11 Types of Summer Squash Recipes

Summer squash varieties go beyond yellow squash and zucchini! Keep reading to learn how to select, store, and cook some of my favorites.

One of my favorite parts of summer is all the pumpkins that are in season. We’re not just talking about yellow squash and zucchini. Head to the farmers market, and you might find Zephyr squash, Mexicana squash, patty pan squash, and more.

Below, I break down some common types and offer suggestions on how to cook them. If you’ve never worked with a variety of summer squash before, they may seem intimidating, but I promise, they’re easy to prepare. Each of the varieties is unique and delicious. I hope you give it a try this summer!

How to Store Summer Squash

To give your vegetables the longest shelf life possible, wrap them in a paper or plastic bag and store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. The bag will help them retain their moisture (aka not dry out), so don’t skip it!

Types of Summer Squash

Zucchini

If you’re familiar with any of the squash varieties in this post, you definitely know zucchini. This popular vegetable has dark green, thin skin and dense white flesh with a slightly sweet taste. It is a versatile vegetable to keep in your kitchen. You can saute it, grill it, grill it, add it to baked goods, or even eat it raw.

Some of my favorites zucchini recipes include grilled zucchini, grilled zucchini, stuffed zucchini boats, zucchini noodlesand zucchini fritters. And I will never turn down a slice of chocolate zucchini bread!

Yellow pumpkin

Straightneck yellow squash is the most common type of summer squash you’ll find in grocery stores and farmers markets. It has very delicate, pale yellow skin and a sweeter, fruitier flavor than zucchini. I love roasting this squash until tender and serving it as a side dish—find my favorite way here sauteed yellow squash recipe.

You can also add raw pumpkin to salads (see this pesto pasta salad recipe!), it boils vegetable soupsjulienne or spiralize it to make vegetable noodles, or add it to grilled vegetable skewers. In addition, it is a great substitute for zucchini in baked goods such as zucchini muffins and zucchini bread.

Patty Pan Squash

I love patty pan squash just because. so. CUTE! Its flesh is denser than zucchini or yellow squash, but it has a similar flavor. Depending on the variety, its exact shape and color may vary. Some patty pan squashes are pale green and tulip-shaped, while others are darker and resemble a scallop-edged flying saucer. Some are the size of the palm of your hand, while others are barely bigger than a quarter.

Like other types of summer squash, patty pan is wonderful sautéed, roasted, or grilled. look at this sautéed patty pan squash recipe to make an easy side dish.

Zephyr Summer Squash

Zephyr squash, a cross between yellow crookneck squash and a delicata squash–acorn squash hybrid, has a unique appearance. It is long and slender, and while the upper half is yellow, the tip of the bloom is usually green. But its appearance is not the only special thing about it. Johnny’s Choice Seeds, the company that first bred it, describes its taste as “unusually delicious” and “nutty.” Prepare this unique squash as you would a standard yellow squash or zucchini.

Mexicana Summer Squash

This gray-green Mexican zucchini is popular among growers for its high yield, ease of harvesting, and strong disease resistance, but you’ll love it for its soft flesh and nutty flavor. Try sauteing it or throwing it on the grill!

Striped Zucchini

Did you know that not all zucchinis look the same? They don’t have a picture here, though golden zucchini are often available at farmers markets. You can recognize them by their dark yellow skin and tough flesh.

Less common are striped zucchini, which include the Dario and Safari varieties (pictured above). With their white or light green stripes, these patterned pumpkins are a treat to look at. Use them like regular green zucchini.

Round Zucchini and Squash

These types of summer squash go by many names. There is a yellow One Ball squash, a green Eight Ball, and a pale, striped Ronde de Nice. All of these are types of round zucchini or summer squash. Their shape makes them perfect for stuffing, but you can also grill, roast, or saute them just like you would regular zucchini.

More Types of Squash to Know

I’ve highlighted some of my favorite types of squash above, but there are still others you may find at your market or store. Stay tuned…

Yellow Crookneck Squash

You can recognize crookneck squash by its characteristic curved neck and bright yellow, bumpy skin. It has larger seeds than straightneck squash, but its firm flesh and rich, buttery flavor make it delicious nonetheless. You try sauteed!

Chayote Squash

Many of the squash varieties in this post look the same…not chayote squash! This pale green variety is pear-shaped, and it has a crisp, firm flesh unlike that of a cucumber, although it also tastes good when cooked. Native to central Mexico, it shines in salads and sautés.

Costata Romanesco

The ridged, striped zucchini is an Italian heirloom variety. It has a nutty flavor and is great raw or cooked. Slice thinly, it will be delicious in a simple zucchini salad.

Cousa Squash

Originating in the Middle East, pale green cousa squash has a sweeter flavor than regular zucchini. The little pumpkin is short, squat, and gently tapers from stem to blossom end. Left to grow, they become ovular, similar in shape to spaghetti squash. Small squash are perfect for stuffing, but you can also roast or saute them like zucchini.

What is your favorite type of pumpkin? Let me know in the comments!