14 Healthy Butternut Squash Recipes for Fall
Article posted in: Diet & NutritionWith the arrival of fall, you’re likely looking for ways to fill your plate with seasonal veggies—including butternut squash. Butternut squash is low in calories and considered a superfood thanks to being rich in nutrients.
People love the versatility of butternut squash and it’s easy to see why. It can be roasted, steamed, baked or boiled. And because this Nutrisystem SmartCarb has a relatively mild flavor, it’s really easy to add it to soup, chili and other fall recipes. Even veggie haters will gobble it up!
To help you learn how to cook butternut squash and incorporate more of it into your fall dishes, we’ve rounded up some ideas for you to try this season. Check out these 14 healthy butternut squash recipes:
1. Instant Pot Turkey Butternut Squash Soup
There’s nothing better than comfort food—other than, perhaps, comfort food made easy! With this recipe and your handy Instant Pot, there’s no need for all-day simmering to get a rich and hearty soup. This delicious soup comes together in less than 30 minutes. In addition to shredded turkey and butternut squash, it has some complex flavor combinations including jalapeno, spinach and even coconut milk for a soup that’s a little spicy and a little sweet—but a whole lot of delicious.
Get the Instant Pot Turkey Butternut Squash Soup recipe.
2. Maple Cinnamon Butternut Squash
If you’re looking for a delicious, slightly sweet, side vegetable than look no further than this simple roasted butternut squash recipe. It involves coating two cups of cubed butternut squash with some olive oil, sugar free maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg. Then it’s simply roasted until soft. It’s full of flavor but only a mere 110 calories per serving.
Get the Maple Cinnamon Butternut Squash recipe.
3. Butternut Squash Chicken Chowder
When it comes to hearty and filling food, a hot and creamy chowder always fits the bill. This particular recipe is also packed with wholesome nutrition. Besides butternut squash, this healthy soup features other nutrient-packed veggies like carrots, celery, onions and turnips. It’s full of flavor and also makes a great base for a Flex Meal on a chilly autumn day.
Get the Butternut Squash Chicken Chowder recipe.
4. Turkey Roulade
If you haven’t heard the term before, a “roulade,” is a dish cooked in the form of a roll. It looks incredibly fancy and difficult but it’s much easier than you might imagine. In this recipe, a hearty filling that includes steamed butternut squash, spinach, cranberries and some herbs is rolled inside of a turkey breast. It has veggies and lean protein all mixed together! Plus, a serving is under 200 calories, making it a winner for everyone.
Get the Turkey Roulade recipe.
5. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
It’s the heavy cream that often makes traditional butternut squash soup less healthy than it could be. But you really don’t need the cream to get at creamy texture—the squash itself has plenty of that. Our healthier version uses non-fat milk instead but trust us, you’ll still find it rich, creamy and satisfying.
Get the Creamy Butternut Squash Soup recipe.
6. Apple Chicken Cobb Salad
If you mainly think of butternut squash in terms of being a side dish or a soup ingredient, this salad recipe will broaden that view. It pairs deliciously with juicy diced apples, tomatoes and avocado, making a meal that’s packed with superfood nutrition. This salad has everything going for it—protein, fiber and flavor. And a serving is just 307 calories.
Get the Apple Chicken Cobb Salad recipe.
7. Butternut Squash Turkey Chili
Nothing quite screams “cold weather favorite” like a bowl of chili. This particular chili recipe is made healthier with the addition of nutrient-rich butternut squash as well as other classic chili veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes and onions. It’s hearty, filling and will warm you up on the coldest of fall nights.
Get the Butternut Squash Turkey Chili recipe.
8. One Pan Salmon, Brussels Sprouts and Squash
This recipe makes life easy on a busy fall night when you need to whip up dinner fast. It doesn’t require much prep work and is made all in one sheet pan for easy clean-up, too. Heart-healthy salmon is baked with deliciously seasoned Brussels sprouts and butternut squash for a hearty meal that everyone in the family will love.
Get the One Pan Salmon and Veggies recipe.
9. Veggie Power Bowl
The all-in-one nature of power bowls has continued to make them a favorite. This particular power bowl is a great choice for Meatless Mondays when you’re looking to fill up on veggies. In addition to roasted butternut squash, it features onions, bell peppers, arugula, quinoa, hummus and more. As with other power bowls, you’ll love seeing how all the different flavor combinations come together in a fulfilling way.
Get the Veggie Power Bowl recipe.
10. Italian Chicken and Fall Veggie Soup
Along with butternut squash, this soup has other fall-favorite veggies like carrots, turnips and kale. Thanks to the veggie variety, it’s packed with nutrients and will help leave you feeling full and satisfied after a warm and delicious bowl. A bowl of this yummy butternut squash soup is just 276 calories.
Get the Italian Chicken and Fall Veggie Soup recipe.
11. Baked Butternut Squash
This list of butternut squash recipes wouldn’t be complete without a simple baked side dish. This customer submitted recipe includes cubed butternut squash coated in garlic, avocado oil, red pepper flakes, and a little salt and pepper. You can pair it with a protein-packed PowerFuel liked roasted chicken or turkey to make a complete Flex meal.
Get the Baked Butternut Squash recipe.
12. Vegetarian Butternut Squash Mushroom Stuffing
Looking for a vegetarian stuffing recipe that’ll please even the biggest meat-eaters at your table? Your search ends with this delicious Butternut Squash Mushroom Stuffing! This vegetarian stuffing option is perfect to savor the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving without any meat. Packed with flavorful sautéed vegetables, herbs and spices, the combination of butternut squash and mushrooms adds a satisfying texture that even ardent carnivores will love. Enjoy this hearty and tasty dish on your holiday table!
Get the Vegetarian Butternut Squash Mushroom Stuffing recipe.
13. Fall Bruschetta
This Fall Bruschetta recipe is an ideal autumn snack or appetizer. Packed with delicious flavors and wholesome, seasonal ingredients, this easy-to-make recipe allows you to indulge guilt-free. It showcases popular fall staples such as Brussels sprouts, cinnamon, nutmeg and butternut squash. Elevate your fall dining experience with this flavorful and healthy dish!
Get the Fall Bruschetta recipe.
14. Dutch Oven Creamy Winter Vegetable Soup
As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, it’s time to indulge in warm, comforting dishes that will keep you cozy. One of the healthiest and simplest meals to prepare is a hearty soup crafted with seasonal vegetables. Our Creamy Winter Vegetable Soup is the ultimate cold weather recipe, featuring an array of nourishing vegetables. It’s guaranteed to satisfy your appetite without weighing you down. Plus, this Dutch oven recipe ensures effortless preparation with minimal effort required. Discover the perfect blend of warmth, taste and nutrition in this delightful winter soup!