Fried Squash with Creamy Herb Dipping Sauce

If you're a gardener like me, you probably have an overabundance of zucchini and yellow squash each summer.  This is a delicious way to serve them.  Me, I like everything fried.  Just can't help myself.  The herb dipping sauce is the perfect compliment. 

3 yellow squash or zucchini, sliced into 1/2" rounds

2 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup sour cream

3 Tbsp chopped fresh tender herbs (such as dill, chives and parsley)

1 tsp white wine vinegar

2/3 cup whole buttermilk, divided 

1 tsp garlic powder, divided

1/2 tsp black pepper, divided

3 large eggs

1 1/2 cups self-rising cornmeal

1 cup dry breadcrumbs

Vegetable oil for frying

Sprinkel squash slices with 1 tsp salt and let stand for 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, herbs, vinegar, 1/3 cup buttermilk, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp pepper.  Refrigerate sauce until ready to serve.  

Whisk together effs and 1/3 cup of buttermilk in a wide shallow bowl.  Place cornmeal, breadcrumbs, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp pepper.  Pour oil to a depth of 1/2 inch in a large cast-iron skillet; heat over medium-high heat.  Thoroughly pat squash slices dry.  Working in batches, dredge squash in cornmeal mixture, shaking off excess.  Dip in egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.  Dredge in cornmeal mixture again, pressing to coat.  Place in a single layer on a plate or a baking sheet.  

Working in 3 batches, place squash in hot oil.  Cook, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden brown, 2 - 3 minutes.  Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.  Sprinke with more salt to taste.  Transfer squash to a platter and serve with dipping sauce garnished with more chopped fresh herbs.