Summer squash is a summer fruit that is related to cucumbers, melons and hardy winter squashes and gourds. It has a thin and edible skin, with light flesh. They can generally be eaten raw or cooked and have varying degrees of mild flavor. Yellow squash, yellow zucchini, and yellow crook neck squash are all very similar and generally can be used interchangeably. Green zucchini is traditionally been the choice of summer squash for side dishes.