These Gluten-Free Vegan Acorn Squash Rings with Walnut and Dried Apricots are an easy and healthy recipe made with only 6 clean, real food ingredients and are ready in about 30 minutes. They're perfect as a main dish or as a plant-based side dish everyone will love!
This Acorn Squash Rings with Walnuts and Dried Apricots recipe is the perfect fall dish!
Gluten-Free Vegan Acorn Squash Rings with Walnuts and Dried Apricots
Here is why this recipe works - my top 3 reasons:
- Uses a unique spice - garam masala
- Ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes
- Made with only 6 clean, real food ingredients
Uses a Unique Spice - Garam Masala
Do you have spices lurking in the back of your spice drawer collecting dust?
Are they there because you're afraid to use them or you simply don't know what to do with them?
Not to worry!
I'm going to show you how you can use the spice jar of garam masala you might have in your cabinet collecting dust in this easy recipe!
Ready To Enjoy In About 30 Minutes
You'll love how this recipe only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
For example, you only need about 5 minutes to prep the acorn squash.
While it's baking in the oven, you can prepare the stuffing and then it's ready to enjoy!
Made With Only 6 Clean, Real Food Ingredients
This recipe is a breeze to make because you only need 6 clean, real food ingredients to make it.
It's perfect to use when you've bought an acorn squash and don't know what to do with it.
And, you can substitute the dried apricots with another dried fruit like organic raisins, Medjool dates or even dried cranberries.
What Is Garam Masala?
Garam Masala is a warm, aromatic Indian spice blend typically made with cumin, coriander, green cardamom, black cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, bay leaves, peppercorns, fennel, and dried chilies.
- "garam" - means "hot"
- "masala" - means "a mixture of spices"
It's the perfect spice blend to complement the dried apricots in this rustic recipe.
How To Make Gluten-Free Vegan Acorn Squash Rings with Walnuts and Dried Apricots: Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is how to make this recipe and I'll show you with step-by-step instructions below.
Before beginning, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then prepare a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 1: Prepare the Acorn Squash
Firstly, cut the top and bottom off the acorn squash.
Place it on its side and slice it into (4) slices approximately 1-inch thick.
Cut a small hole in the center and remove the seeds and inner flesh.
Brush both sides of the squash with avocado oil.
Place the squash slices on the prepared cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the insides are soft.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
Secondly, while the acorn slices are baking, prepare the stuffing.
Add all ingredients for the stuffing to a food processor and blend until the walnuts are in tiny pieces, but taking care to not over process.
Remove the food processor blade and add the diced dried apricots.
Gently stir in the apricots in by hand.
Step 3: Assembly
Thirdly, place each cooked acorn squash ring on the plate you will be serving it on.
Divide the stuffing mixture evenly between the squash rings and place it in the center of each ring.
Expert Tips + Substitutions For Acorn Squash Rings with Walnuts and Dried Apricots
Here are some expert tips to make this recipe perfectly:
Acorn Squash. Choose a small to medium-size squash for best results. You should be able to cut at least (4) slices with a small-medium squash.
Avocado Oil. This can be substituted with organic extra-virgin olive oil.
Garam Masala. This is a key ingredient in the recipe, so I do not recommend omitting it. In addition, there really isn't a substitute for it since it is a unique spice blend. If you can't find it at your local grocery store (even Walmart carries it), you can order online or you can always try to make your own.
Walnuts. I haven't tested the recipe using another type of nut, but almonds might be a good substitute.
Dried Apricots. I added dried apricots to give the stuffing a slightly sweet flavor, but you could also substitute with organic raisins, Medjool dates, or even dried cranberries.
Himalayan Pink Salt. This is my salt of preference, however, you can always substitute with sea salt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acorn Squash
Do I Need To Peel The Skin Off the Acorn Squash? No, and in fact, it's best to leave it on because it will hold the shape of the squash better when roasting. Once it's roasted, the skin will be soft enough to eat, but it's a personal preference whether to eat it or not.
