I absolutely love using squash in my cooking. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients and can be used in a variety of dishes.
From soups to casseroles, there are endless possibilities when it comes to incorporating squash into your meals.
In this article, I’m excited to share with you some of my favorite healthy and tasty squash recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting soup on a chilly day or a hearty casserole for dinner, these recipes will not disappoint.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
You can’t go wrong with this creamy, warm soup made from roasted butternut squash – it’s the perfect comfort food for chilly days. The combination of the creamy texture and fall flavors make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
The sweetness of the roasted butternut squash is balanced out by savory onions, garlic, and thyme, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. To make this soup even healthier, I like to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It still adds depth to the flavor without adding any unnecessary calories or fat.
Don’t forget to top it off with some croutons or a dollop of Greek yogurt for some added texture! This roasted butternut squash soup is definitely a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a healthy and tasty dish during the fall season.
Zucchini Noodles with Squash and Tomato Sauce
Get ready to savor a sauce full of tangy, juicy tomatoes paired with zesty zucchini noodles that’ll make your taste buds dance.
This dish isn’t just delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients from the squash and tomato sauce. In fact, it’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
When it comes to cooking with squash, there are a few tips that can help you get the most out of this versatile vegetable. First, be sure to choose squash that’s firm and free of any visible bruises or blemishes.
When preparing zucchini noodles, using a spiralizer can make the process quick and easy. And if you’re looking for variations on traditional zucchini noodles, try using yellow summer squash or even spaghetti squash instead!
With these simple tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a delicious and healthy meal in no time.
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Vegetables
Indulge in a hearty and satisfying meal with stuffed acorn squash filled with quinoa and an array of flavorful vegetables.
Acorn squash is one of the many varieties of squash that can be used for this dish, along with butternut, spaghetti, or delicata. These versatile veggies are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits like fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.
To make this dish, start by cutting the acorn squash in half and removing the seeds. Roast them in the oven until tender while you cook up a mixture of quinoa, sautéed onions and garlic, diced carrots and celery, chopped mushrooms, and your choice of herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Once both components are ready, stuff the cooked quinoa into each half of the roasted acorn squash and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before broiling it to golden perfection.
Serve warm as a main course or side dish that’ll surely impress anyone who tastes it!
Spaghetti Squash Casserole
I love making Spaghetti Squash Casserole because it’s a healthy alternative to pasta that still satisfies my comfort food cravings.
The dish is rich and cheesy, thanks to the combination of squash, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
It’s also a family-friendly dish that everyone can enjoy, even those who’re picky eaters or following a specific diet plan.
Healthy Alternative to Pasta
Looking for a delicious alternative to pasta that won’t compromise your health goals? Look no further than squash! This versatile vegetable can be used in a variety of ways, from serving as a side dish to being the star ingredient in salads.
When it comes to using squash as a pasta substitute, spaghetti squash is the go-to option. This unique variety of squash has flesh that separates into thin strands when cooked, resembling spaghetti noodles. Simply roast or steam the spaghetti squash and top with your favorite sauce for a low-carb, nutrient-dense meal.
You can also get creative with toppings by adding roasted vegetables, lean proteins like chicken or shrimp, or even nuts and seeds for added texture and flavor. As an added bonus, one cup of cooked spaghetti squash contains only 42 calories compared to the 221 calories found in one cup of cooked spaghetti noodles!
But don’t limit yourself to just spaghetti squash – other varieties such as butternut and acorn can also be spiralized or thinly sliced and used in place of traditional pasta.
Get creative with recipes like butternut squash lasagna or acorn squash carbonara for a healthy twist on classic comfort foods.
And remember – incorporating more vegetables into your diet is always a good thing for overall health and wellness!
Rich and Cheesy
I hope you enjoyed the healthy alternative to pasta recipes we discussed earlier. Now, let’s switch gears and talk about something a little more indulgent: cheesy squash recipes! Don’t worry, though – these dishes are still packed with nutrients and flavor.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy squash is in a gratin. There are so many variations of this classic dish, but all involve layering thinly sliced squash with some kind of creamy, cheesy sauce and baking until bubbly and golden brown. You can use any type of squash you like – zucchini, yellow squash, butternut, acorn – or even mix them together for a colorful presentation.
I like to add some herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or make it the star of your meal by adding some cooked quinoa or lentils on top for protein. Cheesy squash gratins are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering!
Family-Friendly Dish
This family-friendly dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table. For those nights when you’re short on time, but still want a healthy and tasty meal for your family, try making stuffed squash boats. These kid-approved recipes are quick and easy options that pack in plenty of nutrients and flavor.
To make the stuffed squash boats, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut one large or two small squashes in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and flesh from the center. Then, fill each squash boat with a mixture of cooked ground turkey or beef, quinoa or rice, diced vegetables like bell peppers and onions, and shredded cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top. Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your kids’ diets without them even realizing it! Plus, it’s customizable based on what ingredients you have on hand.
Give these stuffed squash boats a try for an easy weeknight dinner that will please everyone at the table.
Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili
You can’t go wrong with this hearty butternut squash and black bean chili, which contains over 10 grams of protein per serving. It’s a perfect family-friendly dish that packs a punch in terms of nutrition and flavor. This meatless chili variation is perfect for those who are looking for squash and bean combinations to try out.
This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal prep work. All you need is some diced onions, garlic, canned black beans, cubed butternut squash, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
Cook the onions until they’re translucent before adding in the garlic and spices. Then add in the rest of the ingredients and let it simmer on low heat until everything is cooked through.
Serve with some crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! Five delicious and healthy squash dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re a soup person or prefer something heartier like chili, these recipes will not disappoint.
As they say, variety is the spice of life, and adding different types of squash to your diet can definitely add some flavor to your meals. So why not give these recipes a try? After all, as the saying goes: “Don’t knock it till you try it!”
Who knows, maybe one of these dishes will become a new favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
