Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe with Pomegranate & Walnuts – Easy Fall Side

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe with Pomegranate & Walnuts – Easy Fall Side

Hey everyone! Fall is officially here, and for me, that means cozy evenings, warm spices, and of course, all the squash! I’m so excited to share this Roasted Delicata Squash recipe with you. It’s become a bit of a tradition in my kitchen – the perfect side dish for everything from a simple weeknight dinner to a festive Diwali spread. It’s sweet, savory, crunchy, and just bursting with autumnal flavors. Trust me, you’ll love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to make – seriously, minimal effort for maximum flavor. The delicata squash gets beautifully caramelized in the oven, and the pomegranate seeds and walnuts add a delightful crunch. Plus, that drizzle of hot honey? Chef’s kiss. It’s a beautiful dish that’s sure to impress, but it’s also comforting and totally approachable.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this deliciousness to life:

• 2 delicata squash (about 2.5-3lbs / 1.1-1.4kg)
• 2 teaspoon olive oil (approx. 10ml)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoon honey (approx. 30ml)
• 2 tablespoon hot honey (approx. 30ml)
• 1 large pomegranate, deseeded
• 15 chopped walnuts
• 1 handful of basil, thinly sliced (chiffonade)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Delicata Squash Varieties: Delicata squash is a beautiful, oblong squash with pale green stripes. It’s known for its thin, edible skin – no peeling required!
• Hot Honey – What is it & Where to Find It?: Hot honey is exactly what it sounds like – honey infused with chili peppers! It adds a wonderful sweet heat. You can find it at most specialty grocery stores or online. If you can’t find it, you can easily make your own by stirring a pinch of chili flakes into regular honey.
• Walnut Options & Toasting for Enhanced Flavor: I love using walnuts in this recipe for their earthy flavor and satisfying crunch. Feel free to use pecans or even pumpkin seeds if you prefer. To really elevate the flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant.
• Pomegranate Selection & Deseeding Tips: When choosing a pomegranate, look for one that feels heavy for its size. To deseed, score the pomegranate around the middle and gently pull it apart. Submerge the seeds in a bowl of water – this helps separate them from the membrane.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and scrub the delicata squash. Trim off the ends, then slice it lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, and then cut into ½” (1.25cm) half-moons.
3. Arrange the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to make sure the squash is evenly coated.
4. Roast for 20 minutes. Then, flip each piece of squash and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until it’s beautifully caramelized and tender. You want those edges to get a little crispy!
5. While the squash is roasting, deseed your pomegranate and chop your walnuts (if you haven’t already). Also, chiffonade your basil – that just means stacking the leaves and slicing them thinly into ribbons.
6. Once the squash is done, transfer it to a serving bowl. Toss with the pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and basil.
7. Finally, drizzle generously with hot honey. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

• Achieving Perfect Caramelization: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Giving the squash space allows it to roast and caramelize properly.
• Preventing Squash from Steaming Instead of Roasting: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before adding the squash. A hot oven is key to getting that beautiful roast.
• Using Different Types of Honey: Feel free to experiment with different types of honey! Clover honey is a classic, but wildflower or buckwheat honey would also be delicious.
• Adjusting Sweetness & Spice Levels: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey. For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the squash before roasting.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment – Adding Chili Flakes: My friend Priya loves to add a generous pinch of chili flakes to the honey for an extra kick.
• Festival Adaptations – Thanksgiving & Diwali Side Dish: This is a fantastic side for both Thanksgiving and Diwali! For Diwali, I sometimes add a sprinkle of chaat masala for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This roasted delicata squash is incredibly versatile. It’s delicious served alongside roasted chicken, pork, or fish. It also makes a wonderful addition to a vegetarian or vegan meal. I often serve it with a simple quinoa salad or a hearty lentil soup.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The squash will lose some of its crispness, but it will still be delicious! You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is the best way to cut delicata squash? Delicata squash is actually quite easy to cut! Just slice it lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and then cut into half-moons.
• Can I roast delicata squash with the skin on? Yes! That’s one of the best things about delicata squash – the skin is edible and gets beautifully crispy when roasted.
• Can this recipe be made ahead of time? You can prep the squash (wash, slice, and seed) a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. But I recommend roasting it just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
• What can I substitute for walnuts? Pecans, pumpkin seeds, or even sunflower seeds would all work well.
• How do I know when the squash is perfectly roasted? The squash should be tender and slightly caramelized, with some crispy edges. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to share your own variations. Happy cooking!