5 Easy and Delicious Squash Recipes for a Healthy Dinner

 

5 Easy and Delicious Squash Recipes for a Healthy Dinner

If you're on the hunt for tasty and healthy dinner ideas, squash is a fantastic option that can be both easy to prepare and satisfying. Here are five simple and delicious squash recipes that not only bring flavor to your table but also offer a boost of nutrition. Perfect for busy weeknights, these dishes are sure to impress without breaking a sweat!

Savor The Flavor: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy butternut squash risotto served in a bowl with parsley and cheese on top.

Butternut squash risotto is a cozy dish that warms you from the inside out. The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a perfect choice for a healthy dinner. This dish combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the comforting creaminess of risotto, creating a delightful meal.

To make this risotto, you'll want to start with fresh butternut squash. Roasting it brings out its natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the creamy arborio rice. The dish is finished off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a dish that not only tastes amazing but is also packed with nutrients. This risotto is sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup arborio rice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender.
  2. In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Add the arborio rice to the pot, stirring for a couple of minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
  4. If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer until mostly absorbed.
  5. Gradually add the vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding more broth.
  6. Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the roasted butternut squash and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Simple And Satisfying: Roasted Zucchini With Parmesan

A tray of roasted zucchini slices topped with Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes, garnished with fresh herbs.

Roasted zucchini with Parmesan is a delightful dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the zucchini while adding a savory touch. This recipe is perfect for a healthy dinner and pairs well with many main courses. The golden-brown edges and melted cheese create a satisfying texture that everyone will love.

To make this dish, you’ll need fresh zucchini, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a few seasonings. The vibrant colors of the zucchini and the bright red cherry tomatoes in the image show how appealing this dish can be. The combination of ingredients not only looks great but also tastes amazing.

Here’s how to prepare this simple yet delicious roasted zucchini with Parmesan:

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well coated.
  3. Spread the zucchini and tomatoes evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden brown.
  6. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

A Twist On Tradition: Savory Squash And Sage Soup

A bowl of savory squash and sage soup garnished with cream and fresh sage leaves, surrounded by autumn leaves.

When the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup. This Savory Squash and Sage Soup is a delightful twist on traditional recipes. The vibrant orange color of the soup, paired with the earthy tones of sage, makes it not only tasty but visually appealing too. The creamy texture is comforting, and the flavors blend perfectly to create a dish that’s both hearty and healthy.

To make this soup, you’ll need fresh squash, sage, onion, garlic, and a few other simple ingredients. The combination of roasted squash and fragrant sage will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread it on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender.
  2. In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the roasted squash to the pot along with the vegetable broth and sage. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
  4. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of cream and a few sage leaves for a lovely presentation.

Fresh And Flavorful: Grilled Vegetable And Squash Salad

A colorful grilled vegetable and squash salad on a plate, featuring zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers.

This grilled vegetable and squash salad is a colorful and healthy addition to your dinner table. The vibrant mix of yellow squash, zucchini, and bell peppers creates a feast for the eyes and the palate. Grilling these vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh herbs.

To make this dish, start by slicing your squash and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling. The grill marks not only look great but also add a nice texture. Once grilled, mix the vegetables with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.

This salad is versatile. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion. Pair it with a protein of your choice or enjoy it on its own as a light meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the vegetables on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
  4. Remove the vegetables from the grill and let them cool slightly.
  5. In a serving bowl, combine the grilled vegetables with fresh parsley or cilantro. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired, and toss gently to combine.
  6. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful grilled vegetable and squash salad!

Decadent Delight: Squash And Mushroom Lasagna

A delicious slice of squash and mushroom lasagna on a plate with a glass of red wine in the background.

Squash and mushroom lasagna is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The layers of tender pasta, rich squash, and savory mushrooms create a comforting meal that’s perfect for any dinner. The creamy béchamel sauce adds a touch of luxury, making each bite feel special.

This dish not only looks beautiful on the plate, but it also brings a burst of flavor. The vibrant colors of the squash and the earthy tones of the mushrooms make it visually appealing. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds a pop of green, enhancing both the look and taste.

Pair this lasagna with a glass of red wine for a cozy evening. It’s a great way to enjoy seasonal veggies while indulging in a hearty meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cups béchamel sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the mushrooms and cook until they are tender. Stir in the diced squash and spinach, cooking until the squash is soft. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a baking dish, spread a layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Add half of the squash and mushroom mixture, followed by a layer of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
  5. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with béchamel sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil before slicing and enjoy!

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