Butter Nut Squash Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Adore

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Butternut squash is a wonderfully versatile vegetable that’s perfect for creating hearty, comforting vegan dishes. Its naturally sweet and nutty flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of spices, herbs, and other plant-based ingredients.

Whether you’re looking for a creamy soup, a roasted side, or a vibrant salad, butternut squash offers endless possibilities to satisfy your cravings while keeping your meals wholesome and nutritious.

In this blog post, we’ll explore several delicious vegan butternut squash recipes that are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. These recipes are perfect for cozy fall dinners or anytime you want a nourishing and satisfying plant-based meal.

Plus, we’ll share tips on how to select, store, and cook butternut squash to get the best results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butternut squash is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. These vegan recipes highlight the squash’s natural sweetness while keeping dishes light, healthy, and free from animal products.

You’ll love these recipes because they:

  • Are easy to customize with your favorite spices and ingredients
  • Can be prepared ahead of time and stored for quick meals
  • Offer comforting textures and warming flavors ideal for any season
  • Use simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients
  • Are perfect for meal prepping or entertaining guests

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds), peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk (for creamy soups)
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional for roasting)
  • Chopped toasted nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) for garnish
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional for brightness)

Equipment

  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

  1. Prepare the squash: Start by peeling the butternut squash with a vegetable peeler, then cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, then dice the flesh into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
  2. Roast the squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the cubed squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Roast for 25-30 minutes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast until the butternut squash is tender and caramelized around the edges, about 25-30 minutes. Toss halfway through to ensure even cooking. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup in the last 5 minutes for extra sweetness.
  4. Sauté aromatics: While the squash roasts, heat the remaining olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  5. Make the soup base: Add the roasted squash to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  6. Blend until smooth: Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy and smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Return the soup to the pot.
  7. Add coconut milk: Stir in the coconut milk and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Warm the soup gently over low heat but do not boil.
  8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with toasted nuts and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra layer of flavor, try roasting the butternut squash with a sprinkle of chili powder or cumin. You can also add cooked lentils or chickpeas to the soup for added protein and texture.”

  • Butternut Squash Salad: Toss roasted butternut squash cubes with arugula, pomegranate seeds, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a lemon-tahini dressing for a refreshing vegan salad.
  • Stuffed Squash Boats: Hollow out halved roasted butternut squash and fill with quinoa, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a wholesome meal.
  • Squash Curry: Simmer butternut squash cubes in a fragrant coconut curry with chickpeas, tomatoes, and spinach for a hearty vegan dinner.
  • Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes well in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1.5 cups)
Calories 180
Carbohydrates 32g
Protein 3g
Fat 7g
Fiber 5g
Vitamin A 457% DV
Vitamin C 35% DV
Potassium 620mg

Serving Suggestions

This creamy butternut squash soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty whole grain bread or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a warm quinoa pilaf or roasted Brussels sprouts.

For more vegan recipe inspiration, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe and Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes. If you’re interested in other comforting vegan dishes, our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food is a must-try.

Conclusion

Butternut squash is a fantastic ingredient to have in your vegan cooking repertoire. Its natural sweetness and creamy texture make it the star of many satisfying dishes, from soups and salads to stuffed vegetables and curries.

These recipes are simple to follow, packed with nutrients, and adaptable to your personal taste preferences.

Embracing butternut squash in your meals means embracing wholesome, seasonal flavors that comfort and nourish. Whether you’re a vegan veteran or just exploring plant-based cooking, these recipes will add warmth and variety to your table.

Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs, spices, and accompaniments to make each dish uniquely yours. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Roasted Butternut Squash Vegan Bowl

Description: A simple and flavorful roasted butternut squash recipe perfect for a vegan meal. Packed with nutrients and easy to prepare.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tahini

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  4. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, and baby spinach.
  5. Add roasted squash to the bowl and gently mix.
  6. Drizzle lemon juice and tahini over the mixture and toss.
  7. Top with sliced avocado and chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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