Zesty Healthy Summer Squash Casserole 🥒✨

This healthy summer squash casserole is a delightful way to enjoy the abundance of summer squash while keeping it light and nutritious. Bursting with fresh flavors, it's perfect for a potluck or as a side dish at a barbecue. The aromatic herbs paired with a satisfying, cheesy topping create a comforting yet guilt-free dish that everyone will love!

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 4 medium summer squashes, sliced thinly (zucchini and yellow squash work great)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of cooked quinoa
• 1 cup of fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the topping

• 1 cup of shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of whole-grain breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).

🥄 Make sure to keep an eye on the garlic to prevent burning; it can become bitter if overcooked!

3. Stir in the sliced summer squash, cherry tomatoes, cooked quinoa, spinach, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the squash is tender.
4. Transfer the vegetable-quinoa mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and chopped parsley. Mix well and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

🧀 Feel free to use any cheese you prefer! A pepper jack cheese can add a nice kick if you like some spice.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and cheesy.

Variations

• Vegan: Use a vegan cheese substitute and omit the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy! 🌱
• Gluten-free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almonds to keep it crunchy and satisfying.
• Add some protein: Mix in cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier casserole.
• Herb variations: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be added for an extra burst of flavor! Just chop them finely and stir them into the mixture before baking.

This Zesty Healthy Summer Squash Casserole is a fantastic way to celebrate summer produce while staying light and healthy. Enjoy it straight out of the oven or as leftovers—the flavors only get better with time! 🍽️✨