The Ultimate Fall Squash Round Up

Almost Friday! We leave for NYC tomorrow morning. We’ll be there for the day and then fly out Saturday morning for South Africa (Update – Here’s our recap of our African Safari and trip to Zimbabwe)!

I don’t know about you guys, but when I think about fall, I think about root vegetables, squashes, and those deep colored cozy salads and comfort foods.

Squash is definitely one of my favorite fall foods and there are so many ways to cook squash. And, so many squash choices to choose from.

Am I right? I’ve rounded up a bunch from my fellow dietitian friends and a few others. Let’s try to break them all down in this post!

Squash Nutrition Facts

Winter Squash are full of antioxidants, like alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. Squash is full of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, manganese, fiber, potassium and much more.  And best of all, like pumpkin seeds, you can roast squash seeds.

So, I’ve rounded up a bunch of yummy ones for you to choose from (or, eat them all). Many of these would make great additions to your Thanksgiving assortment.

And, I’ve separated it by type of squash to make your browsing easier.

Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is commonly green on the outside with a single splotch of orange on the side or top. It is shaped like an acorn. Of all the winter squash, acorn squash is typically the most perishable so try to use it within a few weeks of buying!

Acorn Squash and Lentil Egg Bake via Emily Kyle Nutrition

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Sage Lentils via Sharon Palmer

Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash via Abbey’s Kitchen

Acorn Squash Breakfast Bowl via Amy Beth Shen

Fall Harvest Snack Board via Fork in the Road

Wild Rice and Acorn Squash Wedge Salad via CIT Nutritionally

Brown Butter Acorn Squash Pasta via How to Eat

Smoky Tempeh Stuffed Acorn Squash via Sinful Nutrition

Acorn Squash and Quinoa Salad with POM Dressing via Nutrition a la Natalie

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is one of my favorites! It boasts a sweet, nutty taste similar to that of a pumpkin. The butternut refers to a golden tan yellow skin and orange fleshy pulp. It becomes sweeter when it’s ripe and boasts an array of nutrients, like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, potassium and fiber. It’s great roasted and in soups and casseroles!

Butternut Squash and Kale Pita Pizza via RDelicious Kitchen

Butternut Squash, Beet and Barley Salad with Apple Maple Vinaigrette via Bucket List Tummy

Spicy Butternut Squash and Pear Soup via Nutrition Starring You

Panera CopyCat Autumn Squash Soup via Byte Sized Nutrition

Sage and Butternut Squash Risotto via Erica Julson

Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Gratin via Whitney RD

Butternut Squash and Kale Slow Cooker Lasagna via Kara Lydon

Coconut Cumin Ginger Roasted Butternut Squash via The Delicious Crescent

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussel Sprouts and Cranberries via Eat Real Live Well

Orzo Butternut Squash and White Beans via Jenny Shea Rawn

Delicata Squash

Delicata squash are cream colored with green stripes, often long and oval shaped. They are usually baked, but can also be microwaved, sauteed or steamed.

Vegan Delicata Squash Cassoulet via Rachael Hartley Nutrition

Roasted Delicata Squash Apple Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar via Small Bites by Jessica

Roasted Rosemary Delicata Squash via Garnish with Lemon

Super Simple Stuffed Delicata Squash via Kim’s Cravings

Delicata Squash Tacos with Black Beans via Naturally Ella

Kabocha Squash

Kabocha Squash is also known as the Japanese pumpkin and is perfect for roasting, pureeing and stuffing. It is known to resemble sweet potatoes in flavor.

Kabocha Squash with Garlic Yogurt Sauce via Chelseas Healthy Kitchen

Roasted Kabocha Squash Salad with Creamy Garlic Dressing via Rachael Hartley Nutrition

Curried Kabocha Squash Soup via Will Cook for Friends

Polenta Pizza with Kabocha Squash and Kale via Lemons and Basil

Whipped Kabocha Squash with Vanilla Bean and Nutmeg via The View from Great Island

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is another favorite, great for substituting or resembling pasta and spaghetti! Interestingly enough, the orange varieties have higher contents of carotene (antioxidants). When cooked, the internal flesh softens and can be pulled out, resembling spaghetti.

Spaghetti Squash Vermicelli Chicken Biryani via The Delicious Crescent

Spaghetti Squash with Plum Tomato and Lentil Bolognese via Eat Real Live Well

Vegetarian Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Boats via Bucket List Tummy

Spaghetti Squash Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Bake via Nutrition to Fit

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai via A Whisk and Two Wands

Pesto Parmesan Spaghetti Squash via Amy Gorin

Beef Ragu over Spaghetti Squash via The Nutrition Adventure

Spaghetti Squash Gratin via How to Eat

 

Will you be having squash at your Thanksgiving gathering?

What’s your favorite squash?