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Summer squash is one of the most versatile vegetables you can cook with, offering a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with a wide range of ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish, a creamy base for soups, or a unique topping for grilled meats, summer squash purée is a perfect solution.
It’s not only delicious but also nutritious, packing in vitamins and fiber while being light and refreshing for the warmer months.
In this article, we’re going to explore 26+ summer squash purée recipes that will keep you inspired all season long.
From savory combinations with cheese, garlic, and herbs to light, fresh purées with citrus and mint, there’s something here for everyone.
Plus, the best part is that these purées are easy to prepare and can be used in countless ways to elevate your meals.
Let’s dive into the world of summer squash purées and discover how to turn this humble vegetable into something extraordinary!
26+ Delicious Summer Squash Purée Recipes for Every Meal
Whether you’re a squash lover or just looking for a fresh, light addition to your summer menu, these 26+ summer squash purée recipes provide endless possibilities.
From simple purées to creative combinations with spices, herbs, and even cheeses, each recipe brings out the natural sweetness of summer squash in a different way.
Plus, these purées are perfect for meal prepping, making them a great addition to any busy weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
By experimenting with these recipes, you can add variety to your meals, explore new flavors, and make the most of this versatile vegetable.
So, get your hands on some fresh summer squash and start puréeing your way to delicious, vibrant dishes that will have your family and friends coming back for more!
Golden Summer Squash & Garlic Purée
This smooth, flavorful purée is the perfect way to showcase the naturally sweet and mellow taste of yellow summer squash, enhanced by roasted garlic and a touch of lemon.
Ideal as a side dish, a bed for grilled meats, or even a vibrant soup base, this recipe brings summer to the table with every spoonful.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yellow summer squash, sliced
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until soft and golden.
- Meanwhile, steam the sliced squash over boiling water for 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Let the roasted garlic cool slightly, then squeeze out the soft cloves.
- In a food processor or blender, combine squash, roasted garlic, butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a thinner purée, add a splash of warm water or broth.
This purée delivers a luxurious texture and a mellow, comforting flavor that balances the roasted richness of garlic with the delicate sweetness of squash.
It’s a versatile and elegant addition to any summer meal.
Zucchini Basil Purée with Parmesan
Light and herbaceous, this zucchini purée is lifted by the brightness of fresh basil and the umami of grated Parmesan cheese.
It’s a great alternative to mashed potatoes, and pairs especially well with grilled chicken or fish.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchinis, chopped
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp cream for extra richness
Instructions:
- Steam zucchini until tender, about 7–9 minutes.
- In a skillet, lightly sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add steamed zucchini, sautéed garlic and oil, basil, and Parmesan to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth. Add cream if desired for a silkier texture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend again to combine.
This purée is a garden-fresh celebration of summer’s bounty.
The basil adds a touch of brightness, while Parmesan lends savory depth, making this dish as elegant as it is simple.
Curried Summer Squash Purée with Coconut Milk
A bold and aromatic take on summer squash, this purée is infused with curry spices and smoothed out with creamy coconut milk.
It makes a delicious side for grilled tofu or roasted chicken and can double as a warm, comforting soup.
Ingredients:
- 3 yellow squash or zucchini, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp curry powder
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute to release the aromas.
- Add sliced squash and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer mixture to a blender and add coconut milk. Blend until silky smooth.
- Return to pot if you want to serve it warm, or chill for a cool summer starter.
- Season with salt and garnish with cilantro if desired.
This purée is a warm, exotic twist on a classic vegetable.
The gentle sweetness of the squash blends beautifully with the spice of the curry and the creamy coconut milk, creating a dish that’s both comforting and fresh.
Lemon-Thyme Summer Squash Purée
This light and aromatic purée combines tender yellow squash with bright lemon and earthy thyme for a refreshing side dish.
It’s a perfect pairing with grilled fish or a citrusy chicken entrée, and the clean flavors make it a go-to option for light summer fare.
Ingredients:
- 4 yellow summer squash, sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam the squash until very tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- Transfer to a blender along with butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme.
- Blend until smooth and silky.
- Season with salt and pepper, blending again to combine.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, strain through a fine mesh sieve if desired.
With its sunny lemon notes and subtle herbal twist, this purée brightens up any plate.
It’s ideal for warm-weather dinners when you want something elegant but effortless.
