Delicata squash is the low-maintenance member of the winter squash family, thin-skinned enough that you don't even have to peel it, which also means you keep all the fiber that lives right under the surface. Roast it until the edges caramelize, then finish with a drizzle of honey, some toasted walnuts, and fresh sage for a side dish that tastes far more indulgent than the ingredient list suggests. The skin stays tender enough to eat, so nothing goes to waste.
Ingredients
- 2 delicata squash, halved, seeded, and sliced into half moons
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Toss squash slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly browned.
- Drizzle with honey and top with walnuts and sage.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 190 |
| Total fat | 13g |
| Total carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 105mg |
Why This Is Good for Your Gut
Because delicata squash is eaten skin-on, it delivers more fiber and pectin per serving than peeled winter squash varieties, and that pectin gets fermented by gut bacteria into beneficial short-chain fatty acids. Walnuts contribute omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols that research links to a more favorable balance of gut bacteria and reduced intestinal inflammation.
Sweet and nutty, and about as much effort as chopping a squash in half. Your gut bacteria will take it. For more simple roasted sides, try our Whatever-You-Have Roasted Vegetable Medley or Roasted Asparagus with Garlic and Lemon.
This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
