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    You are here: Home » Recipes » Acorn Squash Rings with Walnuts and Dried Apricots

    Acorn Squash Rings with Walnuts and Dried Apricots

    Published: Oct 21, 2014 · Last Updated: Jan 15, 2020 by Karielyn Tillman · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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!
    Acorn Squash Rings with Walnuts and Dried Apricots | The Healthy Family and Home

    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:

    1. Uses a unique spice - garam masala
    2. Ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes
    3. 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.

    Feel Good About What You Eat text graphic

    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.

    Acorn Squash Rings with Walnuts and Dried Apricots | The Healthy Family and Home

    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!
    Acorn Squash Rings with Walnuts and Dried Apricots | The Healthy Family and Home

    Gluten-Free Vegan Acorn Squash Rings with Walnuts and Dried Apricots

    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!
    { Plant-Based | Vegan | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Soy-Free | Paleo-Friendly | Medical Medium }
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Review Save For Later Saved!
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Yields: 4 pieces
    Calories : 345

    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)
      US Customary - Metric

      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

      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.

      Nutrition Information

      Serving: 1svg | Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 27g | Sodium: 78mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Calcium: 73mg
      Course:Side Dish
      Cuisine:American
      Recipe Author: Karielyn Tillman
      Did You Make This Recipe?Leave a Rating + Comment Below!
      Head Shot of Author Photo
      Karielyn Tillman

      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.

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

        November 22, 2014 at 2:56 pm

        These acorn squash rings look so delicious.. definitely a yummy side dish I can see myself making for dinner!

        Reply
        • Karielyn says

          November 23, 2014 at 2:29 pm

          Hi Thalia! Thanks so much and I appreciate you stopping by 😉

          Reply
      2. Cory says

        November 21, 2014 at 10:06 pm

        Thanks! I'll try with spinach!

        Reply
        • Karielyn says

          November 23, 2014 at 2:32 pm

          Hi Cory! Sounds great...hope you enjoy it 😉

          Reply
      3. Cory says

        November 21, 2014 at 8:51 pm

        Looks great. Silly question: what is the garnish? Thanks in advance!

        Reply
        • Karielyn says

          November 21, 2014 at 9:54 pm

          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 😉

          Reply
      4. Deanna Segrave-Daly (@tspbasil) says

        October 24, 2014 at 12:57 pm

        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.

        Reply
        • Karielyn says

          October 24, 2014 at 5:28 pm

          Hi there Deanna! I agree completely! Thanks so much and I appreciate you stopping by 🙂

          Reply
      5. Nina @ whats for eats says

        October 22, 2014 at 5:36 pm

        When I think about Fall in the States this is the type of recipe that comes to mind! Looks lovely.

        Reply
        • Karielyn says

          October 23, 2014 at 7:59 am

          Hi there Nina! Thanks so much and I appreciate you stopping by 😉

          Reply
      6. jill conyers says

        October 22, 2014 at 3:06 am

        Stuffed squash rings is one of my favorite dishes.

        Reply
        • Karielyn says

          October 22, 2014 at 7:26 pm

          Hi there Jill! Thanks so much and I appreciate you stopping by 😉

          Reply
      7. Katherine Baker says

        October 21, 2014 at 7:55 pm

        looks beautiful and delicious !!!

        Reply
        • Karielyn says

          October 22, 2014 at 7:22 pm

          Hi there Katherine! Thanks so much and thanks for stopping by 😉

          Reply
      8. Marie @ Nourish You Delicious says

        October 21, 2014 at 4:28 pm

        This looks amazing, all my favorite ingredients wrapped into one, will be making this soon 🙂

        Reply
        • Karielyn says

          October 21, 2014 at 5:29 pm

          Hi there Marie! Thanks so much and I appreciate you stopping by 😉

          Reply

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