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Squash season is officially here, and I, for on,e am here for it! I just love squash – they are so versatile, delicious, nutritious and dang right beautiful! No two squashes are alike – each one has its own unique properties that make it special. If you’ve never cooked or baked with squash before, you’re in good hands because this list of 50 Squash Recipes will have you picking out winter squash like a pro, roasting butternut squash like you grew them in your own garden, and baking pumpkin muffins that will have your neighbors lined up at your door! There are so many reasons to love squash, and by the end of this list, you are going to be running to your nearest grocer to pick up pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and spaghetti squash like they’re going out of fashion.
There’s no better way to celebrate Fall and Winter than with a collection of hearty, comforting squash recipes! Whether you’re a fan of roasted butternut squash, the light and delicate flavor of summer squash, or the noodly magic of spaghetti squash, there’s a recipe for everyone. Squash is incredibly versatile—perfect for roasting, baking, or making into soups and casseroles. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice for your seasonal meals. So grab your squash and get ready to cook up some comforting, seasonal goodness!
Squash is a versatile, nutrient-packed vegetable that comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, making it a staple in seasonal cooking. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is divided into two main categories: summer squash and winter squash. Summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, has tender, edible skin and is typically harvested while young. Winter squash, such as butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash, has a thicker skin and is harvested in the fall when it’s fully matured, making it ideal for long-term storage.
Squash is not only rich in flavor but also packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Its versatility means it can be roasted, steamed, baked, or used in soups, casseroles, and even desserts. Whether you’re looking for a savory side dish or a sweet addition to your meals, squash offers endless culinary possibilities!
There are so many types of squash and they vary from region to region. Today we will focus on a few main squash that I love to cook with the most!
Butternut squash is the ultimate fall squash and if you’ve been scrolling on Instagram at all you will know just how adored butternut squash is during this time of the year! Its sweet, nutty flavor and smooth, creamy texture make it perfect for roasting, soups, or even as a base for creamy pasta sauces. Whether you’re making a comforting bowl of butternut squash soup or roasting it for a side dish, this versatile squash is a must-have for any holiday meal!
Did you know spaghetti squash is nature’s perfect low-carb pasta alternative? When cooked, this squash transforms into stringy, noodle-like strands that are ideal for pairing with your favorite sauces. Toss it with marinara, pesto, or even vegan cheese for a healthy, fun twist on pasta night!
Surprise! Sweet potato is technically a squash! With their natural sweetness and vibrant orange color, sweet potatoes are adored year round but especially shine during the colder months. From sweet potato casseroles to crispy roasted sides, this versatile veggie is packed with nutrients and can be enjoyed in so many delicious ways!
Zucchini isn’t just for summer! This versatile squash adds freshness and a light, tender texture to any dish. Perfect for zucchini noodles, roasted sides, or even baked into bread, zucchini is a year-round favorite. Its mild flavor makes it a great canvas for any seasoning or sauce!
If you haven’t tried delicata squash, you’re in for a treat! I’ve made a few recipes that I absolutely adore with this squash and so many of you said it was your first time cooking with it! This small, tender squash has a thin, edible skin and a sweet, nutty flavor that’s perfect for roasting. Roasted delicata squash slices make a beautiful addition to any salad or side dish, adding both flavor and a pop of color.
Pumpkin isn’t just for pies or jack-o-lanterns! This iconic fall squash is packed with flavor and can be used in everything from soups to smoothies. Whether you’re making a classic vegan pumpkin pie or roasting pumpkin cubes for a salad it truly brings a deliciously sweet and savory flavor to every dish.
Yes!! Squash is packed with nutrition. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants and packed with all the good stuff you need during the colder months.
Eating squash regularly offers numerous health benefits, from boosting your immune system to supporting eye health. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full. Studies have also shown that eating different types of squash is good for your microbiome! Particularly winter varieties like butternut and acorn squash, are rich in fiber, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract. The fiber in squash acts as a prebiotic, providing nourishment to the good bacteria in your gut, which helps improve digestion and reduces inflammation.