Charred Zucchini & Smoked Paprika Purée
This deeply flavorful purée uses charred zucchini and smoked paprika to deliver a slightly smoky, rustic taste.
It’s an excellent complement to grilled meats or roasted vegetables and adds complexity without overpowering your main dish.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brush zucchini slices with olive oil and grill or roast them until charred and soft, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Let the zucchini cool slightly, then transfer to a food processor.
- Add smoked paprika, garlic, and Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper, and blend again to adjust the taste.
This purée captures the flavors of the grill in a creamy, spreadable form.
The smokiness from the paprika and charred skin makes it a standout dish that can double as a dip or sandwich spread, too.
Spiced Summer Squash & Apple Purée
A surprisingly delightful blend of sweet and savory, this purée marries yellow squash with tart green apple and warm spices.
It’s perfect as a side dish for pork, turkey, or even as a creative addition to a fall-leaning summer brunch.
Ingredients:
- 3 yellow summer squash, chopped
- 1 green apple, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add apple and squash, and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add a splash of water, cover, and simmer until both are soft, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and honey if using. Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or sweetness to preference.
This purée delivers a comforting and unexpected harmony of flavors.
The apple adds brightness and a gentle acidity that balances the earthy notes of squash and spice, making this a fun, flavorful twist on a traditional vegetable side.
Roasted Summer Squash & Onion Purée
A simple yet rich purée, roasted summer squash and sweet caramelized onions are blended together to create a comforting and slightly savory side dish.
The deep flavors from roasting bring out the best in the squash, making this a perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium summer squash, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash slices and onion with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Transfer roasted squash and onions to a blender or food processor. Add balsamic vinegar and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or vinegar if needed.
This purée has a subtle sweetness from the caramelized onions and a savory richness from the roasting process.
The balsamic vinegar adds depth and a little tang, making it an excellent side for roasted meats or pasta dishes.
Spicy Summer Squash & Jalapeño Purée
For those who love a bit of heat, this spicy summer squash purée is the perfect way to add a kick to your meal.
The combination of summer squash, jalapeño, and a touch of lime creates a bold and flavorful purée that pairs wonderfully with tacos, grilled shrimp, or any spicy dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and chopped (adjust to desired heat level)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and jalapeño, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add sliced squash and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Transfer to a food processor and blend with lime juice and salt until smooth.
- Stir in fresh cilantro if using, then taste and adjust seasoning.
This purée has a zesty, vibrant flavor profile with just the right amount of heat from the jalapeño.
The lime juice adds a refreshing element, making this a great side dish to bring some spice to your summer meals.
Minted Summer Squash & Pea Purée
This fresh and herbaceous purée is a perfect balance of sweetness from the squash and peas, complemented by the cool, refreshing taste of mint.
It’s light, vibrant, and ideal as a side for lamb, grilled fish, or as a topping for toast.
Ingredients:
- 2 yellow summer squash, chopped
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam the squash and peas together until tender, about 5–7 minutes.
- Transfer to a food processor and blend with olive oil, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding extra lemon juice for brightness or more mint for freshness.
This purée is light and fragrant, with the mint adding a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the squash and peas.
The mint also lends it a refreshing quality, making it an excellent accompaniment to summer dishes or a unique topping for grilled bread.
Curry-Spiced Summer Squash & Carrot Purée
This vibrant purée combines the sweetness of summer squash and carrots with a hint of curry, creating a wonderfully warm and aromatic dish.
It’s a perfect side for both vegetarian meals and meat dishes, offering a touch of exotic flavor with a silky smooth texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the squash and carrots, sautéing for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Sprinkle in curry powder and ground ginger, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Add vegetable broth, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Transfer the vegetables to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper, and blend again to adjust the taste.
This purée is a comforting, spiced delight that balances the sweetness of the squash and carrots with the aromatic depth of curry and ginger.
It’s perfect as a side dish for a cozy meal or as a base for a vegetable soup.
Coconut & Lime Summer Squash Purée
This tropical-inspired purée features summer squash blended with coconut milk and a burst of fresh lime, creating a light, refreshing dish with just the right amount of creaminess.
It pairs beautifully with seafood, grilled chicken, or as a base for summer bowls.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium summer squash, chopped
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Steam or sauté the squash until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- In a blender, combine the squash, coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
- Season with salt to taste, and blend again to combine.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
This purée is light and refreshing, with the coconut milk adding a rich creaminess and the lime bringing a zesty contrast.
