Introduction

Sauteed squash is a simple, flavorful side dish perfect for highlighting the natural sweetness of yellow squash or zucchini. This recipe combines tender squash with caramelized onions and fresh basil for a light and satisfying addition to any meal.

A white bowl filled with sautéed yellow squash slices and caramelized onion strips. The squash slices are thin, bright yellow with some brown sear marks, mixed evenly with translucent, slightly browned onion pieces. Small green herb bits are scattered throughout, adding contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth printed with black designs partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 medium yellow squash (can substitute zucchini or use a combination of the two)
2 medium onions (sliced thin)
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
5-10 fresh basil leaves (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter and olive oil.
Step 2: Once the butter has melted, add the squash, sliced onions, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then cook for 7 minutes without stirring to let the squash and onions brown.
Step 3: Stir the contents well and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add three-quarters of the chopped basil and cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle with the remaining basil leaves just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of yellow squash and zucchini for more color and texture variation.
For a richer flavor, substitute butter with ghee or add a splash of white wine during cooking.
Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra savory touch.
Cook over medium heat if you prefer softer squash with less browning.

Storage

Store leftover sauteed squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with cooked yellow squash slices and caramelized onions. The squash slices are round, thin, and soft-looking with some light browning and char marks on the surface. The onions appear translucent with some edges browned and crisp. Small green herb pieces are scattered throughout the dish, and the seeds of the squash are visible in several slices. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a white cloth with a gray floral pattern is partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?

Fresh squash is best as frozen squash tends to become watery and mushy when cooked. If using frozen, thaw and drain well before cooking to reduce excess moisture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be prepared a day in advance. Reheat gently to preserve the texture and add fresh basil just before serving to maintain its bright flavor.

Sauteed Squash with Garlic, Basil, and Italian Seasoning Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 70 reviews

This Sauteed Squash recipe is a simple, flavorful side dish featuring tender yellow squash and onions cooked in butter and olive oil with garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil. It is a quick and healthy way to enjoy fresh summer squash, perfect alongside any main course.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

3 medium yellow squash (can substitute zucchini or use a combination of the two)
2 medium onions (sliced thin)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
5–10 fresh basil leaves (chopped)

Cooking Fats and Seasonings

3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Heat the skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the butter and olive oil together. Allow the butter to melt completely, combining well with the olive oil to create a flavorful cooking base.
Add vegetables and seasonings: Add the sliced squash, thinly sliced onions, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper into the skillet. Stir briefly to combine the ingredients evenly.
Initial cooking: Let the mixture cook undisturbed for 7 minutes. This allows the squash and onions to develop a slight caramelization and soft texture without breaking apart.
Stir and continue cooking: Stir the contents well to mix and then cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally if desired, to fully soften the vegetables and meld the flavors.
Add basil and final cook: Stir in three-quarters of the chopped fresh basil leaves and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the herb to infuse the dish with fragrance.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, sprinkle the remaining fresh basil on top for a fresh vibrant finish. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

Cooking the squash and onions without stirring for the first 7 minutes helps to develop a nice caramelization and prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy.
You can substitute zucchini for the yellow squash or use a combination of both for variation.
Use fresh herbs for best flavor impact; dried basil will not have the same fresh aroma.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper depending on the type of butter and olive oil used.

Keywords: sauteed squash, yellow squash recipe, zucchini, side dish, easy vegetable recipe, summer squash, vegetarian side