Home » Recipes » 13 Delicata Squash Recipes (& Produce Guide)
by Marcie //November 5, 2021 (updated 2/23/23)
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Celebrate fall and winter with this collection of 13 Delicata Squash Recipes! You’ll find savory recipes for stuffed, baked and roasted delicata squash, along with side dishes and salads. You’ll also learn nutrition information, how to cut it and so much more!
There are so many varieties of winter squash, and each one brings something a little different to the table. The textures, colors and flavors all vary making them each unique in their own rite.
Delicata squash is very special to me because I first learned about it years ago in cooking school. We prepared some amazing dishes with winter squash, and delicata was my absolute favorite.
It’s got a soft velvety texture, sweet flavor and it’s so festive and beautiful. It truly makes every dish extra special whether it’s the star of the dish or an accompaniment.
If you love produce, be sure to check out the following collections for inspiring recipes!
- Butternut squash recipes
- Cabbage recipes
- Carrot recipes
- Chicory recipes
- Corn recipes
- Cranberry recipes
- Delicata squash recipes
- Leek recipes
- Fava bean recipes
- Fennel recipes
- Fig recipes
- Persimmon recipes
- Poblano pepper recipes
- Pomegranate recipes
- Rhubarb recipes
- Shish*to pepper recipes
- Swiss chard recipes
- Tomatillo recipes
What is delicata squash?
Delicata squash is a variety of winter squash that’s characterized by its delicate, striped skin. It’s also known as Bohemian squash, peanut squash, and sweet potato squash.
What does delicata squash taste like?
The slightly chewy edible peel is a great contrast to the sweet, velvety flesh, which tastes like a cross between butternut squash and sweet potato.
When is delicata squash season?
I did a little research on this subject and found that while delicata squash is harvested and eaten in the winter, it’s actually in the summer squash family with pattypan, yellow crookneck and zucchini.
Can you eat delicata squash skin?
Yes, delicata squash skin is edible, which means it doesn’t require peeling. The name “delicata” is actually derived from the delicate skin or rind of the squash. The skin is soft and slightly chewy, which adds great texture to any dish.
Nutritional benefits
Delicata squash is an excellent source of Vitamin A, and good source of Vitamin C, potassium and fiber.
Choosing and storing delicata squash
When choosing your delicata squash, make sure that it’s heavy and firm with no wrinkles or soft spots.
I store mine in the same cool, dry area where I store my onions, garlic and potatoes. It can keep for up to 3 months depending on the temperature.
How to cut delicata squash
Delicata squash has an edible skin so it’s a breeze to prep, especially with my handy step by step instructions and video.
One tip: when scooping out the seeds, use the tip of the spoon to dig into the flesh a bit.
Don’t toss those seeds! They can be roasted just like pumpkin seeds.
How to cook delicata squash
Delicata squash is very versatile, and may be air fried, baked or roasted in half moons or rings. From there, add to salads, side dishes, grain bowls, etc.
It also holds its shape very well, making it great for stuffing. Fill with with your favorite fillings like chili, quinoa or meats.
What is a good delicata squash substitute?
It depends on the recipe, but you should be fine to substitute delicata squash with acorn squash, butternut squash or even sweet potatoes.
13 Delicious Delicata Squash Recipes
Delicata squash is velvety in texture, sweet in flavor, and the easiest variety of winter squash to prepare. The skin is edible so there’s no need to peel it! It’s great baked, roasted or air fried, and makes a beautiful addition to your fall and winter recipes!
Chili Stuffed Delicata Squash
Chili Stuffed Delicata Squash is hearty Southwest turkey chili stuffed in roasted delicata squash. Top with cheese and cilantro for one delicious fall meal!
Get the Recipe
Delicata Squash Bake with Tahini Sauce
Simple, 30-minute delicata squash bake with toasted hazelnuts, pomegranate arils, and a maple-tahini sauce!
Roasted Delicata Squash with Maple Glaze
This easy to prepare maple cinnamon glazed roasted delicata squash recipe is a healthy dish perfect for sharing! Brussels sprouts and pomegranates add an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranate and Goat Cheese
This Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranate and Goat Cheese is definitely a side dish you need to try out this Holiday season. The fragrant warming spices make it feel all cozy and festive!
