor profiles to find your perfect vegan yellow squash recipe.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Saut\u00e9ed Vegan Yellow Squash”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and delicious vegan dish featuring tender yellow squash saut\u00e9ed with garlic and herbs. Perfect as a side or light main course.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 medium yellow squash, sliced”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped”, “1 teaspoon lemon juice”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onion and saut\u00e9 until translucent, about 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add sliced yellow squash, salt, pepper, and thyme.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender, about 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “90”, “proteinContent”: “2g”, “fatContent”: “7g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “6g”}}