It’s a perfect addition to tropical-themed dishes or as a side for grilled fish and seafood.
Herbed Summer Squash & Ricotta Purée
For a creamy and savory dish, this herbed summer squash purée incorporates ricotta cheese and a blend of fresh herbs to create a smooth, rich side dish.
The perfect complement to pasta, grilled meats, or as a topping for crusty bread.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium yellow squash, chopped
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or sauté the squash until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the cooked squash to the pan and mix with the garlic, letting it absorb the flavors for a couple of minutes.
- Transfer the squash and garlic to a food processor or blender. Add ricotta cheese, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
This purée has a rich, creamy texture from the ricotta, with fresh herbs adding depth and flavor.
It’s a great way to elevate the simple summer squash, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
Smoked Gouda & Summer Squash Purée
This rich and indulgent purée is infused with the smoky, creamy flavor of gouda cheese, making it a perfect side dish for grilled meats or as a comforting vegetarian main.
The combination of summer squash and smoky cheese offers a delicious depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yellow squash, chopped
- 1/2 cup smoked gouda cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water (optional)
Instructions:
- Steam or sauté the chopped squash until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked squash to the pan and stir to combine with the garlic and butter.
- Transfer the squash mixture to a food processor or blender, then add the grated gouda cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- If the purée is too thick, add vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, and blend again to combine.
This purée has a lovely creaminess from the gouda and butter, with a subtle smoky flavor that makes it an irresistible accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to pasta.
Minted Summer Squash & Yogurt Purée
This light and refreshing purée brings together the coolness of yogurt and fresh mint with the subtle sweetness of summer squash.
It’s a fantastic side for Mediterranean dishes, grilled lamb, or as a dip for flatbreads and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium yellow summer squash, sliced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or sauté the squash slices until soft, about 8–10 minutes.
- Transfer the squash to a food processor or blender. Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped mint.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and blend again to adjust the flavor.
This purée is light, tangy, and refreshing, making it the perfect complement to grilled dishes.
The yogurt adds a creamy texture, while the mint provides a burst of freshness that’s ideal for warm-weather meals.
Butternut Squash & Summer Squash Purée
A twist on the traditional squash purée, this recipe combines both summer squash and butternut squash, creating a sweet and velvety dish with rich flavors.
The combination of the two types of squash brings a lovely balance of sweetness and earthiness.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium summer squash, sliced
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or sauté the summer squash and butternut squash separately until tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cooked squash and cinnamon, stirring to combine.
- Add vegetable broth or water to the pan to help the squash blend more easily.
- Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and purée until smooth.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking.
This purée is sweet and silky, with the butternut squash adding a creamy base and the summer squash adding a lighter, fresh element.
It’s the perfect side dish for fall-inspired meals or a sweet addition to savory meals.
Ginger-Lemon Summer Squash Purée
This vibrant purée brings the warming zing of ginger and the refreshing tang of lemon to the naturally mild flavor of summer squash.
It’s a perfect side dish for grilled fish, Asian-inspired dishes, or a light, fresh accompaniment to any summer meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yellow summer squash, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam the squash slices until soft, about 8–10 minutes.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the grated ginger and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the steamed squash to the pan and mix to incorporate the ginger.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor, then add lemon zest and juice.
- Blend until smooth, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
This purée has a lovely balance of freshness and spice, with ginger adding warmth and lemon providing a burst of brightness.
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a lively, zesty touch to your dish.
Summer Squash & Sweet Potato Purée
A hearty, comforting purée that combines the mild sweetness of summer squash with the rich, earthy flavor of sweet potatoes.
This dish is perfect for those cooler summer evenings or as a side for roasted meats like pork or chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium yellow summer squash, chopped
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam the summer squash and sweet potato until tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat, then add the cooked squash and sweet potato. Stir in cinnamon.
- Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your preference.
This purée has a lovely sweet-savory flavor profile, with the sweet potato adding a rich depth and the summer squash lightening it up.
The hint of cinnamon makes it a cozy, comforting side that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or even a simple grain bowl.
Balsamic Roasted Summer Squash Purée
This savory, tangy purée combines the roasted richness of summer squash with the depth of balsamic vinegar.
