\u201cWinter squash\u201d is a bit of a misnomer. In truth, these veggies really come into season at the end of summer and early fall. As the temps start to drop, I find myself looking for the best winter squash recipes and ways to use all of the beautiful picks piling up at grocery stores, markets, and farm stands. Lucky for all of us, too, their buttery flavors are the perfect addition to soups<\/a>, salads<\/a>, and pastas<\/a>, and they even stand up as the hero in many of the meatless main dishes<\/a> I\u2019ll be eating all throughout the season.<\/p>\n Perhaps you\u2019re already familiar with a few of the vegetables that fall into this family. Butternut<\/a> and spaghetti squash have become fan favorites in recent years, but I\u2019d also recommend trying your hand at a recipe that includes delicata or red kuri squash this fall. Keep scrolling for tips on how to identify the seven most popular varieties of winter squash, plus some must-try recipes below.<\/p>\n To tell if a squash is ripe, you\u2019ll need to check out the exterior. The skin should be a matte color (if it\u2019s glossy, it\u2019s not ripe yet) and should have a hard exterior.<\/p>\n Throughout the season, I\u2019m apt to pick up kabocha squash, delicata squash, a sugar pumpkin, acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and red kuri squash for experimenting with my favorite winter squash recipes. Of course, when I\u2019m in full-on fall mode<\/a>, I can\u2019t help but grab some mini gourds and pumpkins, too! These are mainly used for decoration but can be found in some recipes as well.<\/p>\n This is your sign to pick up a squash you haven\u2019t tried next time you\u2019re at the grocery store or farmer\u2019s market. For me, the hardest part of trying new foods is finding ways to incorporate them into recipes. Below I\u2019ve shared 20 delicious recipes using my favorite varieties of winter squash.<\/em><\/p>\n Let me introduce: a simple yet show-stopping side dish that\u2019s packed with flavor. The natural sweetness of the roasted squash is perfectly balanced by a drizzle of spicy hot honey and a sprinkle of flaky salt. With minimal ingredients and maximum impact, it\u2019s a dish that will elevate any meal.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n This salad is the perfect marriage of hearty and fresh, making it an ideal dish for any season. Roasted delicata squash and nutty farro create a satisfying base, while bright herbs and a zesty vinaigrette add layers of flavor. Topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy pecans, it\u2019s a crowd-pleasing salad that\u2019s as beautiful as it is delicious.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n This butternut squash is a major<\/em> stunner that looks way more complicated than it really is. With a flaky crust and creamy ricotta, layers of seasonal root veggies come together to make the ultimate cold-weather appetizer.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n If you\u2019re unfamiliar with it, delicata squash is slightly sweet, caramelizes perfectly, and is the ideal canvas for all of fall\u2019s flavors. This specific recipe serves it with a simple dressing and lots of toppings to make the squash a complete meal. The crunch from the almonds and the creaminess from the feta is just the icing on top of the already delicious cake.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n Both savory and sweet, this pasta is everything warm and cozy in a bowl. It can sometimes prove a challenge to create a creamy and decadent dish that\u2019s dairy-free, but this pasta does just that (and some more!).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n As seasons come and go, one thing stays the same: my love for pizza. This butternut squash pizza shot its way up to the top of my favorite winter squash recipes because it\u2019s seasonal, dairy-free (although you wouldn\u2019t know it), and downright delicious. The sweet squash and almond ricotta combined with the savory bacon will have you going back for third and fourth slices.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n When it comes to winter squash recipes, roasting these roots is always my go-to method of prep. For this go-to roasted butternut squash recipe, all you need is two hours in the oven to create a delicious, filling, and hassle-free appetizer.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n This delicious winter soup is Chitra Agrawal\u2019s<\/a> go-to weeknight meal, and I can\u2019t blame her. I love that you can make it with any winter squash\u2014butternut, acorn, kabocha, or delicata\u2014so you\u2019ll never grow tired of it. Plus, if you roast the squash ahead of time, this recipe comes together in one pot.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n I love a recipe that feels ultra elegant, yet comes together in a matter of minutes. (Bonus: it\u2019s baked in one pan.) This roasted cod with broccolini, squash, and mint does exactly that, giving you a restaurant-grade meal with minimal effort. You can make this recipe with any firm white fish or winter squash, and the formula will turn out just as delicious every time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n I\u2019m a sucker for a good fall pasta<\/a>, and this is one of the easiest and best recipes I\u2019ve tried. The short list of ingredients comes together in just one bowl and is perfect for a cozy weeknight or a wine night with friends. Take it from me: the optional sage leaves should most definitely not be optional.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n This simple yet delicious fall meal will be your new weeknight hero. The butternut squash is golden and crispy on the outside and creamy and warm on the inside\u2014just how I like it. The currant vinaigrette perfectly brightens the dish, complements the fall flavors, and brings it all together. Plus, you\u2019ll want to bookmark this genius tip for cooking quinoa.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n My roommate and I have started a new tradition this fall: Soup Mondays. I know you\u2019re thinking that Soup Sundays<\/a> makes more sense, but we coincidentally had soup two Mondays in a row, and it stuck. On tap for this week is this comforting curry butternut squash soup. The curry adds even more flavor than traditional butternut squash soup, which is already a favorite of mine. It\u2019s also freezer-friendly and one of the best winter squash recipes for meal prep.