![- 2 Medium Zucchinis - 2 Medium Yellow Squashes - 1 Red Bell Pepper - 1 Small Red Onion - 2 Cloves Garlic - 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil - Dried Thyme - Smoked Paprika - Salt and Black Pepper - Fresh Basil Leaves for Garnish To make sautéed squash and zucchini, you need fresh ingredients. Start with two medium zucchinis and two medium yellow squashes. The colors will pop on your plate. A red bell pepper adds sweetness and crunch. Don’t forget a small red onion. It gives a nice bite to the dish. Garlic is key; just two cloves will do. Olive oil helps cook everything and adds great flavor. For seasoning, use dried thyme and smoked paprika. These spices elevate the taste. Add salt and black pepper to make everything sing. Lastly, fresh basil leaves are perfect for garnish. They add a lovely aroma and color to your finished dish. You can find the full recipe for sautéed squash and zucchini above. Enjoy cooking this colorful, healthy dish! - Heat Olive Oil Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke. This step helps the veggies cook evenly. - Sauté Onions and Garlic Next, add 1 small red onion, thinly sliced. Stir it for about 2-3 minutes. Wait until the onion softens and turns translucent. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for another 30 seconds. You want it fragrant and golden, but not burnt. - Add Zucchini and Squash Now, introduce 2 medium zucchinis and 2 medium yellow squashes, sliced into half-moons. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. Stir often to keep the colors bright and the texture just right. The goal is soft but not mushy. - Incorporate Red Bell Pepper and Seasonings After that, fold in 1 diced red bell pepper. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don’t forget salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently. All veggies should be tender yet still vibrant. - Adjust Seasoning and Garnish Take a moment to taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Once you are happy, remove the skillet from heat. Let the medley sit for a minute. This resting time helps the flavors meld. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves, roughly torn. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Enjoy your sautéed squash and zucchini fresh from the stove! For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. - Tips for Choosing Zucchini: Look for zucchinis that are firm and smooth. Their skin should have a bright green color, with no blemishes or soft spots. Smaller zucchinis are often sweeter and more tender. - Selecting Optimal Yellow Squash: Pick yellow squash that is shiny and firm. Choose medium-sized ones, as they have better flavor and texture. Avoid any that feel soft or have dark spots. - Best Practices for Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs should look vibrant and green. They should smell strong and aromatic. Store them in a glass of water in your fridge to keep them fresh longer. - How to Achieve a Perfect Sauté: Heat your skillet before adding oil. Use medium heat to avoid burning the garlic and onions. Add the veggies in batches to ensure they sauté instead of steam. - Maintaining Vegetable Color and Texture: Stir the vegetables gently and often. This helps keep their bright colors and crisp textures. Cook them just until tender, around 5 to 7 minutes. - Avoiding Overcooking: Keep an eye on cooking time. If the veggies turn mushy, they lose flavor and nutrients. Aim for tender but still crisp vegetables for the best taste and texture. Explore the [Full Recipe] for more delicious details! {{image_4}} You can add more veggies to your sautéed squash and zucchini. Carrots bring a sweet crunch. They add bright color and extra nutrients. Just slice them thinly so they cook fast. Bell peppers also work well. They have a sweet taste and a nice crunch. Mushrooms can add earthiness. They soak up flavors and add a chewy texture. You can use any kind, like button or cremini. Asparagus is another great choice. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and add it in the last few minutes of cooking. This way, it stays crisp. Try using different fresh herbs to change the taste. Basil is great, but you can also use parsley or oregano. Just chop them fine and stir them in at the end. Fresh herbs give a bright flavor. Adding spices can really wake up this dish. Cumin brings a warm, earthy taste. Just sprinkle a little in while cooking. If you like heat, try red pepper flakes. They add spice without overpowering the dish. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for sautéed summer garden medley! To keep your sautéed squash and zucchini fresh, start with proper cooling techniques. Let the dish cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step helps prevent condensation in the container. Once cooled, store the vegetables in airtight containers. This keeps out moisture and air, which can spoil the food faster. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, you can choose between a microwave or stovetop reheating. The stovetop method is best for retaining texture. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Add your sautéed squash and zucchini, stirring often until warmed through. If you opt for the microwave, place the food in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in. Microwave in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. This method helps prevent the veggies from becoming mushy. These simple storage and reheating tips will ensure your sautéed squash and zucchini remain fresh and flavorful. Enjoy your delicious meal again with these easy steps! Sautéed squash and zucchini can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container for best results. After a few days, check for signs of spoilage. If the vegetables feel slimy or smell off, it's time to toss them. Yes, you can use frozen squash and zucchini. Just make sure to thaw them first. This helps to avoid excess water in your dish. Keep in mind that frozen veggies may be softer than fresh ones. They won't have the same crisp texture but will still taste great. Sautéed squash and zucchini pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. They also complement grains like quinoa or rice. For a hearty touch, add them to pasta or a veggie stir-fry. This helps create a balanced and tasty plate. In this article, we explored a simple sauté recipe that brightens up any meal. You learned about fresh ingredients like zucchini, squash, and red bell pepper. I shared tips for selecting the best produce and cooking techniques to avoid overcooking. We also discussed variations and storage tips to keep your dish fresh. Sautéed vegetables can be a healthy and tasty part of your meals. Make them your own with different veggies and seasonings. Enjoy making this dish and share it with others!](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7b8977c7-8048-4cbb-9359-8f8327fc3ccc-250x250.webp)
Sauteed Squash and Zucchini
Dive into the flavors of summer with this vibrant Sautéed Summer Garden Medley! Packed with fresh zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers, this easy recipe is a feast for the eyes and palate. Learn how to sauté these colorful vegetables to perfection with aromatic herbs and spices, making for a delightful side dish that complements any meal. Click to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your summer cooking!