Elevate your dinner game with this delicious Cheesy Herb Stuffed Yellow Squash recipe! Bursting with flavors from quinoa, fresh spinach, and three types of cheese, this dish will be a hit at the table. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, it’s both healthy and satisfying. Ready to impress your family or guests?
4 medium yellow squash, halved lengthwise
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
![- 4 medium yellow squash - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1/2 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh basil - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme - 2 cloves garlic - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Gather these ingredients before starting your dish. The yellow squash serves as a tasty boat for the filling. Quinoa adds protein and texture. Spinach gives a fresh taste, while the cheeses bring creaminess and depth. Fresh herbs like basil and thyme add bright notes. Garlic enhances the flavor without being overpowering. Olive oil helps cook everything nicely. You might want to adjust the salt and pepper based on your taste. If you enjoy a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. This recipe offers a great balance of flavors and nutrition. Plus, you can find the full recipe online for more cooking details. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare your ingredients Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, gather all your ingredients. Having everything ready makes cooking easier. 2. Scoop out the flesh of each yellow squash Take your yellow squash and slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the soft inside, leaving about a 1/4-inch border. This space is perfect for holding your tasty filling. 3. Heat olive oil and sauté garlic In a skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. You want to cook it just until it smells great, but don’t let it brown. 1. Combine reserved squash flesh with spinach Add the scooped-out squash flesh and chopped spinach to your skillet. Cook this mixture for about 3-4 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and blend nicely with the squash. 2. Mix in other filling ingredients In a large bowl, combine your cooked quinoa, sautéed mixture, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. 1. Stuff the squash and prepare for baking Take the filling and stuff it into the hollowed yellow squash halves. Fill them generously but don’t overflow. Place the stuffed squash on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. 2. Bake times and temperature adjustments Bake the stuffed squash in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes. You want the tops to turn golden and the squash to become tender. Now, you have a delicious and healthy dish ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Best practices for cooking quinoa: To cook quinoa well, rinse it first. This removes a bitter coating called saponin. Next, use a ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5 more minutes. Fluff it with a fork before using it in your stuffed squash. How to avoid overcooking the squash: When baking the squash, keep an eye on it. Overcooked squash can become mushy and lose its shape. Bake it until tender, but still firm. A fork should easily pierce the squash, but it should not fall apart. Check it at the 25-minute mark, then decide if it needs more time. Suggestions for additional herbs and spices: You can make your stuffed squash unique by adding different herbs. Try oregano or parsley for freshness. A dash of cumin can add warmth, while lemon zest brings brightness. Garlic powder or onion powder can also enhance the flavor without overpowering it. Ways to customize cheese blends: Mix and match your cheeses for a different taste. Use feta for a tangy punch or goat cheese for creaminess. You can also add a bit of cheddar for a sharp flavor. Blend different cheeses to find your favorite combo! How to tell when the squash is done: Check for a golden color on top. The squash should look slightly wrinkled. You can gently press it to see if it gives a bit. If it feels soft but holds its shape, it’s ready. Tips for presentation and serving: Serve your stuffed squash on a colorful plate. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Drizzle a little olive oil or balsamic glaze on top for added flair. This makes your dish appealing and ready for dinner guests! {{image_2}} You can change up the protein in your stuffed yellow squash. Ground turkey or beef are great choices. They add flavor and richness. If you want a lighter option, try plant-based substitutes like lentils. Lentils pack protein and fiber without meat. Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can use other vegetables too. For example, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini work well. These veggies add different textures and flavors. Mixing them in makes every bite exciting. Incorporating seasonal herbs and produce can elevate your dish. Fresh basil and thyme are always good, but try adding dill in summer. In fall, use sage or rosemary. These herbs bring out the best flavors. Using seasonal produce ensures freshness and taste. It also makes your meal more colorful and fun. To keep cooked stuffed squash fresh, place it in an airtight container. This will help to seal in the flavor. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the squash in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm. If you want to freeze stuffed squash, let it cool first. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To cook frozen squash, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the oven as mentioned before. Stuffed squash can last about four days in the fridge. If you freeze it, the shelf life extends to about three months. After that, the taste and texture may change. Always check for spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to throw it away. - How do I know when stuffed yellow squash is done? You know the squash is done when it is tender. The tops should be golden brown. Stick a fork in it to check for softness. - Can I prepare stuffed yellow squash ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just stuff the squash and cover it in the fridge. Bake it fresh when ready to eat. - What is the best way to serve stuffed yellow squash? Serve it warm, directly from the oven. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a nice touch. - Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Quinoa is a great alternative to grains that contain gluten. - Can I make it vegan? Absolutely! Replace the ricotta cheese with a vegan option. You can use tofu or a nut-based cheese. - What can I use instead of ricotta cheese? You can use cottage cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese. Both will work well in this recipe. - What are good substitutes for quinoa? Brown rice or farro can work well. You can also try using lentils for added protein. For the full details, check the [Full Recipe]. In this post, I shared a simple and tasty stuffed yellow squash recipe. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips. You learned about variations like adding protein or using seasonal veggies. I also explained how to store leftovers properly. Remember, this dish is easy to adapt for various diets. So, have fun in the kitchen and make it your own! Enjoy each bite of your delightful creation.](https://flavorsprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20dccb60-a6be-4658-8830-5eb2b89ca6e1-250x250.webp)