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n Salads that don\u2019t feel like salads are trending on TikTok and this wild grain and winter squash salad should be going viral. With no leafy greens to be seen, it\u2019s a great recipe for when you want something a little more comforting but still healthy. The delicata and dumpling squash rest on a bed of rice and are topped with almonds, feta, and plenty of herbs to satisfy every single taste bud.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n This colorful and seasonal salad is the perfect addition to all of your fall dinner parties. It comes from Sheela Prakash\u2019s<\/a> cookbook Mediterranean Every D<\/em><\/a>ay<\/a> <\/em>and is just as healthy as it is comforting. I like making a big batch of this on Sunday to have on hand all week since it\u2019s full of veggies that won\u2019t get soggy from the dressing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n As much as I love squash recipes, sometimes they can all start to taste the same. These tostadas, however, are the perfect way to shake things up while still eating with the season. Camille took the genius approach of swapping tortillas for pita bread in this recipe, which makes the perfect chewy, golden-brown crust for this Tex-mex spin on squash.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n Just the name of this recipe makes my mouth water. Butternut squash, goat cheese, and pesto are three of my favorite foods and thrown together\u2014they can\u2019t be beat. This is an excellent affordable, healthy, vegetarian meal to add to your fall meal rotation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n One of my favorite meal-prep winter squash recipes is this delicata squash salad. Add your favorite greens and complement them with crunchy pistachios and creamy feta cheese for the most mouthwatering fall bowl.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n To celebrate everything we love most about fall in a lighter, plant-packed form, this turmeric squash salad throws together plenty of nutrients and a wide variety of flavors. Pumpkin seeds and cranberries add a bit of texture and tanginess to complement your sweet autumn star.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/roasted-honeynut-squash-865x1297.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nHow To Tell if a Squash Is Ripe<\/h2>\n
How to Identify the Seven Most Popular Winter Squash<\/h2>\n
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20 Winter Squash Recipes to Satisfy Your Seasonal Cravings<\/h2>\n
![\"roasted](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/roasted-honeynut-squash-recipe4.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nRoasted Honeynut Squash with Hot Honey, Pecans, and Rosemary<\/h2>\n
![\"Squash](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/squash-farro-salad5.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nSquash & Farro Salad With Apples, Goat Cheese, & Pecans<\/h2>\n
![\"butternut](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pottery-barn-thanksgiving-1-60-1.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nButternut Squash and Ricotta Tart <\/h2>\n
![\"roasted](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/roasted-delicata-squash-fall-recipe-10-1-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nRoasted Delicata Squash With Feta, Almonds, and Herbs<\/h2>\n
![\"Vegan](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/pasta-vegan-butternut-squash.jpeg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nCreamy Butternut Squash Pasta<\/h2>\n
![\"Butternut-Squash-Flatbread-With-Arugula-Almond](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/b1f713ed-butternut-squash-flatbread-with-arugula-almond-ricotta-4222-copy.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nButternut Squash Pizza With Arugula & Almond Ricotta<\/h2>\n
![\"whole](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/d3d220cc-michelle-nash-photography-4350.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nWhole Roasted Butternut Squash<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/26171c1f-squash-soup-48-copy.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nCurried Roasted Winter Squash Soup<\/h2>\n
![\"CS](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73eea32c-img_1944.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nSlow Roasted Cod with Broccolini, Winter Squash, And Mint<\/h2>\n
![\"butternut](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AP_1399.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nButternut Squash, Spinach, & Goat Cheese Pasta<\/h2>\n
![\"Daphne](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/531798f1-ch06_008_butternutsquashquinoa_9780062426925-copy.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nCrispy Roasted Butternut Squash and Quinoa<\/h2>\n
![\"best](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/2da3fa07-img_7249-1.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nCurry Butternut Squash Soup<\/h2>\n
![\"Wild](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/salad1.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nWild Grain & Winter Squash Salad<\/h2>\n
![\"Roasted](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/6b852a3c-mediterraneaneveryday-p70.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nThis Roasted Delicata Squash & Kale Salad Is On My Thanksgiving Menu<\/h2>\n
![\"Pita](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/pita-tostada1.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nPita Tostadas with Butternut Squash, Black Beans, & Avocado<\/h2>\n
![\"Roasted](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/afde40df-hannah-haston-photography-20.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nRoasted Butternut Squash Stuffed with Goat Cheese, Figs, and Pesto<\/h2>\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/f5d5ce2b-squash-salad.jpeg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nDelicata Squash Salad with Pistachios and Marinated Lentils<\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/F606472C-DA91-433E-8CCD-735C73998BFE-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\nTurmeric Roasted Kabocha Squash Salad<\/h2>\n
![\"vegan](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/bf1fb049-michelle-nash-photography-6297.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\n![\"Roasted](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/0913f862-horiz-michelle-nash-photography-6740-copy.jpg\")
<\/a>\t<\/div>\n