Stuffed Acorn Squash
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
This stuffed acorn squash with spiced quinoa, avocado, and black bean salad is a delicious vegetarian dinner or Thanksgiving main course! Vegan and gluten-free.
Author:
Recipe type: Main dish
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 3-4 small acorn squash, sliced in half
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 (4 ounce) can of green chiles
  • 1½ cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup chopped scallions
  • ¼ cup toasted pepitas
  • ¼ cup feta cheese (optional)
  • 2 avocados, diced
  • A few squeezes of lime
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Cut acorn squash in half and scoop out the insides. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast cut side up for for about 35-50 minutes or until your squash is tender in the middle and browned around the edges. (The timing will depend on your squash. If it’s taking too long to become tender, flip it upside down for a portion of the roasting time).
  3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Cook the onion until translucent, then add the garlic, cumin, and coriander and stir. Add the green chiles and stir again, then add the quinoa, black beans, scallions, pepitas, feta cheese, a squeeze of lime, and a bit more salt and pepper, to taste.
  4. Remove skillet from the heat, let it cool, then stir in the diced avocado. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  5. Scoop the filling into the acorn squashes halves. (Note: if you’re not scooping the filling into the squashes right away, scoop the mixture out of the pan and into a bowl and set aside.)
Notes
Make ahead tip: make the quinoa pilaf up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Wait to add the avocado until ready to stuff & serve.

Vegan option: skip the cheese.
Recipe by Love and Lemons at https://www.loveandlemons.com/vegetarian-stuffed-acorn-squash/