Yellow summer squash is one of my favorite vegetables. This summer squash parmigiana dish is not only hearty and tasty, but can easily be a meatless meal on its own!

Summer Squash Parmigiana - a play on eggplant parmigiana. Layers of summer squash, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.

Well, I could eat this dish as a meatless meal. My hubby and oldest son are big time carnivores and insist on having meat for every meal. However, my husband said that he would consider eating this dish as a meatless alternative if I add pasta to this dish, so I consider this a winning dish in my book. Maybe someday I’ll get them to eat a completely meatless meal.

Summer Squash Parmigiana on a white plate.
Yum! All you need is a piece of bread and this is a great meatless meal.

Normally, I just cut squashes into large cubes and roast them in the oven, but decided to try a recipe in the “Vegetable of the Day” cookbook, by Kate McMillan. This recipe is a play on eggplant parmigiana and substitutes the eggplant for yellow squash. It’s just summer squash layered with diced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese…yum!

8x8 Summer Squash

The original recipe uses grilled summer squash (which I did), but if you’re short on time, cook them in a pan or oven before layering them in your baking dish. I also cut the bake time from 35 minutes to 20 minutes because I like my squash a little firmer.

How do you like to eat your summer squash?

Summer Squash Parmigiana

Summer Squash Parmigiana

Yield: 6-8 servings
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves pressed or finely chopped garlic
  • 1 can 28 oz. diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2lbs. summer squash (2 large summer squash, cut lengthwise into 1/3), grilled
  • 4-6oz fresh mozzarella (cut into thin slices)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

    1. In a large pan over medium-low, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil and pressed garlic. Add diced tomatoes and 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. dried basil. Turn the heat up to medium-high and cook for 20-25 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
    2. Prepare grill and heat to medium-high.* While the grill is heating, prepare the squash. Place cut squash in a sheet pan and drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the cut squash and lightly season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and place onto the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the squash are slightly soft and remove back into the sheet pan. Set aside. Do not overcook the squash or it will get too mushy when baked.
    3. Lightly oil an 8x8 baking dish. Place 1/4 cup of the diced tomato sauce in the pan and spread around. Next, place a third of the cut squash down and place another 1/4 cup of diced tomato sauce. Repeat the steps until your last layer is sauce and cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350F. Can be served warm or at room temperature.

Notes

*If you don't want to grill the summer squash, cook the squash on the stove in a pan.

Did you make this recipe?

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20 Comments

  1. YUM! I love parmigiana and I love squash, so this looks especially good! I’m always so happy to see whay you bring to The Yuck Stops Here! You’re awesome, I’m so glad I’ve met you and had a chance to get to know you a bit! HUGS

  2. This looks delicious. My family likes eggplant parmagiana and squash. I’m looking forward to trying your version soon. Thanks for sharing it with us at Let’s Get Real. Hope to see you again Thursday 5:00 PM EST

  3. Thanks for coming and linking up at #The Weekend Social. Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST on KitchenDreaming ! I hope to see you there!

  4. Yum, yum, yum- LOVE this, Erlene!!! Right up my alley. 🙂 Thank you so much for linking up at Snickerdoodle Sunday- hope to see you again on Saturday with your latest makes & bakes!

    Sarah (Sadie Seasongoods)

  5. Summer squash is so nice and sweet and the cheese in the parmigiana makes it better even without any meat!. I also think that grilling squash and all sorts of vegetables on the grill is the best and tastiest method. Thanks for sharing it!