Pairing delicata squash with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a new level of deliciousness. Try roasted Brussels sprouts, their nutty flavor and crispy texture are fantastic. Quinoa salad adds a protein-packed, nutritious touch. Warm and creamy garlic mashed potatoes balance the squash's sweetness beautifully. Sautéed kale, rich in vitamins, adds a savory note. Lastly, balsamic glazed carrots provide a caramelized, sweet complement. For a broader taste adventure, you can also explore grilled asparagus or lemon herb chicken. There's more to discover with these inviting pairings that can transform your dining experience.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
When paired with delicata squash, roasted Brussels sprouts offer a nutrient-dense and flavorful side dish that complements the sweetness of the squash.
Roasting enhances the Brussels sprouts' nutty flavor and crispy texture. Seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, they provide a savory balance.
Packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, they are easy to prepare and highly nutritious.
Quinoa Salad
Complementing the roasted Brussels sprouts, a quinoa salad offers a versatile and nutritious side dish that pairs exceptionally well with delicata squash.
This salad can be customized with various vegetables, nuts, and herbs, enhancing its flavor and texture. Quinoa, a complete protein source, provides a protein boost, while its nutty flavor complements the natural sweetness of delicata squash, making it a delightful addition.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes serve as a classic and comforting side dish that enhances the sweet and nutty flavors of delicata squash. Their creamy texture and rich, garlicky notes perfectly complement a roasted delicata squash recipe.
Easy to prepare ahead of time, garlic mashed potatoes balance the natural sweetness of creamy delicata squash, making them an ideal addition to fall or holiday side dishes.
Sautéed Kale
Sautéed kale serves as a nutritious and flavorful side dish that enhances the overall meal when paired with delicata squash. This leafy green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants and fiber. Sautéing kale retains its nutrients and brings out its earthy flavor.
Together, delicata squash and sautéed kale create a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Balsamic glazed carrots frequently serve as a delectable side dish that pairs exquisitely with the sweet and nutty flavor of delicata squash.
Roasting the carrots with a balsamic glaze caramelizes their natural sugars, adding a tangy and slightly sweet element.
This combination enhances the overall taste and visual appeal of the meal, making it both nutritious and delicious.
Wild Rice Pilaf
Complementing the tangy and sweet balsamic glazed carrots, wild rice pilaf offers a nutty, chewy texture that harmonizes beautifully with the soft, sweet flavors of delicata squash.
This nutrient-rich side dish is high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, enhancing the overall meal. Its earthy flavors and versatile nature, with added herbs, nuts, and dried fruits, make it an ideal pairing.
Cranberry Relish
Cranberry relish, with its tangy and sweet profile, serves as an excellent counterbalance to the rich, caramelized flavors of roasted delicata squash.
This traditional Thanksgiving side dish, made with fresh cranberries and a hint of orange zest, adds a festive touch to your meal.
Easy to prepare ahead, cranberry relish can be served chilled or at room temperature, enhancing any holiday spread.
Parmesan Risotto
Parmesan Risotto, with its creamy and savory profile, is an elegant side dish that harmonizes exquisitely with the natural sweetness of roasted Delicata Squash.
The richness of Parmesan cheese complements the nutty taste of the squash, while its creamy texture balances the tender, caramelized rings.
This flavorful pairing creates a satisfying and comforting meal that enhances the delicate flavors of the roasted squash.
Couscous With Herbs
Building on the sophistication of Parmesan Risotto, Couscous with herbs offers a light and aromatic counterpart that elevates the natural sweetness of delicata squash.
This flavorful and versatile side dish enhances roasted delicata squash with its fluffy texture and invigorating taste.
Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint add depth, making it a convenient and delightful addition to any meal.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers offer a nutritious and vibrant side dish that perfectly complements the subtle sweetness of delicata squash.
This easy-to-prepare recipe combines spinach and feta, creating a creamy and savory flavor profile.
The stuffed peppers, a versatile side dish, provide a colorful addition to meals, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians or anyone wishing to incorporate more vegetables.
Maple Glazed Ham
Complementing the vibrant flavors of Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers, Maple Glazed Ham presents a savory and sweet main dish that harmonizes beautifully with delicata squash.
The sweetness of the maple glaze and the smoky, savory ham create a delightful contrast with the squash.
Ideal for holiday gatherings and special occasions, this pairing offers a well-rounded, satisfying meal sure to impress your guests.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus, with its smoky undertones and slightly charred edges, serves as a nutritious and flavorful side dish that pairs excellently with delicata squash.
Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, this low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable is both healthy and delicious.
Quick and easy to prepare, grilled asparagus enhances any meal with its versatile, mild, and slightly sweet flavor.
Lemon Herb Chicken
Lemon herb chicken, with its invigorating citrus notes and fragrant herbs, serves as an ideal complement to the natural sweetness of delicata squash.
This main dish features juicy, tender chicken that's rich in protein, enhanced by zesty lemon and aromatic herbs.
The revitalizing, citrusy touch of lemon herb chicken balances the delicate flavors of roasted delicata squash, making it a satisfying, well-balanced meal.
Chickpea Salad
Chickpea salad, with its robust flavors and nutritional benefits, pairs exceptionally well with the sweet and tender delicata squash. This protein-packed side dish includes fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, offering a delightful crunch and texture.
Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, chickpea salad enhances the overall nutritional value of your meal, creating a well-rounded and balanced dish perfect for any occasion.
What Are Some Great Side Dishes to Serve With Delicata Squash?
When serving Delicata squash, consider pairing it with some of the best side dishes for gnocchi. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or steamed green beans can complement the sweet and nutty flavor of the squash. A fresh garden salad or garlic sautéed spinach would also make great accompaniments to the dish.
Pecan and Goat Cheese Salad
A pecan and goat cheese salad, with its delightful blend of textures and flavors, pairs beautifully with roasted delicata squash to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
The crunchy pecans and creamy goat cheese complement the sweetness of the squash, making this side dish a perfect addition to your table.
Together, they offer a nutty, savory, and creamy dining experience.