Just another ordinary zucchini, but yellow? Not quite. The yellow zucchini boasts unique qualities.
Color
Yes, it may seem obvious. But this particular shade of yellow—a bright, saturated canary yellow—is quite rare. It’s the yellow zucchini’s main asset, adding visual vibrancy to any dish. You can play with its color to create something truly original. The skin is, of course, edible, which means you can preserve that vivid yellow in your cooked meals.
Taste
The taste of yellow zucchini is mild and slightly sweet, less herbaceous than its green counterpart, with a hint of citrus. This subtle flavor makes it a great ingredient for dishes where you want to add a touch of sweetness without overpowering other flavors.
Notably, unlike green zucchini, the skin of yellow zucchini doesn’t become bitter when cooked.
Drawbacks of Yellow Zucchini
- Quality: Yellow zucchinis tend to have a lower overall quality than green zucchinis. The core can be soft and may have green coloring. Since yellow zucchini hasn’t undergone the same level of selective breeding as green varieties, its quality is more inconsistent.
- Price: It’s typically two to three times more expensive than green zucchini.
How to Prepare Yellow Zucchini
Raw
Just like the green variety, yellow zucchini can be eaten raw:
- A few diced pieces in a salad or tabbouleh add a beautiful touch.
- You can also make zucchini carpaccio by slicing it thinly and drizzling it with olive oil (check out our zucchini carpaccio recipe).
- Slice it into ribbons with a peeler or vegetable razor and combine yellow and green zucchinis for a stunning color contrast (see our article on zucchini tagliatelle).
Cooked
If you prefer it cooked, be careful not to overcook it—maintaining a slight crunch helps preserve its delicate flavor. Here are some cooking ideas:
- Sauté it in slices or cubes.
- Sauté whole baby yellow zucchinis if you can find them.
- Add it to a ratatouille or couscous for a burst of color.
- Make a soup with it if it’s a bit too large.
- Turn it into a sauce (no need to peel it, unlike green zucchini—check out our zucchini sauce recipe).
- Try zucchini rolls, perfect for appetizers! Mix yellow and green zucchini rolls for a lovely presentation.
- Stuff it! Check out our recipe for yellow zucchini stuffed with duck breast.
And What About Round Zucchini?
Yes, round zucchini comes in yellow too! Though rare, if you spot them, be sure to take advantage.
Don’t miss our recipe for yellow zucchini stuffed with brie—a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!