Calico Squash Casserole
A comforting casserole blending tender squash and zucchini with savory herbs, cream of chicken, and crunchy stuffing, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. yellow squash, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped green onions
- 1/4 c. butter or margarine, melted and divided ⓘ
- 1 c. herb-seasoned stuffing mix ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 c. plain low-fat yogurt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped pimento ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, grated ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine water, sliced yellow squash, and sliced zucchini in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender; drain.
- Sauté chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and chopped green onions in 1 tablespoon of melted butter until tender; set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, consider substituting the yellow squash with butternut squash for a sweeter flavor. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can replace the plain low-fat yogurt with sour cream. Ensure to sauté the vegetables until just tender to maintain some texture in the casserole. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking can enhance the flavor, similar to the approach in some Chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken, like the Honey-Pecan Chicken, to balance the flavors. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving to enhance the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Calico Squash Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating. Avoid refreezing after reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Squash Casserole contains roughly 291 calories, with 6g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1817mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the refrigerator.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of water and substituting the cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian version or a homemade creamy sauce. This allows you to keep the flavor while catering to vegetarian diets.
How can I enhance the flavor of this casserole?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sautéed vegetables. A dash of cayenne pepper can also add a nice kick. For added richness, mix in some grated cheese or top the casserole with breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy finish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).