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Stuffed Acorn Squash

Savanna
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 MEDIUM TO LARGE ACORN SQUASHES, HALVED AND SEEDED
  • 1/4 CUP OLIVE OIL, DIVIDED
  • 2 PINCHES EACH SEA SALT AND GROUP BLACK PEPPER
  • 1/2 CUP QUINOA, RINSED
  • 1 YELLOW ONION, DICED
  • 2 TBSP APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
  • 2 TBSP RAW HONEY
  • 4 TSP FRESH LIME JUICE
  • 1 TBSP DIJON MUSTARD
  • 1/2 TSP GROUND CAYENNE PEPPER
  • 2 CUPS SPINACH, FINELY CHOPPED
  • 1/2 CUP NATURALLY SWEETNED DRIED CRANBERRIES, CHOPPED
  • 1/2 CUP RAW UNSALTED WALNUTS, CHOPPED

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut a little bit off the end of each squash half, if needed, to help it stand cut side up. Lightly coat squash with 1 tbsp oil, sprinkle with pinch each salt and pepper and place cut side down on a large baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook quinoa: In a small saucepan, bring quinoa and 3/4 cup water to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat; fluff with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, in a small skillet on medium, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add onion and cook until softened and starting to turn golden, 4 to 6 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together remaining 2 tbsp oil, vinegar, honey, lime juice, mustard, cayenne pepper (if using), and remaining pinch each salt and pepper. Add quinoa, onion, spinach, cranberries and walnuts; toss to coat.
  • To each squash cavity, place one-quarter of quinoa mixture in each well, pressing to fit.
  • To heat, place one serving on baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes at 350°F or until squash is soft and filling is hot. To heat leftovers directly from refrigerator, heat at 350°F for 30 minutes.