33 Delicious & Nutritious Squash Recipes for Every Meal

Squash is such a versatile veggie packed with nutrients and can be enjoyed in countless ways, making it a true kitchen hero. Whether you’re a seasoned squash lover or just starting to explore its culinary potential, I’ve got you covered with 33 mouthwatering healthy squash recipes that you will love. 

Delicious & Nutritious Squash Recipes for Every Meal

From savory soups and stews to sweet treats and breakfast delights, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy, no matter your skill level. So grab your aprons, and let’s get cooking!

1. Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Ginger

This creamy soup is a perfect fall warmer, full of cozy flavors. Roast butternut squash and apples with ginger and garlic until tender, bringing out their natural sweetness. Blend with vegetable broth until smooth and creamy, then top with toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy finish and a hint of nutty flavor. This soup is perfect with a crusty slice of bread for dipping.

2. Spaghetti Squash with Marinara and Meatballs

A healthy twist on a classic Italian favorite! Roast spaghetti squash until tender, then use a fork to separate the strands, creating a naturally gluten-free pasta substitute. Top with your favorite marinara sauce, whether homemade or store-bought and add juicy homemade meatballs for a hearty and satisfying meal. Don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese!

3. Acorn Squash Stuffed with Quinoa and Cranberries

This festive dish is perfect for a holiday meal or a special occasion. Halve an acorn squash and roast until tender, creating a beautiful edible bowl. Stuff with a mixture of cooked quinoa for protein, dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, and crunchy pecans for texture. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary adds an extra layer of flavor.

4. Kabocha Squash Curry with Coconut Milk

This fragrant curry is bursting with flavor and perfect for those who love a bit of spice. Cube kabocha squash and simmer in a creamy coconut milk broth infused with your favorite curry spices. The result is a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect served over fluffy rice or with warm naan bread for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant touch.

5. Delicata Squash Rings with Parmesan and Herbs

A simple and elegant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Slice delicata squash into rings, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary. Roast until tender and golden brown, creating a caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors. These squash rings are a great addition to any holiday spread.

6. Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage

This creamy risotto is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Sauté diced butternut squash with onions and garlic to build a flavorful base. Add Arborio rice and cook slowly, adding warm broth gradually until the rice is creamy and the squash is tender, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir in fresh sage and Parmesan cheese before serving for a fragrant and cheesy finish.

7. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

A light and refreshing summer dish that’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, creating a low-carb alternative to pasta. Toss the zucchini noodles with your favorite pesto, juicy halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a burst of flavor. This dish is ready in minutes and perfect for a warm summer evening.

8. Yellow Squash Fritters with Dill Dip

These crispy fritters are a delicious appetizer or snack that’s perfect for sharing. Grate yellow squash and combine with flour, eggs, and fresh dill for a vibrant flavor. Fry until golden brown and crispy, creating a satisfying texture. Serve with a creamy dill dip for a cool and tangy contrast.

9. Acorn Squash and Kale Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

This hearty salad is packed with nutrients and flavor, perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. Roast acorn squash cubes until tender, bringing out their natural sweetness. Toss with massaged kale, dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, and a homemade maple vinaigrette for a balanced flavor. Toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.

10. Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Syrup

These fluffy pancakes are a delicious fall breakfast treat that’s perfect for the whole family. Combine pumpkin puree with pancake mix, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and milk for a batter that’s full of fall flavors. Cook until golden brown and serve with warm cinnamon syrup for a truly indulgent breakfast experience.

11. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

A healthy twist on a comfort food classic that’s sure to please everyone. Roast butternut squash and blend until smooth, creating a creamy and flavorful base for the sauce. Combine with cooked macaroni, your favorite cheese sauce, and breadcrumbs for a crispy topping. Bake until golden and bubbly, allowing the flavors to meld together.

12. Zucchini Bread with Walnuts and Chocolate Chips

This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for a snack or dessert, and it’s a great way to use up extra zucchini. Combine grated zucchini with flour, sugar, eggs, crunchy walnuts, and chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee.

13. Spicy Thai Butternut Squash Soup

This soup is a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to Thailand! Roast butternut squash with garlic and ginger to enhance the flavor. Blend with coconut milk for creaminess, red curry paste for heat, and vegetable broth for a balanced flavor. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a vibrant finish.

14. Stuffed Delicata Squash with Sausage and Apples

This savory dish is perfect for a fall dinner, full of comforting flavors. Halve delicata squash and roast until tender, creating a beautiful edible bowl. Stuff with a mixture of cooked sausage for savory flavor, diced apples for sweetness and texture, and herbs like sage or thyme for an aromatic touch. This dish is hearty and satisfying.

15. Pumpkin Spice Latte with Whipped Cream

A cozy and comforting fall beverage that’s perfect for a chilly day. Combine pumpkin puree with espresso for a caffeine kick, milk for creaminess, and pumpkin pie spice for that signature fall flavor. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a truly indulgent treat.

16. Butternut Squash and Black Bean Burrito Bowls

These hearty bowls are packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a satisfying and healthy meal. Roast butternut squash and toss with black beans, corn, your favorite salsa, and all your favorite toppings. Add some avocado for creaminess, a dollop of Greek yogurt for tanginess, and a sprinkle of cilantro for freshness.

