Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly flavorful addition to your summer meals? Look no further! This yellow squash relish recipe is your answer. It's surprisingly easy to make, packed with sunshine-y flavor, and perfect for everything from grilled meats and fish to tacos and sandwiches. Get ready to elevate your meals with this homemade delight – it's a quick dinner idea that’s both healthy and delicious!
Ingredients: You'll need these simple ingredients for a batch of sunshine in a bowl.
- 2 pounds yellow squash, diced
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions: A simple step-by-step guide to relish perfection.
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Prep the veggies: Begin by thoroughly washing and dicing the yellow squash, red onion, and red bell pepper. Make sure to chop them into similarly sized pieces for even cooking.
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they soften slightly. This step builds a delicious base of flavor.
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Add the squash: Toss the diced yellow squash into the skillet with the onions and peppers. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash starts to soften.
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Simmer the relish: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the relish has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Cool and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the relish cool completely. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Once cooled, store the relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week, though it's so delicious it usually disappears much sooner!
Tips and Variations: Making this recipe your own.
- Sweet and spicy: Adjust the amount of sugar and red pepper flakes to your preference. For a sweeter relish, add a little more sugar. For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add some herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, or parsley can add a lovely aromatic dimension to the relish. Add a handful of chopped herbs during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Different squash: Feel free to experiment with other summer squashes like zucchini or pattypan squash. You can even mix and match varieties for a colorful relish.
- Make it ahead: This relish is perfect for meal prepping! Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Protein: ~2g
- Fat: ~3g
This vibrant yellow squash relish is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals combined. It’s a delicious dish that’s perfect for both seasoned cooks and those just starting their culinary journey. Use it as a side, a topping, or even as a flavorful spread – the possibilities are endless! Enjoy!