Zesty oven fried squash is my favorite way to prepare and eat squash. The Italian dressing gives the squash a wonderful zesty flavor. Baking the squash instead of frying the squash is a healthier way to enjoy fried squash.
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This recipe taste exactly like good old southern fried squash.
It is that time a year for fresh squash. Whether you grow your own squash or purchase your squash, this is a great way to serve this vegetable.
A friend told me about marinating squash before you fry it over 15 years ago, and I rarely make it any other way. When you marinate the squash in Italian dressing, it gives it a wonderful tangy flavor that reminds me slightly of fried pickles. My son says it hides the taste of the vegetable, but I am just glad that he ask for me to make it.
I use to fry this squash in oil, but ever since we realized that baking it in the oven was much better tasting and healthier, we only eat oven fried squash now. Use a strong flavored dressing. Marinate the squash in a mixing bowl and place it in the refrigerator for several hours or for as little as 30 minutes. I like for it to marinate for at least an hour. Since it is marinated, you do not need to use milk or eggs before dipping in the cornmeal and flour. I love to use breading trays for my cornmeal and flour.
Enjoy the recipe!

Zesty Oven Fried Squash
Ingredients
- 2 medium squash or more if needed.
- 1 cup cornmeal or more if needed.
- 1 cup Italian Dressing or more if needed.
Instructions
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Slice squash thinly. Soak the sliced squash in the dressing for at least 30 minutes.
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Remove the squash from the dressing when ready to cook.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat the marinated squash in the cornmeal and lay on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the squash with cooking spray to help brown the squash.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
If you like this recipe, you may like my Golden Oreo Banana Pudding for dessert.
Alice says
I am so glad to see this recipe. I have squash in my frig from a friend’s garden. I was planning to fry it but kept thinking about the grease. Now, I can do better. Thank you!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
This is so cool, it sounds delish and I love that I don’t have to stand over a pan of frying oil forever to make these, and of course, I love the healthier angle! Thanks for linking this to WAYWOW!
Sherry says
Thank you so much!
Teresa says
I love squash and this recipe looks delicious. We will be trying it at my house!
Cascia Talbert says
That looks delicious! Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.
Katrin says
Can you believe that I’ve never had fried squash?? I really want to try this now, I’ve tried fried green zucchini and they were amazing, so i think this would be even tastier because of the sweet squash taste! Also great is that it is fried in the oven, which is healthier and so much easier!
Courtney says
I am practically swimming in squash right now, so this recipe comes at a great time! Can’t wait to try it out!
Sarah - Craft Invaders says
I have never tried fried squash but it looks fab – will put it on my to do list 🙂
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
This sounds delicious! I love fried squash but never fry it anymore because its not good for you. So i will have to give this a try, and with the added zest its got to be good.
Ginger Wroot says
I can’t wait to try this one. I’ve been oven frying eggplant slices for a couple of years now, but the process is more complicate than yours with squash. I plan to try it with both squash and eggplant. Thanks, my dear! –Ginger
http://gingerwroot.com
Carol says
I’ve never heard of frying squash. I’m glad it’s in the oven because I don’t fry food anymore.
Gina says
This is so great! I just got some squash from my CSA this week. I had no idea what I was going to do with it. But, this would be a great way to eat it up! Thanks so much for sharing! And I never would have thought to marinate it in dressing. What an interesting flavor combination!
Cathy Lawdanski says
I have never had squash like this. Can’t wait to try it!
Jelica says
I love squash, but I’ve never marinated it in dressing. Thanks for the tip!
Edye says
My grandmother would LOVE this!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com
Denise/DIY Crush says
I’m not a squash lover but I have to admit that this recipe sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing at the DIY Craft Party on Thursdays!! Hope to see your next projects this Thursday!
Kathryn says
I’ve always fried my squash in tons of butter. We love it that way, but this is definitely healthier and it sounds like it doesn’t skimp on the flavor. I’m looking forward to trying it!
April R - Uncookie Cutter says
Hi Sherry – just stopping by to let you know I made these today and they were great! I’ll be featuring them tomorrow on You Link It, We Make It! Hope to see you back to party tomorrow! Thanks for the great squash recipe!
Marci says
‘Hopping over from your feature at Uncookie Cutter. Our vegetable garden is in full swing right now, especially the squash. THANK YOU for this recipe! I’ll be making it today! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Carolann says
I love squash! Can’t wait to try this recipe. It’s especially appealing as it’s zesty! I love me some zest!
Carrie says
These look healthy AND yummy! Maybe I’ll get my kids to eat their veggies this way!
Sam-Raggedy Bits says
My hubby loves squash! Will be sure to give your recipe a try!