Acorn Squash With Dates And Walnuts
Sweet acorn squash filled with dates and walnuts, accented by orange and lemon rinds, offering a delightful blend of natural sweetness and citrus zest, perfect for elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut each acorn squash in half crosswise and remove the seeds.
- Place the squash halves, cut side up, in a 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
- Combine chopped dates and chopped walnuts.
- Spoon the date and walnut mixture into each squash half.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using pecans instead of walnuts or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the date mixture. If you don't have orange juice, apple juice can serve as a tasty substitute. Ensure the squash is tender by testing with a fork during baking. Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent overcooking, which can make the squash mushy. This dish pairs beautifully with Starlight Mint Cookies for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the acorn squash warm, garnished with lemon rind curls for a fresh touch. This dish makes an excellent side for roasted meats or a hearty vegetarian main. Pair it with a light salad, such as a Yogurt Apple Salad, to balance the sweetness. It’s also a delightful addition to any fall or holiday feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squash halves in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Acorn Squash With Dates And Walnuts contains roughly 532 calories, with 6g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare acorn squash in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the squash halves and the filling a day ahead. Store the squash in the refrigerator after cutting and the filling in a separate container. Just assemble and bake when you're ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.
What if I can't find acorn squash?
If acorn squash is unavailable, you can substitute with butternut squash or even small pumpkins. Adjust cooking times as needed, as different squash varieties may have varying baking durations.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making it an excellent option for plant-based diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).