Quinoa Feta Pistachio Stuffed Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash filled with fluffy quinoa, creamy feta, crunchy pistachios, cranberries, herbs, and a bright lemon-honey dressing. It’s warm, sweet-savory, nutritious, and stunning enough for a holiday table.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Roast: 40–45 minutes
Assembly: 5 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Squash
2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Filling
1 cup dry quinoa (or 3 cups cooked)
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup pistachios, chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries (or pomegranate seeds)
2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
1–2 tbsp red onion, very finely minced (optional, mild flavor)
Lemon-Honey Dressing
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey
¼ tsp salt
Dash black pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Roast the Squash
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush squash halves with olive oil and drizzle with honey.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Place cut side down on a lined baking sheet.
5. Roast 40–45 minutes until tender and caramelized.
2. Cook the Quinoa
1. Rinse quinoa.
2. Add to pot with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt.
3. Bring to boil, cover, reduce heat, cook 15 minutes.
4. Fluff with fork and let cool slightly.
3. Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine:
- Cooked quinoa
- Feta
- Pistachios
- Cranberries
- Parsley
- Red onion (optional)
Drizzle with the lemon-honey dressing and toss gently.
4. Assemble
Flip roasted acorn squash halves upright.
Fill generously with quinoa mixture.
Add extra pistachios or feta on top.
5. Serve Warm
This dish tastes best warm, with the feta slightly melty and the squash soft and sweet.
Tips
Add chickpeas for extra protein.
Swap cranberries with pomegranate seeds for a brighter flavor.
Toast pistachios for deeper aroma.
If squash isn’t sweet, brush with a little extra honey before roasting.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes — roast squash & cook quinoa ahead. Assemble before serving.
Can I use butternut squash instead?
Absolutely! Roast cubes or halves.
Is it Mediterranean diet friendly?
Yes — olive oil, nuts, quinoa, herbs, and feta all fit beautifully.
Nutrition information
Calories: 340–390
Protein: 9–11g
Carbs: 44–48g
Fat: 14–18g
Fiber: 6–8g