At Cookpad, we love celebrating seasonal cooking—and squash is one ingredient that deserves the spotlight. But what makes it so special? Let’s explore its varieties, uses, and some delicious cooking ideas.

Is Squash a Fruit or a Vegetable?

Although it’s often cooked as a vegetable, squash is botanically a fruit because it develops from the flower of the plant and contains seeds. This makes it both versatile and surprising in the kitchen.

Know your squash

Types of Squash

Summer Squash

Harvested while young and tender, with edible skin and a shorter shelf life. Best enjoyed fresh.

Zucchini (courgette) – mild and moist, perfect for stir-fries, salads, or even cakes.
Recipe idea: Zucchini cake or grilled zucchini salad.

Healthy Courgette Salad Recipe by Kristina Bosman
I like healthy food and this one of my favorite salad😋❤️
CookpadKristina Bosman
Zucchini Cheese Bread Recipe by Santy Coy
Zucchini is totally in season right now in Australia, and I am seriously craving some cheesy savoury bread. Forget about the usual sweet Zucchini bread - this recipe is loaded with tangy cheddar cheese and complemented by the subtle, herby taste of green onions. It’s a easy to whip up, a quick bread…
CookpadSanty Coy

Pattypan squash – small and round, ideal for sautéing or stuffing.
Recipe idea: Stuffed pattypan with herbs and cheese.

Stuffed Patty Pan Recipe by Sam Meadley
I had a patty pan squash and @Knivett mentioned they were good for stuffing. How right she was!
CookpadSam Meadley

Chayote – pear-shaped, crisp and slightly sweet.
Recipe idea: Chayote stir-fry with shrimp.

Spicy Shrimp Chayote Squash Stir Fry Recipe by jenscookingdiary
Have you ever tried chayote squash? I believe some people are not familiar with this special edible plant which belongs to gourd family and how to cook it properly. The key is you have to mix it well with some salt to get rid of the slime. I learnt this trick from my Mom 😘 If you like my recipes, p…
Cookpadjenscookingdiary

Round zucchini – same flavour as regular zucchini but fun in shape.
Recipe idea: Baked stuffed round zucchini.

Stuffed Round Zucchini Recipe by Niki Freeman
This dish came about because I fell in love with these little beauties when visiting a new Asian supermarket. I just had to buy them, they were so adorable! Although labeled Zucchini on the packaging, I had never seen this round variety before - either in any supermarket or Farmer’s Market in the Ce…
CookpadNiki Freeman

Winter Squash

Harvested when fully mature with harder skin and a long storage life.

Butternut squash – sweet and nutty, popular for soups and roasting.
Recipe idea: Butternut squash soup with thyme.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup Recipe by Melissa H
A lovely autumn/winter warmer after an afternoon stroll 🥰
CookpadMelissa H

Pumpkin – earthy and sweet, a classic for pies, soups, and pasta.
Recipe idea: Pumpkin rigatoni with sage and walnuts.

Pumpkin Rigatoni With Walnuts And Crispy Sage Recipe by k.
Great recipe for Pumpkin Rigatoni with Walnuts and Crispy Sage.
Cookpadk.

Acorn squash – mild and nutty, best roasted.
Recipe idea: Roasted acorn squash halves with honey drizzle.

Roasted Acorn Squash With Sausage, Farro, Spinach, And Feta Recipe by TOM TO TABLE
I’ve had butternut squash, spaghetti squash, pumpkin, and delicata squash, but never acorn squash, until now. I knew it was going to be good but I didn’t expect it to be this amazing! I’m a huge fan now. Just browsing through my Pinterest boards, I saw my opportunity to finally try acorn squash. Thi…
CookpadTOM TO TABLE

Delicata squash – rich and sweet, like sweet potato.
💡 Recipe idea: Roasted delicata  with herbs.

Slow Herby Squash And Beans Vegan Recipe by Alessandra
This dish takes longer than the kind of thing i usually cook ... but it’s worth the wait! Perfect for a cold day and the flavours are amazing. Serve with some crusty bread to soak up the sauce 😍 If you have any left over/ or if you make more ... it’s even better the day after 😋 Inspired by a Nigel…
CookpadAlessandra

Kabocha – starchy and sweet, great in soups or tempura.
Recipe idea: Kabocha squash curry.

Vegan Kabocha Squash & Lentil Curry Recipe by cookpad.japan
This is one of my recipes from my mild curry series. Store-bought curry powder is fine. Lentils don’t have to soak and boil quickly. If you’re using a different type of beans, bring them to a boil before using. Use whatever you like for the dashi and greens. I use olive oil, since it’s good at absor…
Cookpadcookpad.japan

Spaghetti squash – unique stringy texture that mimics noodles.
Recipe idea: Spaghetti squash with marinara sauce.

Roasted Spaghetti Squash With Turkey Zucchini Marinara Recipe by jacksonwilliams
The easiest, healthiest pasta substitute you’ll ever find.
Cookpadjacksonwilliams

Summer vs Winter Squash: What’s the Difference?

  • Summer squash: tender skin, shorter shelf life, best eaten fresh.
  • Winter squash: tough skin, long shelf life, harvested in autumn.

This distinction helps you decide how to store and cook them.

Cook Every Part of Squash: Is It All Edible?

Yes! From the skin to the seeds, squash is 100% edible (except the stalk).

  • Seeds – roast with spices for a crunchy snack.
  • Skin – edible when cooked until tender.
  • Flesh – versatile for sweet and savoury dishes.

Nothing goes to waste when you get creative.

Squash is truly a cook’s best friend: nutritious, adaptable, and available in so many varieties. Whether you’re baking, roasting, or experimenting with spaghetti squash as a pasta alternative, there’s always a new flavour to discover.

Related article:

How to use your whole pumpkin: tips & recipes
Challenge yourself to cook an entire pumpkin (or any other winter squash)
CookpadCookpad Team