Summer Squash Packets
Summer Squash Packets offer a light, flavorful way to enjoy fresh zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion. Tossed in Italian salad dressing and grilled or baked, this dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, highlighting vibrant summer produce with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut zucchini and yellow squash into 3/4-inch slices or chunks to make about 3 cups.
- Cut red onion into 8 wedges.
- Mix vegetables together and toss with salad dressing.
- Fold into foil packets.
- Grill 4 inches from hot coals for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once with tongs, or bake foil packets in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a colorful variation, consider adding bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. You can substitute Italian salad dressing with a homemade blend of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. If you're short on time, pre-sliced vegetables work well, but be mindful of cooking time as they may soften quicker. Ensure the foil packets are tightly sealed to prevent steam from escaping.
Serving Suggestions
These summer squash packets are perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed on their own for a light meal. They pair beautifully with coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. For a complete meal, serve alongside seasoned hot dogs or grilled chicken. Consider drizzling with creamy French dressing just before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the packets to cool completely, then transfer the contents to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain moisture and microwave on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summer Squash Packets contains roughly 73 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
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 these packets in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable mixture and assemble the foil packets up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill or bake. Just remember to adjust cooking time if they are cold from the fridge before cooking.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, or mushrooms. Just ensure that whatever you add has a similar cooking time to zucchini and yellow squash to achieve even cooking and tenderness.
Can these packets be cooked in the oven?
Absolutely! If you prefer baking, place the foil packets on a baking sheet and cook in a preheated 400°F oven for about 30 minutes. Just be sure to check for tenderness before serving, as cooking times may vary based on your oven's efficiency.
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).