It’s an easy yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or even a vegetarian main like grilled portobello mushrooms.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yellow summer squash, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast the squash for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until soft and caramelized.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the roasted squash and return to the oven for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Transfer the roasted squash to a food processor or blender. Add chopped basil and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar if desired.
This purée offers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet, with the balsamic vinegar intensifying the roasted squash’s natural flavors.
It’s a perfect complement to a variety of main dishes, adding a bold, savory element to your meal.
Summer Squash & Parmesan Purée
This rich and savory purée combines the mild flavor of summer squash with the boldness of Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy, umami-packed side dish.
It’s a wonderful accompaniment to pasta, grilled meats, or even as a filling for savory pastries.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yellow summer squash, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup vegetable broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or sauté the chopped squash until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add the cooked squash to the pan and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the garlic flavor to infuse.
- Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender. Add Parmesan cheese, vegetable broth (or water), salt, and pepper, and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more Parmesan or salt for extra richness.
This creamy, cheesy purée brings out the best of summer squash with a lovely savory depth from the Parmesan.
It’s an ideal side dish for Italian-inspired meals or to add richness to simple grilled chicken or fish.
Herbed Summer Squash & Ricotta Purée
This fresh and light purée combines the creaminess of ricotta with the vibrant flavors of summer squash and herbs.
It’s perfect as a topping for toasted bread, as a dip for fresh veggies, or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or pasta.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium yellow squash, chopped
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or sauté the squash until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the cooked squash to the pan and stir to incorporate the garlic flavor.
- Transfer the squash to a blender or food processor, and add ricotta cheese, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more herbs or salt for additional flavor.
This purée has a fresh, light, and creamy texture with a burst of flavor from the fresh herbs.
It’s ideal for a Mediterranean-inspired meal or as a refreshing dip with crusty bread or crackers.
Spicy Summer Squash & Chipotle Purée
For a bold and smoky twist, this purée combines summer squash with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, creating a smoky, spicy side dish that complements grilled meats or tacos.
The smoky heat adds complexity, making it a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yellow summer squash, chopped
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or sauté the squash until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked squash, chipotle peppers, olive oil, lime juice, and salt.
- Blend until smooth, adjusting the amount of chipotle to control the level of heat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed.
This purée offers a smoky, spicy kick that adds depth and excitement to your meal.
It pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or even as a unique topping for tacos or quesadillas.
Lemon-Thyme Summer Squash Purée
This bright and aromatic purée combines the lightness of summer squash with the refreshing citrusy zing of lemon and the earthy fragrance of thyme.
It’s an ideal accompaniment to roasted poultry, seafood, or as a topping for grilled vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yellow summer squash, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or sauté the chopped squash until soft, about 8–10 minutes.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked squash, lemon zest, and thyme. Stir to combine and heat through for another 2 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend again to combine.
This purée is light, fresh, and herbaceous with a zesty lemon kick, making it a perfect complement to grilled chicken or fish dishes.
The thyme adds a subtle depth, balancing the tangy citrus flavors beautifully.
Cilantro-Lime Summer Squash Purée
A lively, fresh purée that brings the brightness of cilantro and lime to summer squash, creating a vibrant and zesty dish.
It’s perfect as a side for tacos, grilled shrimp, or served with rice dishes for a little extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yellow summer squash, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam or sauté the squash until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked squash, fresh cilantro, lime zest, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
- Add lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend again to ensure everything is well combined.
This purée is refreshing and tangy, with cilantro bringing a vibrant, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with zesty lime.
It’s perfect as a side dish for your favorite Mexican or Southwestern-inspired meals.
Summer Squash & Leek Purée
The combination of summer squash and leeks creates a slightly sweet and savory purée with a smooth texture and delicate flavor.
The richness of the leeks pairs perfectly with the lightness of the squash, making this purée a great side dish for a variety of meals.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium yellow summer squash, chopped
- 2 medium leeks, cleaned and chopped (use only the white and light green parts)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped leeks and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped squash to the pan with the leeks and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is fully tender.
- Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and purée until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and blend again to ensure the flavor is balanced.
This purée has a mild sweetness and a subtle earthy depth from the leeks.
It’s a perfect side for roasted meats, or you can pair it with a light pasta or grilled fish for a more delicate dish.