SAUTÉED SQUASH WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES
This squash with sun-dried tomatoes is a wonderful side dish for summer. A big batch of it goes perfectly with burgers or hotdogs at a cookout, but it’s also a great option for weeknight dinners and will be great with any chicken, beef, pork, or seafood dish you choose. I love the combination of sun-dried tomatoes with sweet and bright squash, and I think you will too. SERVES 4
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 15 minutes
1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
¼ onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 large yellow squash, diced
3 tablespoons (45 ml) sun-dried tomatoes
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the squash, and stir. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve.
VARIATION 1 SAUTÉED SQUASH WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND BASIL PESTO: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons (45 ml) Pesto (here) to the pan with the sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chopped fresh basil.
VARIATION 2 SAUTÉED ZUCCHINI WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS: Substitute zucchini for the yellow squash and 3 or 4 tablespoons (60 ml) chopped roasted red peppers for the sun-dried tomatoes, and enjoy the smoky sweetness.
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Sautéed squash with sun-dried tomatoes is a quick summer side that tastes far more interesting than the sum of its parts. Diced yellow squash softens in the pan with sweet onion and garlic, then intense, chewy sun-dried tomatoes go in for the last few minutes. It's a 15-minute side dish that punches up any simple protein.
Pro Tips
- Don't peel the yellow squash — the skin gives the dice structure and keeps the pieces from turning to mush in the pan.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes at the very end so they stay chewy and concentrated rather than dissolving into the vegetables.
- Cut the squash into even dice so the pieces cook at the same rate; small cubes are done in about 5 minutes.
- If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them but keep the oil — a spoonful in the pan is packed with flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Yes — they're interchangeable here. Zucchini has a slightly softer texture and milder flavor, but the method is identical.
Are sun-dried tomatoes Paleo?
Yes, particularly those packed in olive oil. Check the labels of dry-packed ones for added sugar or sulfites if you're strict.
What should I serve this with?
Grilled chicken, pan-seared fish, or a steak. It's also excellent folded into an omelet or served at room temperature as part of a buffet.
Does this dish keep well?
It's best fresh, since squash releases water as it sits. Leftovers are still tasty for 2 days — reheat in a hot skillet to drive off the moisture.
Recipe Card

Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the squash, and stir.
- Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve.