Stuffed Delicata Squash
This Stuffed Delicata Squash is a vegetarian dinnertime favorite! Black beans and quinoa provide lots of protein in this meatless meal.
Autumn Harvest Salad with Pomegranates
This Autumn Harvest Salad uses the beautiful produce available as the months start to get colder, such as delicata squash, kale, and pomegranates, as well as farro and goat cheese to make a hearty cold weather salad.
Brown Sugar Delicata Squash Recipe
This delicata squash recipe is roasted with brown sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon for a sweet and savory side that’s perfect for fall and winter meals.
Thanksgiving Salad
A luscious and bold fall salad with roasted delicata squash, fresh chèvre, dried cranberries and sweet and spicy pecans, a great celebration worthy salad for Thanksgiving or the holidays.
Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash Rings
Vegan quinoa stuffed delicata squash rings are stuffed with mushrooms, cranberries, brussels sprouts, and pecans! Simple to make and the perfect Fall meal or appetizer!
Harissa Miso Delicata Squash Tacos
Delicata squash are roasted in a tasty harissa miso sauce and stuffed in warm corn tortillas. They’re the perfect weeknight meal!
Roasted Delicata Squash with Chili Yogurt & Cilantro Sauce
This Roasted Delicata Squash with Chili Yogurt and Cilantro Sauce is anything but basic. Roasted delicata squash is topped with a chimichurri style sauce, sriracha cream and pumpkin seeds.
Kale Caesar Salad with Creamy Maple Mustard Dressing
Massaged kale with roasted delicata squash, crisp gala apples, tamari-cinnamon toasted pecans and a tangy cashew butter maple mustard dressing makes one deliciously different Caesar salad!
Delicata Squash, Kale and Parmesan Flatbread
This Roasted Delicata Squash, Kale & Parmesan Flatbread is full of so many delicious flavors! It is a perfect holiday appetizer for all your party needs!
posted in: Fall, Produce Guides, Recipe Roundup, Recipes, Winter // 14 comments
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Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice — Reply
I love seeing this post, Marcie! I don’t eat delicata squash nearly enough, and I definitely want to do that more. I love the tips and recipes you provided! Everything looks just wonderful and this I think this is such a pretty vegetable!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Thanks so much Gayle! Sometimes it’s hard to come up with new ways to use produce so this series will help inspire me. And delicata is pretty isn’t it? 🙂
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Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven — Reply
This is SUCH a fun series, Marcie! I fell in love with delicata squash in culinary school too! I’ve been hooked ever since because it’s just such a versatile GORGEOUS squash!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Thanks so much Sarah! One of the best parts of cooking school was learning more about the produce. 🙂
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Manali@CookWithManali — Reply
I have actually had delicata squash only once and that too in a pizza..I really need to cook with it..thanks for the inspiration Marcie!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Thanks Manali and I need to try delicata on a pizza!
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Ashley@CookNourishBliss — Reply
Delicata squash is a favorite of mine! ESPECIALLY since you don’t have to peel – gotta love that! Such a fun new series – looking forward to it!!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
No peeling makes it even more appealing! Sorry…:)
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Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health — Reply
This is such a fun series, Marcie! Brilliant idea. I absolutely love delicata squash but I can’t seem to find it here in Athens. 🙁
One of the many reasons I miss California!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Thanks so much Sarah and I’m so sorry that you can’t find delicata in Athens. California drives me nuts because of the traffic, etc. but you can’t beat the produce!
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Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary — Reply
I absolutely LOVE delicata squash, so this post is just perfect for me! Such a fun little series, Marcie! I seriously want to make ALL of these recipes!! Cheers, friend!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
I’m glad to hear you love it too and I want to make all of these recipes too! 🙂
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Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness — Reply
Cool new series, Marcie! I don’t cook with delicata squash much, so I enjoyed learning more about it. All of these recipes look great! Your wild rice salad sounds like something I’d love.
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Thank you Nicole and I hope you get to try out some of these recipes!
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