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Crispy Southern Fried Yellow Squash Recipe with Easy Ranch Dip

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A quick and easy Southern-style fried yellow squash with a perfectly crispy coating and a creamy homemade ranch dipping sauce. This recipe is a nostalgic comfort food perfect for casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • About 2 cups vegetable oil (peanut or canola oil recommended)
  • For the ranch dipping sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the yellow squash. Cut off the ends and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  2. Place squash slices in a large bowl and pour 1 cup buttermilk over them. Stir gently to coat all pieces and soak for 15 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until combined.
  4. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a cast iron skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Remove squash slices from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat each slice evenly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick.
  6. Carefully add the coated slices to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Use tongs to flip gently.
  7. Remove fried slices and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels to drain excess oil and keep them crispy.
  8. While frying, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a small bowl to make the ranch dipping sauce.
  9. Arrange fried squash on a platter with the ranch dipping sauce on the side. Serve warm.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt coating. Soaking squash in buttermilk helps coating stick and tenderizes the squash. Use a wire rack to drain fried squash to keep it crispy. The ranch dip can be made ahead and customized with fresh herbs or spices. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. For dairy-free dip, use coconut yogurt and dairy-free mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried yellow squash, southern fried squash, crispy fried squash, ranch dip, easy side dish, summer recipe, southern cooking

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/crispy-southern-fried-yellow-squash-recipe-with-easy-ranch-dip/