When is Acorn Squash in Season? This recipe is a perfect Fall recipe when acorn squash will be in abundance. They can easily be found between October and December which is why it's a great dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Are the Acorn Seeds Edible? Actually, yes they are! Instead of discarding the seeds after removing them from the center of the acorn slices, you can add a little Himalayan pink salt and roast them alongside the acorn slices for a healthy snack later. Here's a great article that shows how.
Want More Healthy Plant-Based Vegetable Recipes?
Check out these:
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Cilantro and Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Spicy Lemon Sauteed Broccolini
- or my CLEAN EATING Cookbook with 75+ plant-based vegan + gluten-free recipes made with clean, real food ingredients just like this one that you will love!
Gluten-Free Vegan Acorn Squash Rings with Walnuts and Dried Apricots
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the acorn squash:
- 1 organic acorn squash
- 1 teaspoon 100% pure avocado oil
For the stuffing:
- 1 cup organic walnuts
- 1 tablespoon 100% pure avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon organic garam masala
- 1/8 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
For the add-in:
- 1/2 cup organic dried apricots (diced)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Prepare the acorn squash:
- Cut the top and bottom off the squash.
- Place it on its side and slice it into (4) slices approximately 1-inch thick.
- Cut out a small hole in the center and remove the seeds and inner flesh.
- Brush both sides of the squash with the avocado oil.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until the insides are soft.
Prepare the stuffing:
- Add all ingredients for the stuffing to a food processor and process until the walnuts are in tiny pieces but taking care to not over process.
- Remove the food processor blade and add the dried apricots.
- Gently stir in the apricots by hand.
- Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.
Assembly:
- Place each cooked acorn squash slice on the dish it will be served on.
- Divide the stuffing between your acorn rings and fill in the center of each one.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
Hi, I'm Karielyn! I'm the published cookbook author of CLEAN DESSERTS and content creator of The Healthy Family and Home™ website since 2012. I specialize in creating easy, healthy plant-based and Medical Medium® compliant recipes that are gluten-free + vegan and made with clean, real food ingredients that you can feel good about eating.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
These acorn squash rings look so delicious.. definitely a yummy side dish I can see myself making for dinner!
Karielyn says
Hi Thalia! Thanks so much and I appreciate you stopping by 😉
Cory says
Thanks! I'll try with spinach!
Karielyn says
Hi Cory! Sounds great...hope you enjoy it 😉
Cory says
Looks great. Silly question: what is the garnish? Thanks in advance!
Karielyn says
Hi there Cory! No, not silly at all! I think I just added whatever I had on hand at the time (either chopped spinach or cilantro) and added it for photographic purposes, but it wasn't part of the recipe.
If you wanted to add a garnish, the chopped spinach would probably be good but I don't think the cilantro would go well with the other flavors.
Thanks for your question 😉
Deanna Segrave-Daly (@tspbasil) says
I'm the same way about garam marsala - I think I've used it once but love the blend o fit. These squash rings will make me use it more often.
Karielyn says
Hi there Deanna! I agree completely! Thanks so much and I appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Nina @ whats for eats says
When I think about Fall in the States this is the type of recipe that comes to mind! Looks lovely.
Karielyn says
Hi there Nina! Thanks so much and I appreciate you stopping by 😉
jill conyers says
Stuffed squash rings is one of my favorite dishes.
Karielyn says
Hi there Jill! Thanks so much and I appreciate you stopping by 😉
Katherine Baker says
looks beautiful and delicious !!!
Karielyn says
Hi there Katherine! Thanks so much and thanks for stopping by 😉
Marie @ Nourish You Delicious says
This looks amazing, all my favorite ingredients wrapped into one, will be making this soon 🙂
Karielyn says
Hi there Marie! Thanks so much and I appreciate you stopping by 😉