17 Healthy Winter Squash Recipes (2024)

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17 Healthy Winter Squash Recipes (1) by Katie Webster
December 14, 2021 (updated 8/24/22)

As we get into the colder months, it’s nice to have a lineup of healthy, soul-warming recipes that are not only simple, but are also crowd-pleasers. Come winter, one of my personal favorite foods to cook with is winter squash. I’m always searching for new, fun, and delicious ways to use them, so I thought I would share my current favorite healthy squash recipes with you so you could try them too!

17 Healthy Winter Squash Recipes (2)

I originally shared this round-up on September 19th, 2013. I have added to the collection with the latest winter squash recipes to share it with you again today.

Table of Contents hide

Winter Squash Varieties

Winter Squash vs Summer Squash

Storage Tips

Winter Squash Recipe Ideas

Healthy Squash Recipes Perfect For Winter

More Recipe Round Ups

A while ago I put together a recipe round-up collection, and it was a huge hit. So it got me thinking about what other types of foods I could feature. Winter squash was one of the first things that came to mind. I love winter squash because it is so versatile. Not only is it widely used in savory recipes, but it can also be used to make amazing desserts (take the fan favorite pumpkin pie, for example).

Winter Squash Varieties

Here is a list of some, but not all, winter squashes I love to cook with:

  • Delicata squash
  • Acorn squash
  • Butternut squash
  • Spaghetti squash
  • Hubbard squash

Winter Squash vs Summer Squash

Now after reading that list, you might be wondering, what’s really the difference between a winter and summer squash? Well, a summer squash tends to be soft-skinned and its flesh is generally more tender and moist. It’s also harvested whie it is still tender –think zucchinis and yellow summer squash, for example.

On the other hand, winter squashes are usually harvested late summer. They are hard-shelled and have tougher rinds. Which, makes sense when you think about how much more difficult it is to cut up a butternut squash than a zucchini!

Storage Tips

If you got excited and bought too much winter squash at the grocery store, don’t worry! It won’t go bad nearly as quickly as summer squash does. If it’s whole and unpeeled, you can store it in a cool, dry place such as a drawer or basket.

However, if you’ve already peeled and cut it into pieces, you’ll definitely want to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. (If you’re not planning on cooking with it any time soon, you could always chop it up, flash-freeze the pieces individually, then add to an airtight container and freeze until ready to use.)

Winter Squash Recipe Ideas

With that being said, below you’ll find 17 healthy winter squash recipes. Some are my own and some are from some blogging friends. I hope you enjoy them. What is your favorite winter squash? Do you prefer sweet or savory squash recipes?

Healthy Squash Recipes Perfect For Winter

There's nothing better than cozying up with a warm home cooked meal during the winter–and what better vegetable to cook with than squash. Here are a few healthy recipes to add to your weekly menu during those cold months.

17 Healthy Winter Squash Recipes (3)

Spaghetti Squash With Turkey Sausage Ragu

This lower-carb dinner has gotta happen in your kitchens my fine folks! It’s Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Sausage Ragu made with tons of veggies! It is ready in just 50 minutes and is gluten free.

This butternut squash mac and cheese is a healthy makeover of classic macaroni and cheese nommed-up with whole-grain pasta, gruyere cheese, rosemary, and loads and loads of butternut squash! I’m telling you, it’s the most perfect comfort food casserole ever!

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Easy, Delicious Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

You’re gonna love this vegan and paleo recipe for roasted butternut squash with smoked paprika and turmeric. Not only is it gluten-free, but only takes 10 minutes to get it in the oven.

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Butternut Squash Lasagna

Behold your future go-to recipe for guests: Butternut Squash Lasagna. Not only is it totally impressive, I’d even say a real show stopper, but it can be made a day or two ahead and then just popped in the oven before your guests arrive. How easy is that!

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Cheesy Stovetop Butternut Squash

This Easy Cheesy Stove-Top Butternut Squash is a delicious stovetop recipe that comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect Thanksgiving or Holiday side dish, as well as being awesome for a regular weeknight dinner the whole family will love! It is Best-of material, for sure!

17 Healthy Winter Squash Recipes (8)

Homemade Pumpkin Puree

There's nothing more gradifying than being able to say you made something entirely from scratch. So next time you're planning on making a pumpkin pie, ditch the canned stuff and make your own pumpkin puree! Trust me, it couldn't be easier.

