Paleo Foods: Delicata Squash

Delicata squash are considered a winter squash because they ripen in the late summer and fall seasons. However, unlike other winter squash, like an acorn and spaghetti squash, the skin of a delicata squash is easily sliced. The skin is edible after roasting or baking, so peeling is not required!

Delicata squash have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, and a soft, creamy texture. They are also fairy low in carbohydrate -- a 1 cup serving has around 10 grams of carbohydrate.

A popular Paleo, snack-friendly way to eat delicata squash is to create "fries" from delicata squash by halving and chopping into bite-sized pieces, coating with olive oil, salt and pepper, then roasting in the oven at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes.

Macros in Context

Here's how a serving of 1 cup of delicata squash stacks up in the context of a typical Paleo meal:

Blue bars show the typical range in grams for a Paleo meal. For example, a Paleo meal usually includes 30-60 grams of fat, but where you personally fall in that range will depend on your preference.

Orange dots show how 1 cup of delicata squash fits into the typical nutrient profile of a Paleo meal.

Buy It

PURCHASE: Select a delicata squash that is firm and does not have any soft spots or wrinkled skin. A ripe delicata will be pale yellow in color with green stripes.
SEASON: Delicata are best found in late summer and early fall.
SKIN: Unlike other winter squash like butternut and spaghetti squash, delicata squash has a soft skin and are easily sliced with a knife. After roasting, the skin is soft enough to eat. No peeling required!

Cook It

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SNACK

Slice the squash into ½-inch rounds and scoops out the seeds. Coat in olive oil, cinnamon and nutmeg and bake for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping halfway. Serve as a side or top a salad.

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SOUP

Oven-roast the delicata squash, scoop out the flesh, then use as a base for a soup or puree.

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FRIES

Halve and chop the delicata into bite-sized fries, coat in olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in the oven.