It would not be fall if we did not have a recipe with squash on our menu. I always wanted to cook green acorn squash.
I found them cute as a button, and while grocery shopping I had to bring one home.
This straightforward and savory dish is the perfect addition to any meal and any time of the year, 30 minutes from beginning to end, and with only 5 ingredients.
Yes, holiday cooking got more manageable by the day. Perfect to be enjoyed the same day as well as the day after.
In this Article
What is green acorn squash?
A type of winter squash that resembles an acorn in shape.
Usually, 6 to 10 inches in length and varies in color.
They may be dark green, tan, white, or gold colored. The most common variety is the Green Acorn with a dark ridged outer skin and a deep yellow to orange flesh.
How to you make acorn squash easier to cut?
Cutting into the green acorn has proved to be a disaster. Too hard on the outer skin.
I have found that by boiling it for a few minutes, the skin will soften a bit and be a lot more manageable. Bring a large pot of water to boiling, and gently drop your squash.
Bring the water back to a boil. Turn off the heat and let it rest in the water for a few minutes.
You can also use the microwave method by making small incisions to your squash with a fork. Those incisions will allow the steam to escape.
Place the acorn squash in a microwavable bowl on high heat for a couple of minutes. Rotate the squash halfway thru the process.
Once softened, you can proceed with the remaining recipe.
You can also stop here, refrigerate, and bring it back to room temperature when ready to use and proceed with the remaining steps.
Cut alongside the ridges if they are all evenly spaced.
Here are a few helpful cooking tips
- I cut slices of about 1 to 1 1/2 inch thickness, but you can cut them as you wish.
- Loved the sweetness of the green acorn squash with the tanginess of the lemon. A delightful combination.
- Squeeze while rolling the lemon with the back of your hand. This will make your lemons juicier and easier to juice if you do not have a juicer.
- If you do not have honey on hand, you may substitute it with brown sugar. Dissolve it first with the lemon.
- Meyer lemon is one of my favorites. If used, add it slowly to avoid overpowering the vinaigrette.
- I love to use lemon and honey as they are excellent sources of vitamin
- Use a lighter or non-extra virgin olive oil. You do not want the oil to overpower your dish.
- Sprinkle some fresh thyme, chopped oregano, or fresh mint if you wish
Honey Vinaigrette
One of my utmost favorite vinaigrettes. Simple and packed with lots of flavors.
You can also add some thyme to your vinaigrette if you wish or some grated garlic.
Make sure it is not too much garlic to overpower the vinaigrette.
Use good honey that will dissolve well.
Some variations and suggestions:
- Add lentils for a gluten-free side dish. Use red lentils, which cook faster, and add a colorful dish.
- Add arugula, baby green mix, or spinach for a copious salad and sprinkle with feta or goat cheese.
- Pomegranate seeds give it a more festive look.
More recipes that you will love and enjoy:
Elote
Potatoes with Basil
Iceberg Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
Ingredients and equipment used for this recipe
Green Acorn Squash With Honey Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- In a large stockpot place the whole green acorn squash and cover it with water. Bring to a full boil. Turn off the heat and let it simmer in the hot water for 5 minutes.Drain and cut into wedges and remove the internal seeds. Do not remove outer green skin, easier to handle.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the olive oil on a baking sheet, lay the green acorn squash wedges on it. Bake for 20 minutes turning once halfway thru baking. Remove from oven and sprinkle wedges with salt.
- Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and honey. Toss the wedges with the lemon vinaigrette, gently as to not break them.
- Can be served with lentils for gluten-free or arugula and feta cheese for a filling salad.
Nutrition
Giangi’s Kitchen provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as a registered dietician does not calculate them.
- Course: Sides
- Cuisine: American
- Occasion: Thanksgiving
- Season: Fall
- Type: Affordable Gourmet
Did you make this?
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Leah
Wow! This looks and sounds absolutely delicious, and it opens up a whole new world for me. I’ve been so intimidated by acorn squash, but you’ve made it possible for me to try it now. Thank you for sharing this.
Giangi Townsend
My outmost pleasure. I too, was intimidated and I am glad the intimidation os gone for both of us.
Thank you for stopping by and reading my blog.
Happy Holidays!!
xoxo
Alyssa Hixenbaugh
This recipe sounds like a perfect healthy side dish! I love squash of any kind, especially paired with honey. Thank you for the recipe!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you Alyssa. We all love the simplicity of this dish and how all the flavors are just bursting with each bite.
Best,
Giangi
Christina
Easy and delicious. I never thought of slicing the squash into slivers like you presented, I usually just cut them in half and roast which takes much longer. Your method made for a quick and yummy dinner side dish. Thanks!
Giangi Townsend
My pleasure. I love to found easier ways in the kitchen to save us time and yet not compromising the outcome. This recipe has become one of our favorite.
Best,
Giangi
Emily
I’m always looking for new ways to cook and serve squash. Your vinaigrette sounds so yummy, this will definitely be on the Thanksgiving menu!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you Emily. You will enjoy this recipe. Full of flavor and super easy to make. If you have any leftovers there are delicious the day after and at room temperature.
Enjoy!!
Giangi
Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/
This looks like a perfect side dish for a roast; I’m glad you posted it. Squash is one of the veggies everybody in the family likes, including the fussy eaters:)
Giangi Townsend
Thank you for stopping by Giangi’s Kitchen. You will enjoy how easy to make this Green Corn Squash dish is to make.
Happy Holidays!
Giangi
Gina
My family loves squash. I have not cooked green acorn squash before, but it sounds delicious! You recipe looks very easy and something I could prepare on a weeknight.
Giangi Townsend
Hi Gina, You will love how easy it is to make, You will love how delicious it is also.
If you have extra dressing it is quite fun with other vegetables as well.
Enjoy!
Best, Giangi
Smelly Socks and Garden Peas
I love squash even though it refuses to grow in my veg patch. This recipe just looks delicious.
Giangi Townsend
I wish I could grow it too. Luckily there is always a good supply at the grocery store.
You will love the simplicity and how tasty this recipe really is.
Enjoy it!
Best, Giangi