Winter squash is probably one of my favorite ingredients to cook with in the fall and winter. It adds a delicious sweet and savory element to any recipe and packs plenty of fiber for keeping you full and satisfied. With each type of winter squash the recipe options are endless, which is why they’re perfect for pretty much any meal of the day.

Types of winter squash

So, what are common types of winter squash? Turns out there are more than you might think:

• Acorn squash: small, round, mildly sweet and slightly nutty.
• Butternut squash: pale orange on the outside with a “neck” and round bottom. Naturally sweet.
• Delicata squash: long & cylindrical with yellow skin and green stripes. It tastes kind of like sweet potato and the skin is less tough than other squashes.
• Kabocha squash: also known as a Japanese pumpkin, it’s small and round (like a pumpkin) but with green skin.
• Spaghetti squash: typically wide and cylindrical with yellow skin and “stringy,” pasta-like flesh when it’s cooked.
• Pumpkin: the one and only! I recommend using a sugar or cooking pumpkin when making recipes (not the kind you carve). The recipes below are ones that use fresh pumpkin (not canned).

What makes squash special?

Besides being naturally sweet, unique, and fun to cook with, winter squash is also packed with vitamins A & C, fiber, folate and antioxidants. Truly nutrition powerhouses!

Tips for preparing & cooking winter squash

While I don’t have recipes for every type of squash listed, I have a few tips and tricks for easily cutting, dicing and cooking a couple of favs.

1. Get all of my tips and tricks for cutting and dicing a pumpkin.
2. See exactly how to peel, cut & dice a butternut squash, plus a simple and delicious way to prepare it!

Time to get your squash on! If you try any of these winter squash recipes be sure to leave a comment and let me know how you liked it. As always, I’d love to see a photo of your creations in our Facebook group.

Enjoy, xo!

Soups & Stews

Butternut Squash, Chickpea & Lentil Moroccan Stew

Nourishing Yellow Chickpea Pumpkin Curry with Coconut Brown Rice

Healing Thai Butternut Squash Lentil Soup (with a slow cooker option!)

Butternut Squash Green Chile Chicken Soup

Vegan White Bean & Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Maple Butternut Squash + Apple Soup

Sweet Squash Recipes

Chai-Spiced Butternut Squash Muffins with Salted Honey Glaze

Protein-Packed Breakfast Acorn Squash

Healthy Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Casserole with Almond Oat Crumble

Enchiladas

Vegan Butternut Squash Black Bean Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cashew Crema

Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

Spicy Butternut Squash Black Bean Enchiladas with Chipotle Greek Yogurt Sauce

Pasta & Casseroles

Roasted Butternut Squash Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Couscous

Butternut Squash, Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Vegan Butternut Squash Lasagna with Garlic Tahini Tofu Cream

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Peas (vegan & gluten free!)

Side Dishes & Salads

Winter Butternut Squash Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Balsamic Herb Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables

Winter Roasted Butternut Squash Black Lentil Salad with Grapes + Arugula

Spicy Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon

Butternut Squash and Kale Salad with Pomegranate, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

Garlic Chili-Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate + Gorgonzola

Unique Squash Recipes

Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Twice Baked Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash Bacon Spinach Quiche

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Lentil Sloppy Joes over Spaghetti Squash

Butternut Squash Quinoa Patties with Cranberry Orange Sauce