Click here for a full breakdown including step-by-step instructions with photos on How to Cut and Peel a Butternut Squash. Cutting butternut squash can be tricky, but with the right technique, it’s a breeze. This step-by-step guide will show you how to peel, seed, and cut butternut squash into perfect cubes for roasting. The method changes slightly from squash to squash but the theory is the same! If you know how to cut this awkwardly shaped squash you’re going to master all the rest! https://jackfruitful.com/how-to-peel-and-roast-butternut-squash/
Learn how to cook spaghetti squash effortlessly with this straightforward guide. From microwaving to oven-baking, we detail each step for tender, delicious strands of squash, ideal for a healthy, versatile base in any dish. https://jackfruitful.com/how-to-cook-spaghetti-squash/
When it comes to cozy fall dinners, roasted delicata squash is hard to beat. This tutorial is straight to the point and will help you roast your delicata squash to perfection each time! https://jackfruitful.com/how-to-roast-delicata-squash/
Great question! There are so many ways to enjoy squash, why are people always roasting it? Roasting squash brings out its natural sweetness and creates a caramelized, tender texture. Whether you’re roasting butternut squash, acorn squash, or spaghetti squash, roasting is one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Of course there are so many ways to enjoy squash like boiling, grilling, and frying – roasting just happens to be extremely convenient and delicious!
Squash shines during the cooler months, and these 30 recipes highlight all the ways you can use it in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a cozy main course, these recipes will show you how to make the most of butternut squash, spaghetti squash, acorn squash, and more.
Nothing says “it’s time to get cozy” like a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. Whether you prefer it sweet and creamy or spicy and savory, these easy squash soup recipes will quickly become a fall favorite. From roasted butternut squash to spicy squash poblano soup, there’s something for everyone!
This Roasted Red Kuri Squash Soup combines oven-roasted vegetables with gochujang paste for an umami-rich, spicy, and creamy bowl. Made in under an hour, it’s the perfect medley of Korean and fall flavors.
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, spicy and smoky look no further than this Roasted Butternut Squash Poblano Soup! This soup is comfort in a bowl and the epitome of fall with just a touch of heat and sweetness. It combines perfectly roasted butternut squash, poblano peppers, a touch of maple syrup and coconut milk for a rich, velvety texture. This squash soup recipe is plant-based, gluten-free, and ideal for meal prep during the colder seasons.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy yet refreshing soup – try this Green Thai Curry Soup! It is packed with vegetables, and a creamy green curry coconut base and ready in only 30 minutes. This recipe makes 4 hearty servings and is perfect for weeknights and meal prep!
This rich and creamy vegan butternut squash corn soup is the perfect cozy recipe for fall. It will instantly become one of your staple recipes because is easy to make and uses familiar ingredients like frozen corn, fresh butternut squash, and hearty white beans. This combination results in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will nourish your body and warm you up on a chilly day.
Warm, creamy, and full of smoky flavor, this Sweet Potato Kale and White Bean Soup is the perfect fall meal. Packed with hearty cannellini beans, tender kale, and a coconut-based broth, it’s a wholesome, gluten-free, and vegan recipe that delivers comfort and nourishment in every bowl. Serve with crusty bread and dairy free parmesan for the ultimate cozy October dinner.
This Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is cozy, nourishing, and anything but boring! Packed with plant-based protein and fall veggies, it’s easy to make, naturally creamy, and completely vegan. Great for meal prep or chilly nights!
This black bean sweet potato soup is the perfect comfort food. It’s nutritious, hearty, and made with simple, affordable ingredients from Fareway Grocery. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just craving a warm bowl of goodness, this recipe delivers big flavor on a budget!
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort meal, we’ve got you covered! This portion of the list is filled with pasta, breakfasts, salads and more! Get ready to explore a whole world of squash recipes and get inspired to make the most out of the season’s bounty.
This Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta is the perfect fall comfort meal. The creamy cashew sauce is made with shallots and sage for a rich and luxurious flavor. Tossed with your favorite gluten-free pasta along with roasted butternut squash and baby arugula, you have a 30 minute dinner you’re going to be making on repeat all season long!
These Spiced Red Kuri Squash Rice Bowls are the perfect fall dinner. Combining smoky, sweet spices with roasted red kuri squash, lemony kale, black rice, and maple-tahini drizzle, they’re cozy, wholesome, and full of seasonal flavor, making them a wonderful dinner option for any night of the week.
This One Pot Butternut Squash Orzo is creamy, cozy and totally dairy free. Made with coconut milk and golden butternut squash, it’s an easy, 30 minute meal that will have everyone around the dinner table asking for seconds!
