Squash, a versatile and nutritious ingredient, takes center stage in these healthy squash recipes, offering a medley of flavors and textures that cater to a range of tastes and dietary preferences. From classic comfort foods to innovative, health-focused creations, these recipes prove that squash can be the star of your plate while satisfying your palate and nourishing your body.
Enjoy our carefully curated selection of healthy squash recipes. With the perfect balance of satisfying side dishes and delicious standalone mains, we highlight all types of squash from winter squash varieties like butternut and acorn to summer staples like zucchini and yellow squash.
1. Healthy Squash Casserole
This healthy squash casserole recipe is a lightened-up version of the classic indulgent side dish, brimming with sliced yellow squash, diced onions, panko breadcrumbs, and savory toppings. This recipe calls for light sour cream, non-fat Greek yogurt, and light shredded cheese, reducing the amount of fat for those concerned with their cholesterol intake. Perfectly crispy, cheesy, and comforting, it’s a delightful side for any meal.
2. Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
This gluten-free, vegan roasted butternut squash pasta is a delightful fall and winter dish featuring sweet roasted squash and a creamy garlicky white sauce. With just 10 ingredients and a prep time of 10 minutes, it’s a savory-sweet and comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Garnish with shiitake bacon, vegan parmesan, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
3. Summer Squash Salad with Lemon Citronette
This simple summer squash salad features ribboned zucchini and yellow squash tossed with a lemon vinaigrette with fresh thyme, mint, and parsley, pine nuts, and feta cheese. It’s a refreshing and crisp salad, perfect for a light meal or as a summer side dish. If you haven’t tried raw squash, this is a delightful way to enjoy it.
4. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This creamy roasted butternut squash soup is the perfect fall and winter comfort food. It’s made with roasted butternut squash, shallots, garlic, vegetable broth, maple syrup, freshly ground black pepper, and nutmeg. The soup is blended until creamy and can be served with a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter for extra richness. It’s a simple and satisfying dish that pairs well with salads, grilled cheese sandwiches, or as a starter for holiday meals. This recipe avoids the use of heavy cream, making it a lighter but still flavorful option.
5. Zucchini Fritters (Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Keto)
Zucchini fritters are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer. These crispy fritters are made with grated zucchini, diced shallots, eggs, almond flour, goat cheese, salt, and pepper. They’re fried in olive oil until golden and served with a creamy garlic chive yogurt sauce. A great way to use up an abundance of zucchini and a tasty low-carbohydrate, gluten-free, and keto-friendly dish.
6. Breaded Air-Fryer Summer Squash
Air-fried summer squash, featuring thinly sliced yellow summer squash, is a flavorful side dish with a satisfying crunch. This dish combines the freshness of summer squash with the rich flavors of parmesan cheese and a hint of cayenne pepper. It offers a delightful way to enjoy the essence of summer while benefiting from the nutrients in squash, making it the perfect side dish to complement various meals.
7. Spaghetti Squash Ratatouille
Spaghetti squash ratatouille is a comforting winter dish that artfully blends the flavors of spaghetti squash, eggplant, and zucchini, all enhanced by the Miscuglio Italian Dried Herb Blend (but you can easily sub dry or fresh herbs in its place). This twist on the classic French ratatouille offers a healthy and hearty main course option. With ingredients like caramelized garlic-infused olive oil, smokey bacon sea salt, and various colorful vegetables, it’s a nutritious, delicious meal to savor during colder seasons.
8. Mediterranean Sautéed Yellow Squash Recipe
Mediterranean sautéed yellow squash is a delightful vegetarian side dish that combines yellow squash, sweet onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a warm Eastern Mediterranean spice blend. This quick and healthy dish is perfect alongside your favorite proteins, like Mediterranean lemon chicken, baked fish, fish gyros, or kofta kabobs. It’s a versatile, vibrant addition to your dinner table.
9. Maple Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage With Butternut and Brussels
Maple sheet pan smoked sausage with butternut and Brussels is a delectable fall dinner. Featuring smoked turkey sausage, butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts tossed in maple and garlic, this meal is savory and sweet. Cleanup is a breeze since everything is cooked on one baking sheet, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights, and you can even prep it ahead of time. Serve it on its own or with rice for a quick and flavorful dinner.
10. Easy Italian Zucchini Stew
Italian zucchini stew is a comforting and flavorful plant-based dish with a rich infusion of Italian flavors. Loaded with nutritious veggies, this zucchini recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with some warm, crusty bread. The key ingredients include olive oil, onion, celery, red bell pepper, garlic, oregano, red chili flakes, tomato paste, potatoes, zucchini, chopped tomatoes, and fresh basil. It’s a simple yet satisfying weeknight meal.
11. Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
This delightful vegetarian stuffed acorn squash is a beautiful and delicious main dish, perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. Roasted acorn squash is filled with a quinoa mixture featuring cranberries, two types of cheese, parsley, green onion, and toasted pepitas. Baked to perfection, it’s a savory and comforting option for vegetarian and gluten-free eaters.
12. Gluten-Free Zucchini Lasagna With Pesto and Goat Cheese
This gluten-free zucchini lasagna with pesto and goat cheese is a delightful vegetarian dish perfect for an appetizer or light meal. It features sliced zucchini, homemade pesto, creamy goat cheese, earthy mushrooms, and kale, all layered together for a delicious and satisfying experience. This lasagna is a great choice for entertaining and pairs wonderfully with your favorite wine for a perfect summer gathering.