20 Healthy Butternut Squash Recipes

Brittany MullinsUpdated Sep 02, 2026

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Discover 20 healthy butternut squash recipes that are simple, delicious and full of cozy fall flavor. From creamy soups to fresh salads and hearty mains, these recipes make it easy to add more squash to your meals.

Collage of four Butternut Squash Recipes.

Every fall, I go through a serious butternut squash phase, mostly because my father-in-law has an abundance of them from his garden that he shares with us.

I usually roast one during my weekend meal prep to use in everything from salads to soups and even breakfast bowls throughout the week. It’s one of those ingredients that instantly makes any meal feel cozy and satisfying.

If you’re anything like me and can’t resist picking up a squash or two at the market, this roundup will give you plenty of ideas to put them to good use. These 20 recipes are my go-to favorites, and I hope you find a few new ones to love too.

Table of Contents

Butternut Squash Breakfast Recipes

Stack of butternut squash pancakes topped with peanut butter, maple syrup, granola, and yogurt. A bite is cut out of the stack of pancakes and a gold fork is sitting next to the stack.
1

Butternut Squash Pancakes

4.25 from 12 votes
These butternut squash pancakes are delicious topped with yogurt, nut butter and granola. One serving packs over 20 grams of protein!
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Butternut Squash Snack and Side Recipes

Winter salad being served in a white bowl.
2

Winter Salad Recipe

5 from 17 votes
This simple winter salad combines spring mix, roasted butternut squash, pomegranate, pecans, apple and feta cheese all tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette.
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Butternut squash fries on a plate with a bowl of ketchup.
3

Butternut Squash Fries

3.97 from 27 votes
Looking for healthy French fries? Try these easy oil-free baked butternut squash fries with only 2 simple ingredients – butternut squash and sea salt! 
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Cubed butternut squash that has been seasoned and is sitting in an air fryer basket in an air fryer.
4

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

5 from 1 vote
Air fryer butternut squash cooks up in just 15 minutes and results in tender, delicious squash every time. It's the perfect quick and easy healthy side dish for any meal.
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Oval serving tray with kale and butternut salad. Wood salad tongs are beside the plate.
5

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

3.87 from 36 votes
This roasted butternut squash salad is loaded with kale, cranberries, walnuts and a tangy balsamic dressing. Naturally vegan, hearty and perfect for fall or holiday meals.
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Bowl and wooden spoon with quinoa stuffing made with cranberries and butternut squash.
6

Quinoa Stuffing with Butternut Squash

5 from 11 votes
Quinoa stuffing loaded with butternut squash, mushrooms, toasted pecans, and fresh sage. It has all the herby, savory flavor of traditional Thanksgiving stuffing with no bread and no gluten, and most of it can be made two days ahead.
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Seasoned and cubed roasted butternut squash on a baking tray with a metal spoon.
7

Roasted Butternut Squash

5 from 3 votes
Here’s the best way to cut and roast butternut squash. Roasted butternut squash makes a great side dish on it’s own, but can also be used in other recipes!
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Wild rice stuffing in a serving bowl.
8

Wild Rice Stuffing

4.75 from 8 votes
This wild rice stuffing is packed with butternut squash, dried cherries and fresh herbs. It's a delicious gluten-free and vegan alternative to traditional stuffing and is the perfect addition to your holiday table.
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Savory Butternut Squash Recipes

Butternut squash soup in a large pot garnished with coconut milk, pumpkin seeds, and fresh sage.
9

Butternut Squash Soup

4.93 from 27 votes
This butternut squash soup is super creamy and easy to make! It combines butternut squash with coconut milk, carrots, fresh ginger and sage for a delicious and comforting fall meal.
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A bowl of vegan butternut squash mac and cheese topped with fresh pepper and chives. A fork rests in the bowl.
10

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

5 from 15 votes
This butternut squash mac and cheese comes together in just 30 minutes. It's so creamy and delicious, no one will ever guess it's packed with veggies!
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A bowl of butternut squash turkey chili with cilantro on top. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl of chili.
11

Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili

4.82 from 116 votes
Not your average chili, this butternut squash and turkey chili features red lentils and is simmered in a creamy coconut milk and tomato broth. It can be made in your pressure cooker or on the stove top!
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Bowl of butternut red lentil stew topped with parsley. Crusty bread is beside the bowl.
12

Butternut Squash Red Lentil Stew

4.45 from 72 votes
This butternut squash red lentil stew features coconut milk and a robust blend of spices. This stew is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day. Vegan + gluten-free. 
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Up close photo of naan pizza topped with tomatoes, butternut squash, pesto, and cheese on a black baking stone.
13

Naan Pizza with Butternut Squash and Pesto

5 from 5 votes
This naan pizza, topped with roasted butternut squash, pesto and gouda cheese makes for an easy vegetarian weeknight meal or an impressive party appetizer.
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Bowl of roasted butternut squash pasta with tahini sauce.
14

Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Tahini Sauce

4.22 from 19 votes
This cozy roasted butternut squash pasta is served with a zesty lemon tahini sauce and makes for a comforting fall/winter meal!
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Overhead view of butternut squash tempeh bake served with brown rice and greens, a fork is scooping a bite.
15

Tempeh Butternut Squash Bake

4.48 from 34 votes
This tempeh butternut squash bake is a breeze to whip up. Just throw everything in one pan and bake! It's absolutely delicious, vegan, gluten-free and loaded with 24 grams of plant-based protein per serving!
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Salad plate filled with spinach harvest salad including butternut squash, cranberries, quinoa, pecans, and apples. A fork of on the plate and a dish towel to the side.
16

Fall Harvest Quinoa Salad

4.61 from 56 votes
Roasted butternut squash, crisp apple, quinoa, and dried cranberries over a bed of spinach, all tossed in a creamy tahini apple cider vinegar dressing. Hearty enough to be dinner with 23 grams of protein per serving.
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Bowl of roasted butternut squash, tofu, chickpeas, and onion topped with cilantro and tahini sauce. A gold fork is on the side of the bowl.
17

Tofu Sheet Pan Meal

4.77 from 55 votes
This easy vegetarian sheet pan meal combines tofu, chickpeas, butternut squash and red onion on one sheet pan. Everything is roasted and served with a creamy tahini sauce!
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A plate of Za'atar chicken and vegetables over a bed of herbed couscous. A silver fork rests on the plate.
18

One Pan Za’atar Chicken Bake

4.06 from 37 votes
This one pan za'atar chicken bake is so delicious and super easy to whip up. The chicken is marinated in lemon juice, olive oil and Middle Eastern spices and then baked to perfection with butternut squash and onion.
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Sausage, broccoli, butternut squash and onion on a white plate.
19

One Pan Roasted Veggie and Chicken Sausage

4.40 from 56 votes
Broccoli, sweet potatoes and red onion come together with chicken sausage for a simple, healthy sheet pan meal that’s delicious and perfect for busy weeknights. 
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A bowl of autumn soup topped with cracked black pepper, and pepitas.
20

Autumn Soup (Panera Copycat)

4.91 from 10 votes
This Panera autumn squash soup combines butternut squash, carrots, pumpkin, apple and warming spices for a creamy, velvety smooth soup that tastes like fall in a bowl! It's even better than Panera!
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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest way to cut butternut squash?

Cut off both ends so it sits flat on your cutting board, then slice it in half where the neck meets the bulb. Peel each section, scoop out the seeds from the bulb, and cube as needed.

Can I cook butternut squash with the skin on?

Yes. The skin softens in the oven and is totally edible when roasted. I usually leave it on if I’m baking halves or wedges, but peel it when I want smooth cubes.

What’s the best way to cook butternut squash?

Roasting is my favorite because it enhances the flavor and gives the squash a tender, slightly caramelized texture. Just toss cubes with oil and salt, then roast at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

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About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

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