Winter squash is a nutrient-rich fruit (that’s right, a fruit!) that’s harvested in the fall and consumed all winter long. My favorite varieties are pumpkin, spaghetti squash, acorn, butternut squash, and delicata, and they’re perfect for hearty side dishes, meatless main meals, stews, chili, muffins, and even desserts.

In this post, you’ll find 40 family-pleasing winter squash recipes from nutrition bloggers across the web along with helpful winter squash cooking tips and the lowdown on the nutritional benefits of winter squash.

Healthy Winter Squash Recipes:
A Delicious Roundup

SPAGHETTI SQUASH RECIPES

Eggplant Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Boats from The Foodie Dietitian (photo above)

Taco-Topped Spaghetti Squash Bowls from Liz’s Healthy Table

Spaghetti Squash with Pesto, Peas and Shrimp from Family Food on the Table

Spaghetti Squash with Spinach and Roasted Garlic from The Nutty Nutritionist

Three Cheese Spaghetti Squash “Lasagna” from Smart Nutrition

Thai Shrimp with Spaghetti Squash from Russell Nutrition

A Southern Take on Spaghetti Squash from Emma Fogt

PUMPKIN RECIPES

Pumpkin Turkey Chili from Liz’s Healthy Table (photo above)

Cranberry Pumpkin Butter from My Cape Cod Kitchen

Pumpkin Pecan Muffins from Carrots and Cake

Spiced Pumpkin Bread from Healthy Aperture

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies from Simple Swaps

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Stew from Your Choice Nutrition

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie from Better is the New Perfect

Pumpkin Yogurt with Cinnamon Overnight Oats from RDelish

Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie from UNL Food

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RECIPES

Roasted Edamame, Squash and Brussels Salad from Nutritious Eats (photo above)

Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup from Healthy Aperture

Butternut and Arugula Salad from The Lean Green Bean

Vegan Stuffed Shells with Butternut Sage Sauce from Delish Knowledge

Butternut Squash Black Bean Enchiladas from Dietitian Debbie Dishes

Butternut Sage Risotto Balls with Lemon Honey Drizzle from Nutritioulicious

Butternut Squash Gnocchi from Teaspoon of Spice

Roasted Butternut Squash with Broccoleaf Greens from Food Confidence

Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar Roasted Pecans from The Cookin’ RD

Three Cheese Butternut Squash Lasagna from Nourished Simply

Butternut Squash Flatbread with Caramelized Leeks from Eat Chic Chicago

Quinoa Gratin with Butternut Squash from Eating with a Purpose

Butternut Squash Muffins from Prep Dish

DELICATA SQUASH RECIPES

Roasted Winter Squash Tacos with Quick Pickled Onions from Katie and Mom’s Kitchen Handbook (photo above)

Stuffed Delicata Squash Boats from Hungry Hobby

How to Roast Delicata Squash + a Recipe for Cinnamon Roasted Delicata Squash from Liz’s Healthy Table

Maple Roasted Delicata Squash from {Nourish} Healthy Bites

Kale Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash and Wild Blueberries from The Nutrition Twins

Rosemary Roasted Delicata Squash from Marisa Moore Nutrition

ACORN SQUASH RECIPES

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Pumpkin Seed & Cherry Quinoa Pilaf from Spicy RD Nutrition (photo above)

Curry Roasted Acorn Squash from The Lean Green Bean

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Roasted Cherries from Happy Healthy RD

Chard Stuffed Acorn Squash with Za’atar and Tahini from Avocado a Day Nutrition

Curried Quinoa Stuffed Squash from Plant Eaters’ Manifesto

Slow Cooker Rosemary Acorn Squash from Make Healthy Easy

Baked Acorn Squash with Ground Beef Stuffing from Mom to Mom Nutrition

How does winter squash differ from summer squash?

Both types of squash are grown in the summer. Summer squash is harvested in the summer (hence the name) and winter squash is harvested in the fall. Winter squash has a longer growing season, and as a result it develops a tough rind, which extends its shelf-life through the winter.

What’s the best way to slice open a winter squash?

Slicing a dense acorn or spaghetti squash in half can be very difficult. To ease your task, I recommend using the microwave to first soften the “fruit.” My friends over at Teaspoon of Spice have a helpful step-by-step guide that you may want to check out.

What are the star nutrients in winter squash?

Winter squash is low in calories and high in fiber. The inside flesh of squash is packed with vitamins A and C. For example, one cup of butternut squash provides over 400% of your daily vitamin A requirement and 50% of your vitamin C.

Other fun facts: For the most part, the entire winter squash is edible, including the seeds. {Delicata squash skin is edible, but other squash skins are too tough to consume.) Squash seeds are filled with heart-healthy poly- and monounsaturated fats, magnesium for sturdy bones, and zinc for a strong immune system.