Roasted Delicata Squash | Easy Low Carb Keto Side Dish Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. We receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using our links. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details.

Jump to Recipe

How to make Roasted Delicata Squash. Tips and tricks on how to cook this delicious squash for a quick, easy, healthy & delicious low carb side dish perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any holiday gathering. So simple to customize and make in the oven or the air fryer.

PIN HERE for later and follow my boards for more recipe ideas

Updated October 2019

Squash season is in full swing. Acorn, butternut, delicata, kobacha, spaghetti, pumpkin – which one is your favorite? As much as my family loves Spaghetti Squash Bowls and Roasted Butternut Squash, Delicata Squash probably wins my heart.

They’re super cute and the smaller size makes cutting them a breeze. Plus, I love that the skin is totally edible which means no peeling required!

And of course, they are delicious no matter and you can make them a ton of different ways.

Cut them in half and make stuffed delicata squash, delicata squash rings or delicata squash fries.

Roasted Delicata Squash | Easy Low Carb Keto Side Dish Recipe (2)

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO MAKE DELICATA SQUASH?

There are a ton of ways to cook delicata squash. You can roast delicata squash in the oven, cook the squash in a slow cooker, Instant Pot and even an air fryer.

Roasted Delicata Squash | Easy Low Carb Keto Side Dish Recipe (3)

They make a great make ahead recipe. You can make a big batch ahead of time for your Sunday meal prep and then reheat how much you need during the week to serve along as an easy and tasty side dish.

Today we’re going to be sharing how to roast delicata squash. Roasting vegetables brings out that natural sweet flavor and they go with just about everything from chicken, turkey, steak and roasts.

Roasted Delicata Squash | Easy Low Carb Keto Side Dish Recipe (4)

HOW TO PREP AND COOK DELICATA SQUASH:

  1. Give the skin a nice scrubbing with a brush and pat it dry. You want to make sure the skin is nice and clean since you’re going to be eating the skin.
  2. Cut off both ends then you can either:
  • slice the squash into rings and scoop out the seeds OR
  • slice the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Slice the seeded halves into 1/4-inch thick slices (half circles).

HOW TO MAKE ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH

Roasted Delicata Squash | Easy Low Carb Keto Side Dish Recipe (7)

  1. Once you’ve prepped your squash, preheat the oven to 425 F. Line or spray your baking sheets with oil.
  2. Drizzle the squash with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Feel free to add other seasonings you like – smoked paprika, oregano or Italian seasoning are some great options.
  3. Lay flat in a single layer (making sure the squash does not overlap), and bake in the center of the oven for about 10-12 minutes, remove from the oven and use tongs to flip to the other side. Continue baking until tender on the inside and perfectly crispy and golden brown on the outside.

This recipe is simple to make and fits perfectly in a variety of diets. It’s naturally gluten free, Whole30, paleo & ketogenic friendly.

And the best part? You can easily customize it depending on what you like or have on hand.

Sprinkle some balsamic vinegar, grated Parmesan or add a touch of sweetness with a hint of maple syrup (or sugar free) and cinnamon.

Roasted Delicata Squash | Easy Low Carb Keto Side Dish Recipe (8)

IS DELICATA SQUASH HEALTHY?

Yes! It’s loaded with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium and fiber. It’s also lower in carbs than other popular fall squashes like butternut and acorn so you can still enjoy it occasional if you’re following a low carb keto diet.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DELICATA SQUASH?

Look for one with no wrinkles or soft spots. Pick it up and make sure that it’s heavy and firm.

WHAT CAN I SERVE DELICATA SQUASH WITH?

This delicious squash is great on its own but goes so well with so many dishes.

You can serve it in a salad or anytime during the holidays at your Thanksgiving / Christmas dinner table or how about with:

Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken

Herb Roasted Turkey

More easy side dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Balsamic

Maple Pecan Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted Delicata Squash | Easy Low Carb Keto Side Dish Recipe (10)

5 from 5 votes

Roasted Delicata Squash | Easy Low Carb Keto Side Dish Recipe (11)

Print

Roasted Delicata Squash

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

35 mins

A quick, easy & delicious low carb side dish perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any holiday gathering. Healthy recipe that needs only a few min of prep.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: delicata, delicata squash, easy fall vegetable side dish, keto, low carb dinner, roasted

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 93 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

  • 2 delicata squash (about 2.5 lbs) , washed and dried
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper or to taste

Instructions

ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH IN THE OVEN:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line or lightly coat a large baking sheet with parchment paper (foil) or cooking spray.

For round rings:

  1. Trim the ends and slice the squash into rings. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.

For half circles:

  1. Trim the ends and slice the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Slice the seeded halves into 1/4-inch thick slices (half circles) and place.

  2. Lay the squash onto the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Use your hands to toss well to coat.

  3. Spread the squash out on the baking sheet into a single layer.

  4. Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes then flip and return to oven until tender and golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.

