Difference Between ZUCCHINI AND YELLOW SQUASH

The difference between zucchini and yellow squash is surprising. That’s because it’s their differences and similarities that make them a frequently found combination in recipes. Keep reading to see more on this comparison. This is a direct part of our Food Articles category and also is listed in our Vegetables section.

All About Zucchini and Yellow Squash

About Yellow Squash

Well, there are several kinds of squash that are yellow (including yellow zucchini squash) but the kind we see in grocery stores is known as “yellow squash” or “straight neck squash“. There is another yellow squash known as crookneck squash but it has bumps over it.

About Green Squash

There are several kinds of green squash (including zucchini). Also, there is a yellow zucchini, referred as “golden zucchini squash”. It has the unique star-shaped end that regular green zucchini has. Zucchini can grow to as long as 3 feet but are usually harvested earlier to be the common 6-10 inches. So, we mostly see the green zucchini in the grocery store.

FAQ on Zucchini vs Squash

Is Squash a fruit, vegetable, or what?

It’s actually a cucurbits, from the Gourd family, like a pumpkin. So, in this case, it’s from the fruit family. Like the tomato, we common people continue to put it under the vegetables. Why? Probably because it doesn’t seem sweet to us, we often cook it to eat it, and finally, because it’s more vegetable-ish to us.

Healthline.com has more on the squash fruit story. And Better.me talks more on the nutrition of yellow squash. However, Wikipedia refers to Zucchini as a vegetable. And we often refer to zucchini as its own name instead of calling it squash at times. So, in the end, who really knows? However, here’s a good article on “Squash vs Zucchini“.

Zucchini yellow squash or Zucchini green squash?

So, is it green squash, yellow squash, or Zucchini squash? What’s the difference? Regarding taste, both yellow squash & green zucchini taste similar to us but the zucchini green squash is more bitter. So, keep reading to see about names and appearances of each.

Nutritional Values Difference Between Zucchini and Yellow Squash

A whole medium sized zucchini is about 95 calories. Here’s a great article on the “Nutritional Comparison Between Zucchini and Yellow Squash” from Calories Info. Overall, here’s a table chart summarizing differences between the two.

Nutritional Label	Zucchini (medium)*	Yellow Squash (medium)*
Approx. Calories	95	31
Approx. Carbs	17.4 g	6.6 g
Approx. Dietary Fiber	5.6 g	2.2 g
Approx. Fat	1.8 g	0.4 g
Approx. Protein	6.8 g	2.4 g

Is the Potato or Squash more nutritional?

So, it’s a tradeoff between the nutritional values of the potato and squash. One will have more of some things than the other, with some good and some not desired as much, and vice versa.

The potato has more calories, carbs, fiber, and protein. For more details, here’s a comparison article between the potato and zucchini. Also, here’s an article on the differences between the potato and yellow squash from calories-info.com.

Difference Between Zucchini and Yellow Squash Recipes

In summary, there are many Zucchini and Yellow squash recipes. They are baked, broiled, grilled, stir fried, and are in soups, casseroles, stews, and salads. Here’s our recipe for Stir Fry Zucchini and Yellow Squash in just 10 minutes, start to finish.

Also, you actually can double up on one kind if you choose. So, if you have a preference, that’s your biggest option when not making a combination recipe.

What Goes with Zucchini and Yellow Squash Recipes

Here are some main dishes that are great to serve with these vegetables.

Conclusion of Difference Between Zucchini and Yellow Squash

The difference between Zucchini and yellow squash make them great additions to many dinners. The nutritional values that are lacking in one, are often better in the other. So, together, they’re a good balance. Go ahead and try some of those recipes.