Sautéed Yellow Squash with Crispy Herb Topping
Discover a quick and healthy side dish featuring tender sautéed yellow squash topped with a flavorful and crunchy herb crust. This vibrant recipe combines the natural sweetness of squash with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and crispy breadcrumbs, making it a perfect, guilt-free addition to any meal.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 3 medium yellow squash, washed and sliced into ¼ inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or basil)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prep Your Squash: Wash and trim the ends of your yellow squash, then slice them into uniform rounds about ¼ inch thick to ensure even cooking and a pleasant bite.
- Prepare the Crispy Herb Topping: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with finely chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss them with a drizzle of olive oil to help the mixture crisp up beautifully.
- Sauté the Squash: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced squash in a single layer—avoid overcrowding—and sauté for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until tender and golden brown.
- Add the Topping and Finish Cooking: Sprinkle the crispy herb topping evenly over the squash slices in the pan. Cover briefly and let the topping toast for 1-2 minutes until it becomes golden and crunchy, giving the dish its signature texture and flavor.
- Serve Warm: Transfer immediately to a serving plate to enjoy the best contrast between the warm, tender squash and the fresh, crunchy topping.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure perfect caramelization; sauté in batches if necessary.
- For extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs separately in a dry pan before mixing with herbs.
- Keep squash slices slightly thick to avoid mushiness and maintain a tender-crisp texture.
- Add lemon zest just before serving to preserve its fresh aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: yellow squash, sautéed squash, crispy herb topping, quick side dish, healthy vegetables, gluten free side