An Overview of Yellow Squash Varieties with Photos

As a passionate gardener and home cook, I’m always excited to try new varieties of fruits and vegetables Over the years, I’ve become increasingly enamored with the diverse world of squash While most folks are familiar with green zucchini, there are actually many delightful types of yellow summer squash to discover.

In this article, I’ll provide an overview of some of the most common yellow squash varieties and include photos so you can easily identify them. Whether you’re shopping at a farmer’s market or growing squash in your own garden, keep an eye out for these tasty and nutrient-dense yellow squash types!

Yellow Crookneck Squash

Yellow crookneck squash is one of the most popular types of yellow squash. This kind of squash has a thin, curved neck that bulges out into a round bottom that looks like a goose or swan.

The skin can be either bumpy or smooth. The skin on yellow crookneck squash is thicker and waxier, and the seeds are bigger than those on other summer squash. The inside is creamy white and tastes slightly sweet and nutty.

It is thought that Thomas Jefferson grew this type of squash on his estate at Monticello. It comes from colonial America. It is simple to add to any summer squash recipe that calls for zucchini. Try sautéing, roasting, grilling, or adding it to baked goods.

![Yellow crookneck squash on a wood table]

Straightneck Squash

Closely related to yellow crookneck squash, straightneck squash has an oblong, cylindrical shape without the signature curve. The smooth, golden skin shades lighter toward the blossom end.

Straightneck squash is smooth and sweet, with less of a nutty taste than crookneck squash. You can easily substitute one for the other in recipes. It’s fantastic pan-fried, roasted, grilled, or spiralized into healthy noodles.

![Yellow straightneck squash slices on a wood table]

Fortune Squash

Fortune squash, also called fortune zucchini, resembles a pale yellow zucchini with a slightly bulbous end near the stem. It has mild, sweet flavor and smooth texture like other summer squash.

This variety is easy to incorporate into any zucchini recipe. Try grilling, sautéing, roasting, baking into quick breads or muffins, or spiralizing into low-carb noodles. It also makes vibrant additions to squash salads.

![Yellow fortune squash slices with blossom]

Yellow Summer Squash

As the name suggests, yellow summer squash is one of the most common varieties found in grocery stores. It looks like a bright yellow zucchini with a straight cylindrical shape and smooth skin.

The creamy white flesh has a delicate sweetness and works well raw or cooked. Yellow summer squash shines grilled, roasted, sautéed, or substituted in baked goods that traditionally call for zucchini.

![Yellow summer squash slices on a wood table]

Gold Rush Squash

Gold rush squash offers a vivid contrast between golden yellow skin and a pale green blossom end resembling a zucchini. The smooth, glossy skin covers tender flesh with a mildly nutty zucchini-like flavor.

Gold rush plants have an open habit that makes the squash easy to harvest. Try sautéing, roasting, grilling, or incorporate it into breads, fritters, and muffins. It also creates eye-catching spirals when spiralized into noodles.

![Whole gold rush yellow squash]

Zephyr Squash

Zephyr squash has a signature two-tone appearance with a yellow body and light green ends. The oblong shape and tender flesh make it perfect for slicing into coins for the grill or sauté pan.

This heirloom variety has thin skin, so take care not to bruise it during harvesting and handling. Zephyr squash has a delicate, sweet flavor that caramelizes beautifully when cooked over high heat.

![Halved yellow zephyr summer squash]

Patty Pan Squash

Patty pan squash, also called sunburst or scallop squash, are recognizable by their cute, flattened shape with scalloped edges. The skin can be green or yellow.

These petite squash have tender edible skins and mildly sweet flesh. Their compact size makes them perfect for stuffing, grilling, roasting, or pan-frying. They also work nicely as edible bowls for dips and appetizers.

![Three yellow patty pan summer squash]

Chayote Squash

Chayote squash has a pale green, pear-shaped body with faint ridges running lengthwise. The flesh is mildly sweet and crisp with a texture similar to other summer squash when cooked.

This squash originated in Mexico and Central America. You can add raw chayote squash pieces to salads, cook them into stews or tacos, roast or grill for a side dish, or pickle for a tasty condiment.

![Sliced yellow chayote squash]

Tatuma Squash

Tatuma squash, also called calabacita, looks like a pale green zucchini often with a round or oblong shape. While the smooth skin is firmer than other summer squash, the flesh is sweet and flavorful.

Tatuma has a longer growing time but holds up better to heat. Its versatility allows you to swap it into any favorite zucchini recipe for extra flavor. Try grilling, sautéing, or adding to baked dishes.

![Whole yellow tatuma squash]

Cousa Squash

Also called Middle Eastern zucchini, cousa squash resembles a pale green zucchini or cucumber with creamy white flesh. It has a mildly sweet flavor and thin, edible skin.

Cousa works nicely grilled, sautéed, baked into breads, or hollowed out for stuffing. Its tender texture particularly shines when eaten raw in salads and other chilled dishes.

![Sliced yellow cousa squash]