This beauty of a salad is made with roasted butternut squash and onions tossed with bulgur, parsley and tahini dressing.

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One-Pan Roasted Squash, Apple, and Sausage Dinner

Fast family-friendly weeknight meals like this simple One Pan Roasted Squash, Apple and Sausage Dinner are so helpful to have on hand! It's packed with flavor from various spices, Dijon, maple syrup, and sherry vinegar.

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30-Minute Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

If you're looking for a healthy dinner that comes together in almost no time, you've come to the right place. This Cheesy Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe only takes 30 minutes to make. Each serving has 19 grams of protein, making them a great vegetarian main course!

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Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie with Butternut Squash

These individual vegetarian shepherd’s pies with butternut squash topping are a delicious fall-veggie-packed comfort food meal. A savory sauté of lentils, mushrooms, spinach and tomatoes is spooned into individual ramekins and topped with golden pureed butternut squash and melted Gruyere cheese.

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Clean Eating Curry Butternut Squash Soup

This butternut squash soup is so flavorful and creamy, you'd never guess it's completely vegan. Not only that, but it's also paleo, whole 30 compliant, AND naturally gluten-free. Honest, clean, nourishing food without any lack in flavor.

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Roasted Delicata Squash Salad with Warm Pickled Onion Dressing

This roasted delicata squash salad with warm pickled onion dressing is a superfood bonanza! It’s filled with healthy vegetables, nuts for protein and topped with a delicious dressing. AND it’s a wilt-free, no-lettuce salad that makes a healthy and delicious lunch and dinner. You can’t go wrong!

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One-Pan Chicken with Squash and Mushrooms

It takes just a single sheet pan and 15 minutes of active time to make this One Pan Chicken with Squash and Mushrooms. It's a great recipe for busy weeknight dinners!

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Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

This Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with chicken sausage, ricotta and marinara sauce is cheesy and total comfort food. With only 30 minutes of hands on time and 45 minutes total time, it has be added to your weeknight dinner menu!

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Easy Spaghetti Squash Salad with Lemon Thyme Dressing

This spaghetti squash salad with chevre, almonds and lemon thyme dressing scores a perfect ten in my books. I cannot tell you how many moons I have gone over for this recipe! It is perfection.

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Pumpkin Risotto

Here is a creamy and savory Pumpkin Risotto recipe made with pumpkin puree, brown rice, sage and pumpkin pie spices. It is savory, a little sweet and so comforting and cozy for a meatless main course.

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Spaghetti Squash with Mushroom Rosemary Sauce

This recipe is made with spaghetti squash and topped with savory mushroom sauce with caramelized onion, roasted garlic and rosemary. It may be low carb but it is full of flavor!

More Recipe Round Ups

  • Check out our collection of Healthy Soup Recipes.
  • Don’t miss these healthy green bean recipes.
  • Our favorite Quinoa Recipe Collection is a great one for discovering new ways to use quinoa.
  • This Healthy Winter Smoothie round-up has lots of wintertimes produce added in.
  • These Winter co*cktails are super fun and festive.
  • Check this big list of Winter CSA Produce recipes too!

Thanks so much for reading! If you are new here, you may want to sign up for my email newsletter to get a free weekly menu plan and the latest recipes right to your inbox. If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would love to hear what you thought!

Happy Cooking! ~Katie

17 Healthy Winter Squash Recipes (20)

About the Author

Katie Webster

Katie Webster studied art and photography at Skidmore College and is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute. She has been a professional recipe developer since 2001 when she first started working in the test kitchen at EatingWell magazine. Her recipes have been featured in numerous magazines including Shape, Fitness, Parents and several Edible Communities publications among others. Her cookbook, Maple {Quirk Books} was published in 2015. She launched Healthy Seasonal Recipes in 2009. She lives in Vermont with her husband, two teenage daughters and two yellow labs. In her free time, you can find her at the gym, cooking, stacking firewood, making maple syrup, and tending to her overgrown perennial garden.

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4 comments on “17 Healthy Winter Squash Recipes”

  1. carrie September 20, 2013 @ 10:48 am Reply

    Oh my goodness, the mac n’ cheese and those brownies! Such a great round up, I love any type of squash recipe… especially in baked goodies 😉

    • katie September 21, 2013 @ 8:33 am Reply

      Thanks Carrie and I love your bread.

