23 Delicious Squash Recipes You Can Cook in Any Season

By Betty Gold
Updated January 29, 2020
Credit: Getty Images
Think squash is only good for soup or serving on Thanksgiving? Think again. Whether it's fall, winter, spring, or summer, you can count on at least one delicious type of squash to be in season. From spaghetti squash and classic butternut to acorn, kabocha, and pumpkin (it's a squash!), you've got a delicious array of options to work with.

Squash isn't just a sweet, rich addition to your menu, either. It’s also loaded with vitamins, fiber, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Here, we've rounded up 23 of our favorite squash recipes that'll give you something silky, soothing, and seriously healthy to eat all year round. 

RELATED: 15 Easy Zucchini Recipes You'll Want to Eat Right Now
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Braised Pork and Squash Nachos

Credit: Victor Protasio

Sure, you’ve had cheddar-doused nachos, chili-doused nachos, and chicken-doused naches. But now it’s time to meet their sophisticated cousin: nachos made with Ginger-Coconut Pork With Butternut Squash. Here, the fork-tender butternut squash steals the show with its gentle sweetness and creamy texture.

Get the recipe: Braised Pork and Squash Nachos

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Summer Squash With Scallions, Chile, and Parsley

Credit: Greg DuPree

If you’ve never eaten a raw squash salad before, you’re in for a real treat. Double whammy: it tastes delicious, and there's no need to cook a thing. Tossing the squash with salt helps them soften and absorb every bit of flavor. You'll top the dish with a chopped almond dressing for a light and flavorful finish.

Get the recipe: Summer Squash With Scallions, Chile, and Parsley

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Slow-Cooker Squash Lasagna

Credit: Romulo Yanes

The only thing better than a lasagna bubbling away in the oven is a lasagna bubbling away in your slow cooker, set and forget-style. As an alternative, feel free to use your Instant Pot to make this delicious squash dish too. The winter vegetables in the lasagna layers add a bit of brightness to the cozy dinner; ricotta and mozzarella bring more scrumptious flavor and next-level creaminess.

Get the recipe: Slow-Cooker Squash Lasagna

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Kabocha Squash Sticky Buns

Credit: Brie Passano

Though we’ll never say no to a traditional sticky bun, these buns lean more savory than sweet. It makes for a more festive and fall-themed treat, and because you’re using two cans of crescent rolls, it 100% qualifies as an easy-to-bake brunch recipe.

Get the recipe: Kabocha Squash Sticky Buns

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Spaghetti Squash Parmesan

Credit: Greg DuPree

No one will miss white pasta noodles once they taste this creamy, cheesy, comforting plant-based rendition made from spaghetti squash. Make sure not to skip the breadcrumbs: they add a deliciously salty, crunchy finish to the dish.

Get the recipe: Spaghetti Squash Parmesan

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Red Lentil Squash Soup With Lemon

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

This isn't your standard lentil soup. Rather, our recipe for Red Lentil Squash Soup With Lemon is extra warming, thanks the delicious combination of butternut squash, carrots, harissa paste, fresh ginger, and plenty of spices.

Get the recipe: Red Lentil Squash Soup With Lemon

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Chopped Winter Salad With Butternut Squash, Apple, and Feta 

Credit: Yunhee Kim

Full of contrasting flavors and textures, our recipe for Winter Salad With Butternut Squash, Apple, and Feta combines sweet roasted butternut squash with crunchy chickpeas, crisp apples, salty olives, and creamy feta cheese. The whole thing is finished with a drizzle of dill dressing.

Get the recipe: Chopped Winter Salad With Butternut Squash, Apple, and Feta

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Spaghetti Squash With Almonds

Credit: Lisa Hubbard

Almonds, lime juice, and honey give this dish a nutty, tangy flavor with just a hint of sweetness.

Get the recipe.

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Parmesan-Roasted Acorn Squash

Credit: Lisa Hubbard

Roasting this squash is a simple way to coax out its sweet flavors. While it may look intimidating, it’s surprisingly easy to seed and slice an acorn squash.

Get the recipe.

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Butternut Squash Salad With Hazelnuts and Blue Cheese

Credit: Lisa Hubbard

This delicious main-course salad requires just 10 minutes of hands-on preparation.

Get the recipe.

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Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Credit: Lisa Hubbard

Blend roasted pumpkin and sautéed leeks with chicken broth to create this comforting, luxurious soup.

Get the recipe.

Don’t toss out the seeds—try this pumpkin seed recipe for a sweet and salty snack.

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Butternut Squash Bread Pudding

Credit: Gentl & Hyers

Soft, sweet butternut squash mingles with chopped fresh sage while melted Gruyère cheese infuses every bite with nutty, gooey goodness.

Get the recipe.

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Roasted Butternut Squash With Mustard Vinaigrette

Credit: Jose Picayo

Drizzle a tangy dressing of reduced apple cider, vinegar, mustard, and parsley over the tender squash before serving.

Get the recipe.

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Squash and Bean Soup With Parmesan Biscuits

Credit: Marcus Nilsson

This hearty winter soup is filled with nutritious ingredients, including butternut squash, spinach, and cannellini beans.

Get the recipe.

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Butternut Squash Flat Bread With Cheddar and Pine Nuts

Credit: Quentin Bacon

The extra-sharp Cheddar cheese balances out the sweetness of the butternut squash, while the red onion adds a bit of zing.

Get the recipe.

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Spinach and Acorn Squash “Ravioli”

Credit: Michael Paul

Use wonton wrappers to form these easy pasta pockets filled with a mixture of roasted squash and nutmeg or wilted spinach and ricotta.

Get the recipe.

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Butternut Squash With Couscous and Chutney

Credit: Jim Franco

Mango or cranberry chutney will best complement the squash in this meatless recipe, but any fruit chutney will work.

Get the recipe.

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Spaghetti With Bacon and Squash

Credit: Tom Schierlitz

The salty, smoky bacon balances out sweet butternut squash—a perfect taste of autumn.

Get the recipe.

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Butternut Squash Risotto

Credit: John Kernick

Grated butternut squash stirred into the risotto ensures every bite is full of flavor.

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Chicken With Acorn Squash and Tomatoes

Credit: Sang An

Juicy tomatoes, tender squash, and mellow garlic make a wonderful combination for the simply seasoned chicken.

Get the recipe.

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Lamb Chops With Minted Spaghetti Squash

Credit: Jose Picayo

Exceedingly mild, spaghetti squash benefits from the addition of fresh herbs like mint—a classic partner for lamb.

Get the recipe.

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Tortellini With Butternut Squash, Mushrooms, and Fontina

Credit: Christopher Baker

The grated fontina melts as it’s tossed with the warm pasta and roasted vegetables, creating a light, cheesy sauce.

Get the recipe.

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Moroccan Chicken With Kale and Roasted Squash

Credit: Sang An

It’s not necessary to peel the acorn squash before roasting—the edible thin skin will soften as it cooks.

Get the recipe.

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By Betty Gold