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A Southern Soul Recipes Side Dish

Southern Squash and Onions

DonyabyDonya Mullins
A classic Southern side dish made with tender yellow squash and sweet onions, sautéed to perfection in a hot skillet. Simple, quick, and delicious.
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Squash and Onions is a classic Southern dish that perfectly captures summer flavors. Tender yellow squash and sweet Vidalia onions sautéed in butter and perfectly seasoned make a simple, old-school side dish that can be cooked in just 15 minutes!

A stainless steel skillet filled with tender slices of yellow squash and translucent sautéed onions, garnished with cracked black pepper and fresh parsley. A wooden spoon lifts a portion from the pan, and a red gingham towel and sweet onion sit nearby on the rustic wooden table.
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This simple dish brings back such wonderful memories of Sunday lunch after church. My Grandmother’s table would be loaded with perfectly cooked dishes using the best seasonal ingredients, and squash was always one of the all-stars on the menu!

Try more of my favorite squash dishes like Easy Squash Casserole and Southern Fried Squash.

A wooden cutting board filled with sliced yellow squash and onions is surrounded by small bowls containing black pepper, salt, butter, olive oil, and a glass measuring cup of water. Each ingredient is labeled with bold text, all placed on a rustic wood surface.

What You’ll Need

  • Yellow squash, cut into rounds, works excellent. I prefer Zepher squash, but if you can’t find it, see below for some alternative options.
  • Vidalia onions that are thinly sliced are best for this dish because they are slightly sweet.
  • The rest is just olive oil, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and butter.

Switch It Up: Flavor Twists to Try

Swap in Zucchini: Mix with yellow squash for a colorful twist.

Add Garlic: Stir in a clove or two of minced garlic for extra flavor. A handful of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley is a nice touch, too.

Turn Up the Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce adds a little kick.

Sprinkle on Cheese: A light dusting of shredded cheddar or grated Parmesan is so good, y’all.

Donya’s Tips For Preventing Soggy Squash

Squash has a lot of moisture, and nobody likes watery food, right? But here’s the trick to avoid soggy squash: After you’ve sliced your squash, pat it extra dry with a paper towel and sprinkle with a pinch of salt to help dry it out before you start cooking it.

A hand stirs a skillet of sautéed yellow squash and onions with a wooden spoon. The vegetables are lightly seasoned and glistening, while a red and white checkered towel and small empty bowls rest on the rustic wood counter nearby.

How To Make Squash And Onions

  • Step One: Heat olive oil in a medium-sized sauté pan. Add onion and cook on medium until soft.
  • Step Two: Add the squash, water, salt, and pepper. Stir gently. Continue cooking until the squash is tender.
  • Step Three: Gently add butter and toss to coat the squash and onions. Taste and adjust seasonings. This can be served with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
A close-up view of a spoon lifting tender slices of sautéed yellow squash and onions from a serving bowl. The vegetables are garnished with chopped parsley, black pepper, and a sprinkle of salt, highlighting their glossy, buttery texture.

More Squash Recipes You’ll Love

Craving More? Try These Easy Side Dishes

If you tried this Squash and Onions Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!

Easy Sauteed Squash and Onions

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Author: Donya Mullins
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
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This simple and delicious squash dish makes the perfect complement to any main course.

Ingredients

  • 3 – 4 medium yellow or Zephyr squash – sliced to about ⅛ inch thickness
  • ½ sweet onion – thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ fresh cracked pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a medium size sauté pan. Add onion and cook on medium until soft.
  • Add squash, water, salt and pepper. Stir gently. Continue cooking until squash is tender.
  • Gently add butter and toss to coat squash and onions. Taste and adjust seasonings. This can be served with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
Did you make this?I’d love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @asouthernsoul, and use the hashtag #asouthernsoul!
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What To Serve With Stewed Squash And Onions

I love to pair this recipe with Air Fryer Chicken Legs or BEST Roasted Pork Tenderloin for dinner. It’s also delicious with the Best Air Fryer Salmon and Instant Pot Garlic And Herb Rice to make it a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do leftovers stay good for?

You can keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just reheat in the oven, on the stove, or in the microwave.

Can I make this on the grill?

Yes, I love to do this on the grill using my cast iron skillet. It adds a lovely light char to the squash.

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2 Comments

    1. That makes my heart so happy! I’m thrilled this recipe has earned a spot among your favorites. Comfort food is my love language, so I’m glad it hit the spot for you. Thank you for sharing the love! ~Donya

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