17. Zucchini and Corn Salad with Feta Cheese

This refreshing salad is perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck, full of bright flavors. Combine grilled zucchini and corn with crumbled feta cheese for a salty bite, red onion for sharpness, and a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty dressing. This salad is best served cold and is a great way to showcase summer produce.

18. Acorn Squash Fries with Chipotle Aioli

These crispy fries are a healthy and delicious alternative to potatoes, perfect for dipping. Cut acorn squash into wedges, toss with olive oil and spices like paprika and cumin for a warm flavor. Roast until tender and golden brown, achieving a crispy exterior. Serve with a smoky chipotle aioli for a spicy kick.

19. Pumpkin Chili with Black Beans and Corn

This hearty chili is perfect for a cold winter day, full of warm and comforting flavors. Combine pumpkin puree with black beans for protein, corn for sweetness, tomatoes for acidity, and chili spices like cumin and chili powder for a bit of heat. Simmer until thickened and serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or avocado.

20. Spaghetti Squash Carbonara with Pancetta

A lighter take on a classic Italian dish that’s still full of flavor. Roast spaghetti squash and toss with crispy pancetta for a salty crunch, eggs for richness, Parmesan cheese for a salty bite, and black pepper for a bit of spice. This dish is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of carbonara without the heaviness of traditional pasta.

21. Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Tart

This elegant tart is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy brunch, full of sophisticated flavors. Roll out puff pastry and top with roasted butternut squash for sweetness, crumbled goat cheese for a tangy bite, and caramelized onions for a savory depth. Bake until golden brown and the pastry is cooked through. This tart is best served warm.

22. Zucchini Boats with Spinach and Ricotta

These stuffed zucchini boats are a healthy and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a light dinner. Halve zucchini and scoop out the flesh, creating edible boats. Fill with a mixture of spinach for nutrients, ricotta cheese for creaminess, and herbs like oregano and basil for a fragrant touch. Bake until tender and the filling is heated through.

23. Acorn Squash and Apple Crumble

This comforting dessert is perfect for fall, full of warm spices and seasonal flavors. Combine roasted acorn squash and apples with a crumble topping made with oats, flour, and brown sugar for a satisfying crunch. Bake until golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

24. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These soft and chewy cookies are a classic fall treat that everyone loves. Combine pumpkin puree with flour, sugar, chocolate chips for sweetness, and spices like cinnamon and ginger for warmth. Bake until golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy. These cookies are perfect with a glass of milk.

25. Butternut Squash Hummus with Pita Bread

This creamy hummus is a healthy and delicious snack that’s perfect for parties or a quick bite. Combine roasted butternut squash with chickpeas for protein, tahini for richness, lemon juice for brightness, and garlic for a pungent kick. Serve with warm pita bread, vegetable sticks, or crackers for dipping.

26. Zucchini and Carrot Muffins with Cream Cheese Glaze

These moist and flavorful muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack, and they’re a great way to sneak in some vegetables. Combine grated zucchini and carrots with flour, sugar, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Top with a tangy cream cheese glaze for an extra layer of flavor.

27. Yellow Squash and Corn Quesadillas

These cheesy quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Combine grilled yellow squash and corn with cheese and your favorite toppings like black beans or salsa. Grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted, creating a crispy exterior. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

28. Acorn Squash and Chickpea Curry

This flavorful curry is packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. Combine roasted acorn squash with chickpeas, coconut milk for creaminess, and curry spices like turmeric and garam masala. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a complete meal.

29. Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna

This healthy lasagna is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layer roasted butternut squash, spinach for nutrients, ricotta cheese for creaminess, and marinara sauce for a classic Italian flavor. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, allowing the flavors to meld together.

30. Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto

This creamy and flavorful dish is a healthy alternative to pasta, perfect for a light and refreshing meal. Spiralize zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler. Toss with a pesto made with avocado for creaminess, basil for freshness, and Parmesan cheese for a salty bite.

31. Kabocha Squash Pie with Pecan Crust

This decadent pie is a perfect Thanksgiving dessert or a special occasion treat. Combine roasted kabocha squash with eggs for richness, cream for smoothness, sugar for sweetness, and spices like cinnamon and ginger for warmth. Pour into a pecan crust for a nutty crunch and bake until golden brown and the filling is set.

32. Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

These crunchy and flavorful seeds are a healthy snack that’s perfect for on-the-go. Toss pumpkin seeds with olive oil, chili powder for heat, and cumin for a warm spice. Roast until golden brown and crispy, creating a satisfying snack that’s full of flavor.

33. Butternut Squash Smoothie with Banana and Ginger

This creamy and refreshing smoothie is a healthy breakfast or snack that’s packed with nutrients. Combine roasted butternut squash with banana for sweetness, ginger for a spicy kick, milk for creaminess, and yogurt for tanginess. Blend until smooth and enjoy this nutritious and delicious smoothie.

Conclusion

I truly believe that squash is one of the most underrated and versatile ingredients out there. It’s packed with nutrients, readily available, and lends itself to an incredible range of flavors and dishes. I hope these 33 healthy recipes have sparked your culinary imagination and given you a newfound appreciation for this wonderful vegetable. Have fun cooking!