Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash
This Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash is delicious, easy to make, and makes a great healthy family meal! These stuffed squash are aromatic and filled with cooked kale, quinoa, cranberries, and chickpeas. This butternut squash recipe is packed with nutrients and flavor and it is a must-try meal idea!
I just love the flavor of butternut squash, but sometimes I have trouble deciding how to prepare it. I had several that I had picked fresh out of the garden this week, so I decided to do a little experimenting. What did I come up with? This tasty Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe that is filled with the healthy ingredients.
Some of my old stand-by butternut squash recipes include: homemade Vegan Butternut Squash Soup, Vegetarian Minestrone, Roasted Vegetable Platter and Sauteed Squash Quinoa Salad are all pretty tasty too.
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WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE QUINOA STUFFED BUTTERNUT SQUASH?
With just seven ingredients needed, you can easily make this butternut squash in no time. It takes little effort and tastes like it was made in a fancy restaurant.
- Butternut Squash
- Cooked Quinoa
- Kale
- Dried Cranberries
- Chickpeas
- Salt
- Cumin
Kitchen Tools Needed:
HOW DO I MAKE QUINOA STUFFED BUTTERNUT SQUASH?
These tasty Vegetarian Stuffed Butternut Squash are easy to make in just 3 simple steps.
STEP 1: PREPARE THE BUTTERNUT SQUASH & BAKING SHEET
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or rub with olive oil. Cut squash lengthwise and remove any seeds. Brush with olive oil and place with skin side down on the baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes, until the squash starts to lightly brown.
*Pro Tip: Pierce the butternut squash several times with a fork. Microwave for 2 to 3 mintutes to soften it. Then, use a very sharp knife to cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds in the base.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE FILLING INGREDIENTS
While squash is baking, prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Add in chopped kale, cranberries, and 1 can of drained chickpeas. Mix in cumin and salt.
*Pro Tip: For added flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to cook quinoa!
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STEP 3: ADD QUNIOA TO BUTTERNUT SQUASH, SERVE, AND ENJOY!
Scoop equal amounts of quinoa mixture into hollowed out squashes. Serve warm and enjoy!
STUFFED BUTTERNUT SQUASH VARIATIONS
There are so many possibilities when it comes to making variations of this recipe for butternut squash. Feel free to play around with it and try out different fillings to see what you love the most. Here are a few ideas to consider trying:
- Parmesan Cheese - Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed squash. It's salty flavor is a great addition to the dish.
- Mushrooms - Sautee a few mushrooms and add them to the filling. They are so good and filled with nutrients too.
- Sausage - Brown up some of your favorite sausage and mix it into the stuffing. It's a great way to add some protein and flavor too.
- Cinnamon - This may sound a little different, but trust me, it tastes great! Add a dash or two of cinnamon on top or mix in a teaspoon to the quinoa filling for a spicy flavor.
- Green Onions - I enjoy the flavor and coloring of some chopped bright green onions on this squash recipe. Sprinkle them on top and enjoy!
- Nuts- Try adding some nuts to the quinoa stuffing. Pistachios, almonds, cashews, and pecans all work great!
WHAT MAKES STUFFED SQUASH HEALTHY?
Besides the flavor, there are many great reasons to eat this delicious Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash. It's loaded with lots of nutritious ingredients that will you up, but not make you feel sluggish. This simple recipe contains vitamin A, protein, calcium, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, fiber, folate, and vitamin B6. It is also low carb, low in calories and a plant-based recipe.
So next time you are struggling to make a meal that tastes good and is healthy for you, consider this stuffed butternut squash! You won't regret it.
HOW DO YOU STORE STUFFED BUTTERNUT SQUASH?
Allow the stuffed squash to cool down all the way. Once cool, cover with plastic wrap and place inside of a food storage container. It will last 4-5 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave until hot or put them in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
SO TELL ME…
Have you eaten butternut squash before, if so, what did you think of it? What toppings will you add to this recipe? How often do you eat a meatless meal?
Thank you so much for stopping by. As always, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Have a great week!
Quinoa Stuffed Butternut Squash
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or rub with olive oil.
- Cut squash lengthwise and removed any seeds.
- Brush with olive oil and place with skin side down on baking sheet.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes, until the squash starts to lightly brown.
- While squash is baking, prepare quinoa according to package instructions.
- Add in chopped kale, cranberries and 1 can of drained chickpeas.
- Mix in cumin and salt.
- Scoop equal amounts of quinoa mixture into hollowed out squashes.
- Serve and enjoy!
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