  5. Remove from oven and serve hot.

HOW TO MAKE DELICATA IN THE AIR FRYER:

  1. Place the squash in a single layer in the air fryer basked.

    Air fry at 400F for 12 minutes, shaking half-way through.

    Repeat with any remaining squash.

Nutrition Facts

Roasted Delicata Squash

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 93 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Fat 4g6%

Carbohydrates 11g4%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 1g2%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Roasted Delicata Squash | Easy Low Carb Keto Side Dish Recipe (12)

Roasted Delicata Squash | Easy Low Carb Keto Side Dish Recipe (13)Did you try this recipe?

I'd love to see! Just snap a photo and hashtag it #LIFEMADESWEETER or tag me @lifemadesweeter on Instagram

Roasted Delicata Squash | Easy Low Carb Keto Side Dish Recipe (14)

Free Low Carb / Keto Recipes E-Book!

Sign up now to get a FREE low carb / Keto-friendly recipe e-book, plus access to subscriber exclusives!

Roasted Delicata Squash | Easy Low Carb Keto Side Dish Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is delicata squash high in carbohydrates? ›

A single serving of ¾ cups of delicata squash has only 8g of net carbs and 52% vitamin A!

Can you eat the skin of delicata squash? ›

Delicata squash skin

The delicata is actually named for its delicate, edible skin, so there is no need for peeling here. The rind of these cylindrical, striped vegetables is similar in texture to a summer squash like zucchini, and becomes perfectly tender when cooked.

Is delicata squash OK for diabetics? ›

It's high in fiber, which can help decrease your risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Delicata squash also has a ton of potassium: One cup delivers a whopping 500mg of the mineral, which can help control your blood pressure.

Is delicata squash good for weight loss? ›

It contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, and dietary fiber. Additionally, Delicata squash is an excellent low-calorie food choice, containing just under 40 calories/ 9 g carbs in a 100 g serving.

Does delicata squash raise blood sugar? ›

Its low glycemic index can help prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for maintaining stable glucose levels. Moreover, the dietary fiber content in squash aids in slowing down the absorption of sugar, promoting better blood sugar control and overall metabolic health.

What kind of squash is best for keto? ›

Our true winner is the famously low-carb spaghetti squash, with has just under 8 net carbohydrates per cup. In summary, you shouldn't make any winter squash a regular occurance on your keto-menu, but every so often it's an ingredient you can enjoy while still staying on track.

Will squash take me out of ketosis? ›

Butternut squash is another nutrient-packed veggie that simply offers too many carbs for a keto diet. One cup of cubed squash has more than 15.3 g of net carbs, according to the USDA.

Which squash is best for weight loss? ›

One cup of cooked butternut squash has only 83 calories and provides 7 grams of filling fiber — making it an excellent choice to lose excess weight and body fat. It contains both insoluble and soluble fiber. Soluble fiber has been associated with fat loss and decreased appetite.

Is Delicata squash anti inflammatory? ›

Boost the delicious Delicata squash's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and insulin-regulating benefits with two powerful super foods!

Can you eat too much Delicata squash? ›

Toxic squash syndrome can result from continuing to eat the bitter fruit. Some of the most rampant symptoms and indicators of toxic squash syndrome include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Toxic squash syndrome can be so severe that it can cause swelling in the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys.

Is there another name for Delicata squash? ›

It is also known as peanut squash, Bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash.

Is Delicata squash high in starch? ›

The truth is, butternut squash and other similar winter squash varieties (such as acorn squash, delicata and hubbard squash), fall somewhere in between starchy and non-starchy vegetables.

How many carbs are in Delicata? ›

Sweet, But Low in Carbs: Delicata tastes like sweet potatoes but has only 7g of carbs in a serving (¾ cup) compared to about 40g in sweet potatoes. 5 Simple Ingredients: 4 of which are pantry staples!

What squash has the most carbs? ›

Winter squash: Winter squash, including butternut squash and acorn squash, is a starchy vegetable that is high in carbs. One cup of cooked butternut squash contains around 21 grams of carbs, while one cup of cooked acorn squash contains around 15 grams.

Is Delicata squash a carb or vegetable? ›

Moving onto delicata squash, a 100-gram serving of this squash contains about 10 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 0.6 grams of fat. The net carbs, which you get by subtracting the fiber content from the total carbohydrates, come to around 8 grams per 100-gm serving.

What is the least starchy squash? ›

As you can see, zucchini or “summer squash” is less starchy than winter squash varieties. You can also see that despite popular belief, sweet potatoes and white potatoes contain the same amount of net carbohydrate per serving.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kareem Mueller DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6378

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kareem Mueller DO

Birthday: 1997-01-04

Address: Apt. 156 12935 Runolfsdottir Mission, Greenfort, MN 74384-6749

Phone: +16704982844747

Job: Corporate Administration Planner

Hobby: Mountain biking, Jewelry making, Stone skipping, Lacemaking, Knife making, Scrapbooking, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.