10 Delicious Recipes Featuring Squash

From starter to dessert, squash lends itself well to many dishes! Make the most of its seasonal abundance by adding it to your menu. Here are 10 simple and delicious recipes that highlight its sweetness and soft texture.

In a Salad

When roasted in the oven, squash becomes tender and slightly caramelized for a tasty contrast with the crunchiness of the raw vegetables. The flesh not only adds colour to cold and warm salads, but also pairs well with tart flavours like citrus, bitter greens like kale and arugula, and even salty cheese, legumes and toasted nuts.

Maple-Dijon roasted squash and chickpea salad — Try This Recipe: Maple-Dijon Roasted Squash and Chickpea Salad

Stuffed

Stuffed squash is at once comforting and flavour packed. Its hollow centre where the seeds (that you need to scoop out with a spoon) are concentrated is perfect for holding generous fillings. You can stuff squash halves with a mix of roasted vegetables, legumes, seasoned ground meat or a creamy mix of chicken and vegetables.

In a Pasta Dish

The sweetness of squash pairs wonderfully with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, making it the perfect ingredient for pasta. It can be cooked in different ways: puréed to coat the pasta, cut into cubes and roasted for texture, or blended into a creamy sauce to flavour and complement each bite.

Try This Recipe: Squash and Roasted Tomato Pappardelle from Ricardo

In a Curry

This dish consists of meat, fish or vegetables in a spicy sauce that usually includes turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger and chili powder. Cut into cubes, squash blends right in, its flesh absorbing the rich flavours of the spice mix.

Spaghetti Style

Spaghetti squash transforms into a plant-based alternative to traditional pasta. Once cooked, its flesh can be pulled apart into delicate strands that resemble spaghetti, ready to be enjoyed with sauces, sautéed veggies, meatballs or stewed meat. For a gourmet and healthful experience, serve it with a classic tomato sauce, pesto or creamy sauce.

Try this Recipe: Spaghetti Squash With Marinara Sauce & Vegetarian Meatballs

In a Soup

Squash flesh brings a velvety texture to soups. You can either boil it in water or roast it in the oven before blending it with other vegetables, perfect for a clear-out-the-fridge soup.

Try These Recipes:

Squash, Spinach & White Bean Soup by Geneviève O’Gleman — Squash, Spinach & White Bean Soup from Geneviève O’Gleman

In Desserts

Pies, cakes, muffins and puddings are just a few of the desserts where squash shines. Its flesh, rich in fibre and antioxidants, provides many nutritional benefits, all while reducing the need for added liquid or fats in recipes. Its natural moisture gives baked goods a soft, light texture. It pairs beautifully with cinnamon, nutmeg or chocolate to elevate any dessert.