Cozy, creamy, and completely dairy-free! This Hot Honey Cheese Squash Dip is the perfect fall party appetizer. Roasted squash and vegan cheese come together to make a rich, velvety, and naturally sweet dip. Serve it with crackers or fresh veggies and watch it disappear!
This Roasted Honeynut Squash with Lentils is fall comfort at its best! Caramelized honeynut squash, warm cinnamon and sage, crisp pistachios, and pomegranate all layered over creamy dairy free yogurt. It’s an easy, elegant oven roasted squash recipe that’s perfect as a holiday side dish or cozy weeknight favorite.
Enjoy this fall showstopper, Kale Caesar Salad with Garlic Parm Roasted Delicata and Crispy Chickpeas this week and fall in love for the whole season! With a creamy vegan Caesar dressing, roasted golden squash, and crunchy chickpeas, it’s a bowl of cozy, flavor packed goodness. Perfect for meal prep or fall dinner spreads.
A fall pasta dish you’ll make on repeat! This Butternut Squash alla Vodka Pasta is creamy, cozy, and entirely plant-based, with roasted squash, a hint of sage, and the silkiest sauce you won’t believe is dairy-free. Make it for your next weeknight dinner or serve it as the star at your next fall gathering.
Fall flavors meet crispy textures in this vibrant Roasted Butternut and Crispy Rice Salad! With spiced squash, kale, apples, pumpkin seeds, and a creamy pumpkin dressing, it’s everything you need in a cozy, colorful bowl. Make it ahead for easy lunches or serve it fresh as a holiday side.
Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and veggie-packed dinner that doesn’t require a lot of effort? These Pesto Zucchini Noodles check every box! Served with a homemade Creamy Zucchini Pesto Sauce; this recipe is satisfying, 100% plant-based, and an absolute celebration of peak summer produce. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes.
Sheet pan dinners are the ultimate busy-weeknight heroes, and this Fall Sheet Pan Gnocchi might just be my new favorite. With crispy gnocchi, sweet roasted veggies, chickpeas, and an optional creamy sauce, it’s nourishing, comforting, and loaded with seasonal flavor. Minimal prep, minimal cleanup, maximum cozy fall vibes.
These Moroccan Spiced Sweet Potato Tofu Bowls are loaded with roasted veggies, crispy tofu, fresh herbs, sweet dates, and a tangy cilantro lime yogurt sauce. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dinner that’s plant-based, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep or weeknight cooking. Spiced, colorful, and endlessly customizable, this bowl brings the flavor of Morocco right to your kitchen!
Make this Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Orzo Salad and enjoy a refreshing yet comforting meal perfect for gatherings or meal prep. This delicious salad comes together in under an hour with minimal effort. The sweet, caramelized butternut squash and crispy Brussels sprouts pair perfectly with tender orzo, crunchy pecans, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Finished with fresh parsley, dried cranberries, and a hint of dairy-free parmesan, it’s a salad that works as a side or main dish. Serve it warm for a cozy meal or chilled for a fresh take on pasta salad!
No holiday spread is complete without a beautiful and festive salad! This Roasted Delicata Squash Avocado Salad is an elegant and flavorful addition to any table. Featuring creamy Avocados From Peru, tender roasted delicata squash, juicy blackberries, and crunchy toasted pecans, it’s tied together with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect as a side or a light main dish, this salad is easy to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors that will have all your guests enjoying the salad!
This Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowl combines roasted sweet potatoes, protein-packed black beans, and fresh veggies for a colorful, nourishing meal. Topped with a zesty, dairy free creamy cilantro sauce, this bowl has everything you need for a satisfying lunch or dinner. It’s ready in 30 minutes, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep!
This Moroccan Chickpea Lentil Stew is loaded with protein-packed lentils, hearty chickpeas, warming spices, and tender sweet potatoes in a rich, aromatic broth. It’s vegan, gluten-free, perfect for meal prep, and bursting with Moroccan flavor. Cozy up with a bowl and bring a taste of Morocco to your dinner table!
These low-carb, grain-free gnocchi are coated in a creamy pumpkin sauce, making them the ideal dish for the start of fall and pumpkin season. Made with Palmini Mash, a low-calorie pasta alternative, they’re easy to prepare and rich in nutrients. Perfect for a comforting yet lighter meal.
Roasted butternut squash, sweet corn, and creamy vegan dressing are just a few of the reasons why you’re going to love my perfect Fall Pasta Salad! It’s ready in under 30 minutes and makes a large enough salad for 8 or meal prepping!
