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Sautéed Yellow Squash with Crispy Herb Topping

Sautéed Yellow Squash with Crispy Herb Topping

A quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender sautéed yellow squash topped with a crispy, aromatic herb and breadcrumb crust. Ready in under 20 minutes, this vibrant and texturally satisfying recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a versatile side that complements a variety of mains.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium yellow squashes, washed and sliced into rounds or half-moons
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Herb Topping

  • 1/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced finely
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Squash: Wash and slice the yellow squash into evenly sized rounds or half-moons to ensure even cooking. Pat the slices dry thoroughly with a towel to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent sogginess and promotes browning during sautéing.
  2. Mix the Herb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs with chopped parsley, thyme, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and the optional lemon zest. Toss thoroughly to blend the flavors and prepare the topping for crisping.
  3. Heat and Sauté: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the squash slices in a single layer without overcrowding. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning halfway through, until the squash is tender and lightly browned.
  4. Add the Crispy Herb Topping: Evenly sprinkle the herb and breadcrumb mixture over the sautéed squash. Press gently so the topping adheres to the squash slices, then cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
  5. Serve Immediately: Transfer the squash to a serving dish. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavors and brightness before serving.

Notes

  • Pat the squash slices dry to avoid sogginess and encourage browning.
  • Use fresh herbs for optimal flavor and crisp texture in the topping.
  • Slice squash evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Choose fresh or panko breadcrumbs to achieve the best crispy topping.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper sautéing instead of steaming.

Nutrition

Keywords: yellow squash, sautéed squash, crispy herb topping, quick side dish, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy recipe