This post may contain affiliate links.
Roasted Delicata Squash stands out for its unique taste and presentation. With its thin, edible skin and natural sweetness, roasted delicata squash topped with pomegranate seeds and feta creates an eye-catching and delicious side dish.
Roasted vegetables are a must-have during fall. Classic dishes like roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or brussel sprouts add so much to the table despite being simple to prepare.
This roasted delicata squash is perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy autumn gathering. My recipe has a Mediterranean twist which creates an even more elevated side dish. It’ll look beautiful on your dinner table spread and is a light yet fulfilling side with any protein. Your family and guests will be asking for seconds on veggies with this dish on your holiday menu.
Table of Contents
- Recipe Highlights: Mediterranean-inspired Roasted Delicata Squash
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What is Delicata Squash?
- Ingredients
- How to Make Roasted Delicata Squash
- Recipe Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Variations and Additions
- Pro Tip: Roasting vs Baking
- Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Roasted Vegetables Recipes
- Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe
Recipe Highlights: Mediterranean-inspired Roasted Delicata Squash
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Dietary Suitability: Vegetarian, gluten-free; can be made vegan by omitting feta
Flavor Profile: Savory and subtly sweet, complemented by pomegranate and feta
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly, perfect for home cooks of any experience level
Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make this recipe great for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Seasonal Delight: Delicata squash is a fall favorite, providing a warm, nutty flavor profile that pairs beautifully with other seasonal dishes.
Mediterranean Flavors: The addition of feta and pomegranate seeds adds tanginess and a burst of freshness, enhancing the roasted squash.
What is Delicata Squash?
Delicata squash is a type of winter squash known for its elongated shape, yellow skin with green stripes, and creamy, slightly sweet flavor. Unlike other winter squashes, its thin skin is edible, making it easy to prepare without the hassle of peeling. When you roast it, it becomes tender, caramelized, and irresistibly flavorful.
Tips for Selecting Ripe Delicata Squash
- Color and Firmness: Choose squash with deep yellow skin and prominent green stripes. The squash should feel firm to the touch without any soft spots.
- Weight: A heavier squash for its size typically indicates good moisture content.
Nutritional Benefits of Delicata Squash
Delicata squash is rich in vitamins A and C, making it a great choice for supporting immune health and vision. It’s also low in calories and packed with fiber, helping with digestion and keeping you full for longer.
Ingredients
- Delicata squash: Sweet and nutty, perfect for roasting with skin on.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, Mediterranean earthy flavor.
- Pomegranate seeds: Provides a burst of freshness, tang, and color.
- Feta: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet squash.
How to Make Roasted Delicata Squash
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First, set your oven to 425°F and coat a baking sheet with olive oil.
Halve the delicata squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and slice into ½-inch pieces.
Step 2: Roast
Next, arrange the squash slices on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and optionally a pinch of salt.
Place in the oven for 30 minutes, flipping halfway for even caramelization.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Finally, top with crumbled feta, parsley, and pomegranate seeds before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Uniform Slices: To ensure even cooking, slice the squash pieces uniformly.
- Roasting Time: Keep an eye on the squash during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Enhance Flavor: Brush slices with a mix of olive oil and a dash of maple syrup for a sweet touch before roasting.
Serving Suggestions
Roasted delicata squash goes very well with many comfort dishes. Here are some suggestions:
I also love adding them to salads, the subtle sweetness and soft texture adds so much to a simple salad. You can add roasted delicata squash to these salads:
- Maroulosalata (Greek Lettuce Salad)
- Mediterranean lentil salad
- Mediterranean salad
- Greek chickpea salad with feta
- Mediterranean chickpea salad
Variations and Additions
When making roasted delicata squash, there are numerous ways to customize the recipe. You can suit it your taste or add more complexity.
Additional Seasonings and Spices
- Warm Spices: Enhance the dish by sprinkling on spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to complement the natural sweetness of the squash.
- Earthy Spices: For an earthy and warm depth, add cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika. These can give the dish a Middle Eastern or North African flair.
- Herbs: Use dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage for a more herbaceous flavor that pairs perfectly with the squash’s tender texture.
Sweet Variations
- Drizzle of Honey or Maple Syrup: Add a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup after roasting to boost the natural sweetness, creating a sweet-savory balance.
- Candied Nuts: Top the roasted squash with caramelized pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness.
Savory Additions
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap feta for goat cheese or crumbled blue cheese for a richer taste. For a vegan version, use a plant-based feta or cashew cheese.
- Herbed Yogurt Sauce: Serve the roasted squash with a side of herbed yogurt sauce (mix plain yogurt with fresh dill, lemon zest, and garlic) for a creamy and tangy complement.
Pro Tip: Roasting vs Baking
Roasting:
- Higher Temperature: Roasting typically involves a higher oven temperature (around 400°F to 450°F). This higher heat encourages caramelization, leading to a browned, crispy exterior and a deeper, more concentrated flavor.
- Flavor Development: Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in squash, giving it a sweet, rich, and slightly nutty flavor. The high heat helps develop more complex flavors and enhances the squash’s natural sweetness.
- Texture: The result is often a soft, tender inside with a slightly crispy or browned outside.
Baking:
- Moderate Temperature: Baking is done at a lower temperature (around 325°F to 375°F). The goal is often to cook the food more gently, which preserves moisture and results in a uniform, softer texture without as much browning.
- Less Caramelization: Since baking doesn’t involve as high a heat as roasting, there’s less caramelization, so the flavor tends to be milder.
- Texture: Baking squash yields a more consistent softness throughout, often used when a moist, tender texture is desired without a crispy exterior.
Choosing Between Roasting and Baking:
- Roasting is ideal when you want the squash to have enhanced flavor and a bit of texture, perfect for side dishes or salads.
- Baking is better for dishes where you want the squash to maintain moisture, such as casseroles or stuffed squash recipes.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to retain crispness.
I don’t recommend freezing roasted delicata squash as it would lose flavor and the texture will be different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely, the thin skin becomes tender when roasted and adds texture to the dish.
Simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Yes, there is a subtle but notable difference between roasting and baking squash. The differences primarily revolve around temperature, technique, and the resulting texture and flavor.
More Roasted Vegetables Recipes
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!
Roasted Delicata Squash
Ingredients
- 2 Delicata squash
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils , optional
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta , optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and coat a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Halve the delicata squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and slice into ½-inch pieces.
- Arrange the sliced squash on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Place in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway for even caramelization.
- Top with crumbled feta, parsley, and pomegranate seeds before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
