Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt and Pine Nuts
This dish features caramelized roasted pumpkin slices topped with a refreshing lemon yogurt drizzle and crunchy toasted pine nuts. Sweet, tangy, creamy, and savory all at once — it’s perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light lunch with warm pita.
⏳ Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
🧾 INGREDIENTS
For the Roasted Pumpkin
600–700g pumpkin (or butternut squash), sliced into wedges
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp paprika (optional, mild)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Lemon Yogurt Sauce
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small garlic clove, grated (or ⅛ tsp powder)
Salt & pepper to taste
For Topping
2 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted
1 tbsp chopped parsley or mint
Extra lemon zest (optional)
Honey drizzle (optional for balance)
🔥 INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Pumpkin
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Toss pumpkin wedges with:
- olive oil
- paprika
- garlic powder
- thyme or oregano
- salt & pepper
3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Roast
Bake 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until pumpkin is golden and caramelized on the edges.
3. Make the Lemon Yogurt
In a bowl whisk together:
- Greek yogurt
- lemon juice
- lemon zest
- olive oil
- garlic
- salt & pepper
Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Toast the Pine Nuts
Add pine nuts to a dry pan and toast on low heat for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
(Be careful — they burn fast!)
5. Assemble the Dish
1. Place roasted pumpkin on a serving plate.
2. Drizzle generously with lemon yogurt.
3. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts.
4. Add parsley or mint.
5. Optional: drizzle a tiny bit of honey for balance.
💡 TIPS & NOTES
You can use butternut squash if pumpkin isn’t available.
Add chili flakes for spice (optional).
For extra creaminess, add 1 tbsp tahini to the yogurt sauce.
This dish tastes great warm or room temperature.
⁉️ Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes — roast the pumpkin and store separately. Assemble before serving.
Q: Can I remove garlic?
Yes — replace with a pinch of cumin or leave it plain.
🍽️ Nutritional information
Calories: 180
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 19g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 4g