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    Home » Recipes » Vegetarian / Vegan Entrees

    By Carol Published: Nov 5, 2014 Modified: Jul 14, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa Feta and Pistachios

    Jump to Recipe
    5 from 2 votes
    45 minutes
    Quinoa, Feta and Pistachio-Stuffed Acorn Squash is a show-stopping autumn side dish or vegetarian entree.

    Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa Feta and Pistachios is a show-stopping autumn side dish or vegetarian entree.  Acorn squash is one of the many varieties of squash now abundant at area markets and it's perfect for filling with all sorts of delicious things!

    Photo of Quinoa, Feta and Pistachio-Stuffed Acorn Squash on white serving platter.

    Because of their size and shape and when cut in half from the top down they look like little “edible bowls," just waiting to be filled with something wonderful like this Quinoa, Feta and Pistachio-Stuffed Acorn Squash!

    Inspired by a recipe in Meatless, a Martha Stewart cookbook, I added some things that just seemed natural to add such as lemon, garlic and a hint of onion flavor in the form of chives.

    Besides being an elegant meatless meal for two, this stuffed acorn squash is also a healthful one.  Acorn squash is high in vitamin C, which may help fend off the cold virus. Quinoa and nuts are considered “superfoods.”

    TABLE OF CONTENTS - Click the Icon to Find the Info You Need FAST!

    • Tips for buying acorn squash:
    • Tips for cooking quinoa:
    • More great vegetarian stuffed vegetable recipes!
    • Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa Feta and Pistachios
      • Equipment
      • Ingredients  1x2x3x
      • Instructions 
      • Notes
      • Nutrition

    Tips for buying acorn squash:

    When selecting squash, it should feel heavy for the size, which means it has plenty of moisture.  I like to buy acorn squash with a “flash” of orange on it; it always seems to be the perfect ripeness.

    Tips for cooking quinoa:

    Although I frequently cook quinoa for clients, I’ve found it challenging to get it “just right” following package instructions.  Most have you rinse it (to remove the bitter coating known as saponin), add to boiling water, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.  My result was generally undercooked quinoa with water remaining in the pot.

    The method I’ve found works best is:

    • Leave the cover off while it’s simmering so I can watch it.
    • After about 12-15 minutes when much of the water has been absorbed or cooked out and the “germ” begins to appear, I then cover and let it stand off the heat for 12 to 15 minutes.
    • Quinoa is cooked when the germ has been fully released and it’s fluffy and tender.

    If you’d rather not go to the trouble, fully cooked quinoa is now available in the freezer section near the vegetables at many grocery stores.

    If you prefer, couscous or orzo may be substituted for the quinoa.  Serve with sauteed greens or a green salad for a delicious plant-based meal!

    More great vegetarian stuffed vegetable recipes!

    • Barley Risotto Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
    • Quinoa Corn and Black Bean Stuffed Poblano Peppers
    • Cheese and Artichoke Stuffed Tomatoes and Grilled Zucchini

    Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa Feta and Pistachios

    5 from 2 votes
    By: Carol | From A Chef's Kitchen
    Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa Feta and Pistachios is a showstopping autumn side dish or vegetarian entree that's elegant and easy to make!
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE TEXT INGREDIENTS TO PHONE SAVE RECIPE Saved!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Vegetarian / Vegan Entrees
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Servings 4
    Calories 329 kcal

    Equipment

    • Wusthof Chef Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Rimmed Sheet Pan
    • Saucepan

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 small acorn squash - halved and seeded
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 ¼ cups water
    • 2 cloves garlic - minced
    • 1 small lemon - zested and juiced
    • ½ cup quinoa - rinsed and drained
    • ¼ cup chopped parsley
    • 2 tablespoons chopped chives
    • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
    • ⅓ cup roasted and salted pistachios - coarsely chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
    • Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil or parchment paper.
    • Brush cut side of squash with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Place cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake until tender and lightly browned, 25-30 minutes.
    • Meanwhile, bring water, garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice to a boil.
    • Add quinoa, reduce heat to medium-low and cook 12-15 minutes or until the water is almost absorbed and the germ is just beginning to appear.
    • Cover, remove from heat and let stand 10-15 minutes or until cooked and fluffy. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a bowl.
    • Add parsley, chives, feta cheese, pistachios and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
    • Divide filling among the squash and serve immediately.

    Notes

    VARIATION:  Peel and cube butternut squash, roast and toss with the hot quinoa for an "unstuffed" side dish.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 | Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 1049mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1276IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 3mg

    These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

    Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment, star rating or post your photo on Instagram and tag @fromachefskitchen.
    Quinoa, Feta and Pistachio-Stuffed Acorn Squash is a show-stopping autumn side dish or vegetarian entree.

    More Vegetarian / Vegan Entrees

    • Vegan Thai Red Curry
    • Zucchini Quiche with Feta Cheese and Brown Rice Crust
    • Summer Squash Casserole with Green Chiles
    • Cheesy Brussels Sprouts and Wild Rice Casserole
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    Categories: Vegetarian / Vegan Entrees

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    Comments

    1. Bonny says

      October 02, 2020 at 8:50 pm

      I made the quinoa, feta, pistachio stuffed acorn squash for the first time. Followed the recipe as posted. Very delicious, healthy clean eating meal. Had it as our main with a garlic herb tortilla to accompany. I found the quinoa was a bit dry and needed something to spice it up. The fresh lemon was awesome as well as the chives. We love feta. I think next time i might add more feta and some on the top and place under the broiler?? Also may add crumbled cooked bacon into the quinoa mix.
      Overall we would give this recipe an 8 out of 10👍

      Reply
      • Carol says

        October 03, 2020 at 8:06 am

        Hi, Bonny, Thanks so very much and glad you enjoyed! Love the idea of putting more cheese on the top. Thanks again!

        Reply

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