This beautiful grain-free salad is all about combining the flavors we love at this time of the year. My Sweet Potato Lentil Avocado Salad combines roasted sweet potatoes, hearty lentils, creamy avocado, and a zesty vinaigrette. This dish is vegan, and gluten-free and perfect for meal prep or as a festive side dish.
These Roasted Butternut Squash Black Bean Tacos offer a savory blend of autumnal flavors in a 30-minute, one-pan meal! With vegan ingredients and Maria & Ricardos’ keto almond flour tortillas, it’s a dish that’s versatile and incredibly delicious.
Dive into the essence of autumn with our Garlicky Spaghetti Squash Skillet. This skillet dinner puts roasted spaghetti squash with fragrant garlic, shallots, and kale together for an easy low maintenance and low carb, gluten-free bowl of perfection! Topped with crunchy almonds and vegan Parmesan to add the perfect crunch and cheesiness.
The essence of fall is in this recipe! Enjoy my Autumn Squash Grain Bowl, an inviting gluten-free recipe that pairs nourishing grains with roasted squash for a wholesome and satisfying main course. The heartiness of this colorful, nutrient-dense dish makes every bite pure happiness!
Warm, hearty Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Squash Salad. Featuring brown rice, pomegranate arils, and an array of autumnal flavors. The perfect grain bowl to transition into fall. Oil-free, gluten-free, and wholly delicious.
Warm and comforting, Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash is a delightful fall dish. Roasted squash halves are filled with a savory blend of quinoa, herbs, mushrooms, corn, cranberries, and toasted pecans. A healthy and flavorful plant-based meal ready to enjoy!
Jumping head first into November with a Creamy Lentil Curry recipe that will warm you from the inside out! This lentil bowl is easy to make and topped with caramelized butternut squash which makes it the perfect November meal.
If Layered Salads aren’t your thing, prepare for your mind to be forever changed because I bring you the Cranberry Quinoa Layered Salad! A vibrant burst of fall flavors, made irresistibly luscious with St. Dalfour’s naturally-sweetened jam in my popular layered salad style. A fall season and Thanksgiving must-have, this salad not only adds a splash of color to your spread but also a fiber-rich touch amidst heavy festive dishes! And the best part, it dresses itself!
This vegan sweet potato casserole is a fabulous addition to any Thanksgiving spread. It is easy to make with just 8 vegan, gluten-free ingredients and will delight your entire table of guests, despite their dietary preferences.
This Roasted Broccoli and Mashed Miso Sweet Potatoes is a dish like no other! Oven-crisped broccoli and chickpeas on top of lusciously creamy miso-infused sweet potatoes, creating a plant-based masterpiece for any dinner occasion.
This Tofu Pumpkin Curry combines crispy tofu and creamy pumpkin in a fragrant coconut curry sauce. It’s a 30-minute, vegan, and gluten-free dish perfect for a cozy autumn dinner.
When it comes to cozy fall dinners, roasted delicata squash is hard to beat. After roasting, it becomes sweet, flavorful, caramelized on the outside, creamy on the inside, and adds such a warm and delightful texture to almost any dish. This easy to make roasted delicata grain bowl has become one of our favorite dishes this time of year. It incorporates some of the best flavors of fall including delicata squash, pomegranate, plum, pumpkin, and fig.
Experience the warmth of The Best Vegan Chili, a cozy fall recipe with tempeh, walnuts, and a medley of veggies. It’s spicy, heartwarming, and packed with protein, making every spoonful a deliciously meatless marvel to share or meal prep like a pro!
Enjoy a budget-friendly and nutrient-rich delight with Chipotle Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowls. Packed with plant protein, vitamins, and fiber, this simple and delicious meal will satisfy your taste buds in under 30 minutes. Embrace the goodness of sweet potatoes, black beans, and a tangy sriracha drizzle. Delish!
All your harvest favorites are in this Fall Orzo Salad. Featuring roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy chickpeas, and a tangy lemon dijon dressing, this salad is a delightful mix of textures and tastes, ideal for any autumn feast.
This simple and delicious fall harvest salad bursts with seasonal flavors and hearty texture. The juicy pomegranate, roasted sweet potatoes and peppery parsley make it the perfect salad to enjoy all season long, especially as a side dish for Thanksgiving. It is also allergen-friendly as it is vegan and gluten-free!
