“Winter squash” is a bit of a misnomer. In fact, these vegetables are in season from late summer to early fall. As the temperatures start to drop, I find myself looking for the best winter squash recipes and ways to use up all the beautiful harvest that’s piling up at the grocery store, market, and farmer’s market. Luckily for us, butter’s flavor makes it a great addition to soups, salads, pastas, and it’s also the star of many of the meat-free entrees I eat throughout the season.
You probably already know about some of the vegetables that fall into this family. Butternut pumpkin and spaghetti pumpkin have been popular in recent years, but why not try making recipes using delicata or red chestnut pumpkin this fall? Keep scrolling for tips on how to identify the seven most popular varieties of winter squash and the must-try recipes below.
How to tell if a squash is ripe
To determine if the pumpkin is ripe, you need to check the outside. The skin should be matte in color (if it’s shiny, it’s not yet ripe) and firm on the outside.
Throughout the season, I pick up pumpkin squash, delicata squash, sugar squash, acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and red chestnut squash to try out some of my favorite winter squash recipes. Of course, when I’m in full fall mode, I can’t resist eating mini gourds and pumpkins! These are mainly used for decoration, but are also used in some recipes.
How to identify the 7 most popular winter squash species
Pumpkin: Stubby, green pumpkin with faint white lines on its surface Delicata: Yellow cylindrical pumpkin with green and orange stripes along the ridge Sugar pumpkin: Bright orange, small and almost A perfectly spherical pumpkin Acorn: A dark green pumpkin with all thick ridges called Butternut: A bell-shaped pumpkin with a pale peach exterior Spaghetti: A pumpkin with a round, cylindrical, bright yellow skin.Red Chestnut: A warm orange pumpkin with an lopsided shape.
20 winter squash recipes to satisfy your seasonal cravings
This is a sign that the next time you go to the grocery store or farmers market, buy a pumpkin you haven’t tried yet. For me, the hardest part when trying a new food is finding a way to incorporate it into a recipe. Below are 20 delicious recipes using my favorite varieties of winter squash.
Roasted Honey Nut Squash with Hot Honey, Pecans and Rosemary
Introducing side dishes that are simple but packed with flavor and stand out. The natural sweetness of roasted pumpkin is perfectly balanced by a drizzle of spicy hot honey and a sprinkle of flaky salt. It’s a dish that elevates any meal with minimal ingredients and maximum impact.
Squash and farro salad with apple, goat cheese and pecans
This salad is the perfect combination of heartiness and freshness, making it an ideal dish for any season. Roasted delicata squash and nutty farro create a satisfying base, while bright herbs and tangy vinaigrette add layers of flavor. A beautiful and delicious salad topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy pecans.
Butternut squash and ricotta tart
This butternut squash is a big draw, looking much more complex than it actually is. Layers of crispy dough, creamy ricotta, and seasonal root vegetables come together to create the ultimate cold-weather appetizer.
Roasted delicata squash with feta, almonds and herbs
For those unfamiliar, delicata squash is subtly sweet, perfectly caramelized, and the perfect canvas for all things fall. This particular recipe makes pumpkin a complete meal with a simple dressing and lots of toppings. The crunch of the almonds and the creaminess of the feta add extra icing to an already delicious cake.
creamy butternut squash pasta
Savory and sweet, this pasta is warm and cozy all in one bowl. It can be difficult to create creamy, decadent dishes without dairy, but this pasta does just that (and more!).
Butternut squash pizza with arugula and almond ricotta
As the seasons change, one thing remains the same. It’s the love of pizza. This butternut squash pizza has risen to the top of my favorite winter squash recipes because it’s seasonal, dairy-free (you wouldn’t know it), and downright delicious. The combination of sweet pumpkin and almond ricotta and flavorful bacon will have you coming back for a third and fourth slice.
whole roasted butternut squash
When it comes to winter squash recipes, roasting these roots is always my go-to preparation method. This classic roasted butternut squash recipe makes a delicious, hearty, and hassle-free appetizer in just two hours in the oven.
