15 Delicious Ideas To Give Squash a Makeover

Whether it is summer squash, butternut or zucchini, there always seems to be a delicious squash around somewhere. The main reasons for this is the fact they are often in season and are also really fresh. The best part is, there is a lot that you can do with squash; it is the perfect main ingredient to make a variety of delicious dishes.

Squash Cheesecake Bars

These little sweet treats will make you see squash in a whole new way. You puree the squash and add it to a cheesecake recipe. It adds a nice richness to this popular dessert while making it healthier.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

This bread truly gives squash a makeover. It has a bold chocolate flavor and the sweetness is balanced out by the zucchini. The end result is a healthy sweet treat to enjoy for breakfast, as a snack or dessert.

Summer Squash and Egg Bake

This dish is a great way to start or end your day. It includes fresh ingredients including squash (of course) as well as fresh garlic, herbs, and tomatoes. The addition of cheese doesn’t hurt either. Every bite is savory and oh so delicious.

Acorn Squash and Spinach Ravioli

Squash makes a wonderful filling for ravioli. It adds a subtle sweetness and is a filling that does not overpower the pasta, it just makes it better. The addition of spinach not only adds nutrients but gives the filling nice color and that signature spinach taste.

Raw Squash Smoothie

A raw squash smoothie is a great way to start your day. Simply peel a squash, remove the seeds,cut into small pieces add water as needed and blend. This smoothie a packed with nutrients and taste wonderful. Try adding some honey for added sweetness.

Garden Pizza

Yes zucchini tastes great on pizza! To add vibrancy and crunch to the basic pizza slice some zucchini, bell pepper and other toppings to place on top. Every slice will be fresh, subtle and meat free.

Squash and Potato Gratin with Goat Cheese

Not only is this dish wonderfully salty and cheesy but the combination of the squash and potatoes just work. The textures alone complement each other so well. The potatoes add richness and the squash elevates the overall freshness of the dish.

Parmesan and Zucchini Sticks

These sticks are coated with a combination of bread crumbs and grated parmesan seasoned with herbs for that extra layer of flavor. They are then baked until crispy. Parmesan and zucchini sticks are the ideal healthy snack.

Zucchini Chips

These are great little snacks that are a good alternative to chips. After slicing the zucchini thinly and removing as much moisture as possible they can be sprinkled with a variety of seasonings and baked until crispy. Paprika, salt and pepper is a good combination and adds a little heat.

Butternut Squash Salad

This is a great way to give leftover roasted squash a makeover. Simply cut into smaller pieces, gather some mixed greens slice up some veggies, make a nice vinaigrette and finish with blue cheese or feta crumbles. The butternut squash salad will certainly keep you full.

Butternut Squash Bread Pudding

This slightly sweet and savory bread pudding is full of flavor complexity. The addition of gruyere and sage brings this bread pudding to a whole new level. Everything just melds together so well to create a delicious and cheesy dish.

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is a light and tasty dish. Almost any flavors can be incorporated including thai flavors and more. Nuts such as almonds are also a nice addition as well as some acidity to brighten up the dish.

Grilled Summer Squash and Pesto

When squash is grilled, char marks are developed in addition to that delicious char flavor. That flavor combined with the nutty herbaceousness of pesto yields a fantastic dish. Best part is it is super easy to make.

Stuffed Zucchini

Stuffed zucchini is so easy to make. All you need to do is have a zucchini, scoop out the center and stuff it with anything from sauteed mixed vegetables and bread crumbs to ground beef or sausage. Once stuffed, drizzle with a little oil and bake in the oven until tender.

Barley Risotto and Butternut Squash

This hearty dish not only tastes great but is really healthy. Not only is it low in fat but it is high in fiber and contains a lot of potassium, vitamin A and C. All you need is whole grain barley, squash cut into small pieces, chicken broth and a few additional ingredients for flavor.