If you have never tried a tofu scramble, you’re definitely in for a treat. Eggs are oftentimes one of the hardest things for aspiring vegans to give up. Luckily, tofu scrambles are a delicious vegan alternative to your favorite breakfast scramble. They have a similar texture, and a very similar taste, and are incredibly nutritious. Plus, believe it or not, they’re actually even easier to make! Simply scramble with a few spices just as you would eggs, and you will be enjoying a fork full of fluffy protein-packed tofu goodness in just a few minutes. The recipe below incorporates creamy sweet potatoes, juicy tomatoes, and steamed spinach, but you can use any vegetables you like, or enjoy them straight up.
Squash isn’t just for savory dishes! Its natural sweetness makes it the perfect ingredient for delicious fall desserts! Baking with squash reduces the need for any refined sugars, gets you whipping out the pumpkin spice and helps make creamy fillings and beautifully colored goodies! Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying the seasonal goodness of squash!
If you think you know what your go-to Fall salad is – think again! This Roasted Butternut Squash Spinach Salad with Candied Maple Walnuts and a Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette is actually to die for! The dressing is oil-free, the candied walnuts are totally refined sugar-free and this salad is packed with sweet, caramelized roasted butternut squash! It’s the ultimate autumn salad and perfect as a holiday side.
This Fall Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad is loaded with cozy fall favorites! From roasted sweet potatoes and cauliflower to Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds, you’ll be enjoying every bite of this delicious autumn salad that’s been tossed in a creamy maple balsamic vinaigrette. With tender gluten-free pasta and a mix of fresh arugula and spinach, it’s the perfect balance of hearty, sweet, savory and tart. Meal prep this salad for yourself or bring it to your next work potluck and you’ll be sure to become the office favorite!
Cozy season is officially here, and nothing says fall like a warmly spiced Pumpkin Bread. This refined sugar free loaf is secretly healthy, vegan and gluten-free! Topped with an irresistible cinnamon crumb, it’s quick to make, sweetened naturally, and full of nostalgic fall flavor.
Indulge in these delicious gluten-free Pumpkin Pie Bars, perfect for fall gatherings or whenever you’re craving a taste of pumpkin pie without the fuss. Made with wholesome, clean ingredients; these bars are just as beautiful as they are satisfying. Enjoy every spiced bite of this seasonal treat!
Nothing much in life can be more satisfying than a soft warm cookie! My new Soft Batch Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles are not only vegan and grain-free, but they also pretty much come with the guarantee of being the coziest, warmest and most joyful pumpkin spice Snickerdoodle you ever tried!
I don’t know about you, but the second the fall weather hits I am in the mood to BAKE. These Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cookies definitely hit the spot! They combine the texture and taste of your favorite peanut butter cookie with a hint of pumpkin spice for a seasonal flare. They are delightful alongside a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and perfect for cozying up by a warm fire this fall.
These creamy-filled Sweet Potato Muffins are an experience all on their own. Perfect for breakfast or dessert they are 100% vegan and gluten-free and adorned with a delectable crumb topping.
Not all squash are created equal! Depending on the dish you’re making, you’ll want to choose the right type of squash. All the recipes above are specifically designed for each of the squash that they showcase. Of course, you can experiment and some squash are more easily interchangeable than others!
Choosing the right squash can seem overwhelming with so many varieties available and such thick skins. Here are a few tips on how to choose the most popular squash.
Summer squash, like yellow squash and zucchini, have thin, edible skin and are best eaten when they’re young and tender. Look for firm squash with vibrant color and avoid any soft spots or bruises.
When selecting butternut squash, choose one that feels heavy for its size with smooth, matte skin and no deep cuts or bruises. The skin should be hard and the color a deep, even beige – these are signs of ripe butternut squash that’s perfect for roasting or making into soups
Non-Stick Pans: Make for easy clean up, crispy squash, and no need for foil or parchment! Check these out
Chefs Knife: Ideally large, sharp, for cutting firm winter squash. The weight of the knife helps with the cutting, and a sharp blade makes it easier to slice through the squash. An 8 or 10-inch chef’s knife is a good size for cutting squash. Check out this one.
Roasted squash is a meal prep superstar! It stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for quick meals throughout the week. Here are some tips to help you preserve your squash’s deliciousness and texture.
Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.
Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.
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