Winter pumpkin curry roast soup
This delicious winter soup is Chitra Agrawal’s weeknight staple, and we can’t blame her. You can make it with any winter squash, including butternut, acorn, pumpkin, delicata, etc., so you won’t get tired of making it. Plus, if you roast the pumpkin ahead of time, this recipe can be completed in one pot.
Slow-roasted cod with broccolini, winter squash and mint
I love recipes that are very elegant yet ready in minutes. (Bonus: It’s baked in one skillet.) This roasted cod with broccolini, pumpkin, and mint does just that, delivering a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. This recipe can be made with firm white fish or winter squash, and it’s equally delicious no matter when you make it.
Pasta with butternut squash, spinach and goat cheese
I love a good fall pasta and this is one of the easiest and best recipes I’ve tried. The list of ingredients comes together in just one bowl, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight or wine night with friends. Let me tell you. Optional sage leaves should definitely not be an option.
Crispy roasted butternut squash and quinoa
This simple and delicious fall meal will become your new weeknight hero. Butternut squash is golden brown and crispy on the outside, creamy and warm on the inside, just the way I like it. The currant vinaigrette perfectly brightens the dish, brings out the fall flavors and brings everything together. Plus, you might want to bookmark this genius tip for cooking quinoa.
butternut squash curry soup
My roommate and I started a new tradition this fall: Soup Monday. I know you think Soup Sunday makes more sense, but we happened to have soup two days in a row on Monday, so it stuck. This week’s pick is this comforting curried butternut squash soup. The curry adds even more flavor than traditional butternut squash soup, which is already a favorite of mine. It’s also freezer friendly and is one of the best winter squash recipes for meal prep.
Wild grain and winter squash salad
Salads that don’t even look like salads are trending on TikTok, and this wild grain and winter squash salad is sure to be a hit. It doesn’t contain leafy vegetables, so it’s a great recipe when you want something a little more comforting while still being healthy. Delicata and dumpling squash are served over rice and topped with almonds, feta cheese, and plenty of herbs to please every palate.
This roasted delicata squash and kale salad is on my Thanksgiving menu
This colorful seasonal salad is perfect for a fall dinner party. It’s from Sheela Prakash’s cookbook, Mediterranean Every Day, and it’s both healthy and comforting. I like to make a big batch on Sunday and keep it on hand all week because it’s loaded with veggies that won’t get soggy with the dressing.
Butternut squash, black bean, and avocado pita tostadas
I love pumpkin recipes, but sometimes they all taste the same. However, these tostadas are a great way to switch things up while still eating in a seasonal way. Camille took the genius approach of replacing tortillas with pita bread in this recipe. This creates a chewy, golden-brown dough that’s perfect for pumpkin Tex-Mex.
Roasted butternut squash stuffed with goat cheese, figs and pesto
Just the name of this recipe makes me hungry. Butternut squash, goat cheese, and pesto combine three of my favorite foods, and it’s hard to beat. This is an affordable and healthy vegetarian dish that’s perfect to add to your fall meal rotation.
Delicata squash salad with marinated pistachios and lentils
One of my favorite pumpkin recipes to make in the winter is this delicata pumpkin salad. Add your favorite veggies and garnish with crunchy pistachios and creamy feta for a mouth-watering fall bowl.
Turmeric Roasted Pumpkin Squash Salad
To celebrate everything we love most about fall in a light, plant-filled form, this turmeric squash salad combines a wealth of nutrients with a variety of flavors. Pumpkin seeds and cranberries add a bit of texture and tartness to complement the sweet fall star.
vegan butternut squash soup
This soup is my favorite way to welcome squash season. This is one of the most comforting soups I’ve ever had, yet tastes clean and healthy. Thanks to the coconut milk, it’s super creamy even without heavy cream. I highly recommend doubling this recipe and saving it for lunch or storing it in the freezer for a rainy day.
roasted acorn squash
Brown butter and hazelnuts are joined by the spice notes of chili flakes, creating a flavor combination you never knew you needed.