  2. Ari September 19, 2013 @ 11:12 am Reply

    I am literally dying over that risotto. It is happening in my kitchen ASAP!

    • katie September 19, 2013 @ 2:22 pm Reply

      Okay, not literally dying I hope:) I mean the risotto is good and all… Lol! Hope you like it Ari.

17 Healthy Winter Squash Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most healthy winter squash? ›

Acorn squash, delicata squash, and butternut squash are just a few examples of winter squash that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Try incorporating the winter squash varieties listed above into your diet this fall and winter for an easy way to care for your health from the inside out.

What is the healthiest squash you can eat? ›

Butternut Squash: is packed with vitamin C and beta carotene, both of which act as antioxidants in the body and protect the cells from damage. Spaghetti Squash: also makes an excellent alternative to pasta due to its spaghetti-like strands.

Is winter squash anti-inflammatory? ›

Winter squash also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and for that reason may help in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Early studies also suggest that vegetables in this family may block the formation of cholesterol in cells and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Can you eat too much winter squash? ›

While the high beta-carotene content in squash can provide many benefits, studies also suggest that consuming too much of this compound can increase the risk of lung cancer. In addition, some types of prepared squash include high amounts of added sugar.

What does winter squash do for your body? ›

This squash has a lot of antioxidants, which can boost your immunity and help your body to fight off certain diseases. Acorn squash contains antioxidants like vitamin C that help strengthen bones and blood vessels.

Which squash is anti-inflammatory? ›

Butternut Squash's high antioxidant content may have anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to reduce your risk of inflammation-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

Are squash healthier than potatoes? ›

Exhibit B: While both are high in B vitamins, the squash is higher in folate, a must in the diets future and soon-to-be mamas, as well as mega-antioxidant vitamin E, and bone-building calcium. However, the squash must concede when it comes to fiber content, with the sweet potato taking first place (4 grams vs.

Which is healthier squash or zucchini? ›

First, nutritional values do not vary much between the different varieties of summer squashes (the broader category in which zucchini and yellow squash live, along with many other types!), according to the University of Illinois Extension.

Is winter squash good for kidneys? ›

Why is Squash a Superfood? Squash is fine for earlier stages of CKD and kidney transplant when potassium is well-managed without dietary restriction. With concern for potassium levels, consider having squash in small amounts.

When should I eat winter squash? ›

For the best-quality squash, wait to harvest all types until they are mature — at least 50–55 days after the fruit has set — and cure before storing and eating.

Can diabetics eat winter squash? ›

People with diabetes who eat a high-fiber diet tend to experience improved blood sugar levels. Squash is also rich in healing antioxidants and Vitamin A — which can improve insulin production — and Vitamin C, which has been shown to reduce blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes.

Do you eat the skin of winter squash? ›

All squash skin is edible. However, in the same way you wouldn't eat a banana peel, edible doesn't necessarily mean you want to eat it. Some squash has thin skin that's tasty and tender, while others have a tough shell that even cooked is chewy and stringy.

Which winter squash has the most calcium? ›

Acorn Squash

It also boasts more calcium and potassium than other winter squash varieties, so this is one of the healthiest veggies you can cook this season.

What winter squash tastes like sweet potato? ›

The delicata squash has a moist, creamy yellow flesh that tastes and smells like a blend of corn, butternut squash and sweet potato. It is often referred to as the sweet potato squash. They are best eaten when steamed or baked.

Which is healthier acorn or butternut squash? ›

Acorn squash: It has less vitamin A than butternut but provides even more fiber (9 grams per cup) and potassium (896 mg).

Are winter squashes healthy? ›

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, squash provides numerous health benefits that may help reduce the risk of many diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer. Squash is a good source of: Carotenoids (which converts to vitamin A). Protein.

What is the best winter squash to grow? ›

Delicata, along with butternut, is a choice that may be easier to grow than some. Choose one of the many buttercup, kabocha, or hubbard types from A.P. Whaley seed company or Fedco. The blue/green color squashes on this baking sheet are the 'Baby Blue Hubbard' variety, which will grow well in northern climates.

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