If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both stunning and bursting with flavor, this Roasted Delicata Squash with Burrata, Pomegranate and Pistachios Recipe is absolutely one to try. I love how the sweetness of the delicata squash pairs perfectly with the creamy burrata, the crunchy pistachios, and the bright pop of pomegranate seeds. It’s such a refreshing twist on roasted vegetables that impresses every time, whether you’re serving it at a weeknight dinner or a special holiday gathering.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to elevate simple ingredients into something that felt gourmet without any fuss. You’ll find that the combination of textures and flavors really makes this dish stand out. Plus, it’s a breeze to make with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, meaning you can have a crowd-pleaser on the table in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet Sophisticated: This dish transforms humble squash into a visually stunning and flavorful side that tastes like it took hours.
- Perfect Balance: The creamy burrata contrasts beautifully with the sweet, roasted squash and crunchy pistachios, while the pomegranate adds a juicy pop.
- Easy to Prep: Minimal hands-on time and ingredients make this a great weeknight crowd-pleaser or holiday side.
- Customizable: You can easily swap nuts or herbs to suit your pantry and preferences without losing the dish’s charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are bright and fresh, combining naturally sweet, creamy, nutty, and tart elements. When shopping, look for firm delicata squash and the freshest pomegranate seeds you can find for that juicy burst.
- Olive oil spray: Helps to lightly coat the squash for roasting without excess oil.
- Delicata squash: This small, sweet winter squash is perfect because its edible skin roasts up tender.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a nice caramelization on the squash.
- Kosher salt: To season and bring out all the flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances sweetness.
- Burrata cheese: The star creamy element – mozzarella wrapped around creamy stracciatella, adding that dreamy richness.
- Chopped roasted pistachios: Provide a satisfying crunch and a slightly sweet nutty flavor.
- Pomegranate seeds: These jewels add a refreshing tartness and vivid color contrast.
- Fresh basil: A fragrant garnish that brightens the dish with herbal notes.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Roasted Delicata Squash with Burrata, Pomegranate and Pistachios Recipe, and you should feel free to tailor it to your tastes or what’s in your pantry. It’s incredibly forgiving and flexible!
- Nut swap: I’ve tried toasted walnuts or almonds instead of pistachios, and each nut brings its own unique texture and flavor.
- Herbs on hand: Sometimes I swap fresh basil for thyme or mint, which adds a different dimension—try what you love!
- Make it vegan: Swap out burrata for a dollop of cashew cream or vegan ricotta for a dairy-free version that’s just as satisfying.
- Extra spice: Adding a sprinkle of chili flakes before roasting the squash wakes up the sweetness with a little heat.
How to Make Roasted Delicata Squash with Burrata, Pomegranate and Pistachios Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lightly spraying two sheet pans with olive oil spray – this helps prevent sticking without adding too much fat. Then slice each delicata squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Because delicata skin is edible and tender when roasted, you don’t need to peel them, which saves time and adds great texture.
Step 2: Slice and Season
Cut the seeded halves into about ½-inch thick half moons, then spread them evenly across the sheet pans. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then toss gently to coat every piece. Ensuring each squash slice is well-coated will help get that perfectly caramelized exterior as it roasts.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Pop the squash in the oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping or tossing the pieces halfway through. This even cooking will give you tender squash with lightly crisp edges. Don’t rush this step — the caramelization lends tons of flavor and is what makes this dish really special.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Transfer your beautifully roasted delicata squash to a serving platter. Scatter quartered burrata cheese, chopped roasted pistachios, and fresh pomegranate seeds on top. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant and colorful finish. Serve immediately so the burrata stays creamy and the crunch of pistachios remains intact.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Delicata Squash with Burrata, Pomegranate and Pistachios Recipe
- Handle delicata skin with confidence: Unlike some squash varieties, delicata skin roasts up soft and edible – no peeling needed!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving squash slices space helps them roast evenly and develop caramelized edges.
- Add pomegranate last: Toss these on fresh at the end so they stay juicy and don’t get soggy from heat.
- Room temperature burrata: Let your burrata sit out for 20 minutes before serving for the best creamy texture.
How to Serve Roasted Delicata Squash with Burrata, Pomegranate and Pistachios Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for fresh basil here because its sweetness and mild pepperiness complement the creamy burrata and sweet squash beautifully. I sometimes add a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to amp up the flavors. If you like a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of chili flakes can be a nice touch.
Side Dishes
This roasted delicata squash dish pairs wonderfully with simple roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a hearty grain salad. I like to serve it alongside quinoa or farro tossed with lemon and herbs for a full, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I’ve arranged the squash slices in a circular pattern on large platters, then topped with burrata balls, pistachios, and pomegranate seeds sprinkled artfully on top. It’s such a showstopper! You can also serve individual portions on small plates with a drizzle of herb oil or balsamic glaze for extra elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them tasting fresh, I add the burrata and pomegranate seeds just before serving again, since those don’t reheat well.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this dish with burrata or pomegranate seeds, but you can roast and freeze the squash alone. Reheat the squash, then add fresh burrata and pomegranate after thawing for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover roasted delicata squash in a warm oven at about 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore some crispness, then add fresh burrata and toppings. Avoid microwaving, which can make the squash mushy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?
Absolutely! While delicata squash is ideal because of its edible skin and sweet flavor, you can substitute acorn squash or kabocha squash. Just be aware that these varieties may require peeling and slightly longer roasting times.
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What can I substitute if I can’t find burrata?
Mozzarella or ricotta can work in a pinch, though burrata’s creamy center really makes the dish special. For a dairy-free option, try a dollop of cashew cream or a plant-based cheese alternative.
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How do I keep the pomegranate seeds from getting soggy?
Add the pomegranate seeds just before serving so they maintain their juicy crunch and bright color. If added too early, the heat and moisture can make them lose their texture.
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Is delicata squash healthy?
Yes! Delicata squash is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins like A and C. This dish is a nutritious way to enjoy fall flavors while keeping things light and balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Delicata Squash with Burrata, Pomegranate and Pistachios Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it feels both comforting and fancy without any complicated steps. I find myself making it again and again, whether for a cozy night in or to wow guests with something fresh and flavorful. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the way these simple ingredients come together to create something truly memorable.
PrintRoasted Delicata Squash with Burrata, Pomegranate and Pistachios Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Delicata Squash with Burrata, Pomegranate, and Pistachios is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of delicata squash with creamy burrata cheese, crunchy pistachios, and juicy pomegranate seeds. Perfect for a festive meal or a simple yet elegant addition to any dinner, this recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and colors that will impress your guests and satisfy your palate.
Ingredients
Squash
- 1 ½ pounds Delicata squash (2 medium)
- Olive oil spray
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 6 ounces burrata cheese, quartered
- ¼ cup chopped roasted pistachios
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray two sheet pans with olive oil to prevent the squash from sticking during roasting.
- Prepare the Squash: Slice each delicata squash in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out all the seeds. Then, cut the seeded halves into ½-inch thick half-moon slices to ensure even roasting.
- Toss with Oil and Seasoning: Spread the squash pieces evenly across the two prepared sheet pans. Drizzle the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the squash, sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss the squash gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Roast the Squash: Place the sheet pans in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. Be sure to toss the squash halfway through cooking to promote even caramelization and browning.
- Assemble the Dish: Once roasted, transfer the delicata squash to a serving platter. Top with quartered burrata cheese, sprinkle with chopped roasted pistachios, scatter pomegranate seeds all over, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Serve: Serve the dish immediately while the squash is warm and the burrata is creamy, ensuring the best flavor and texture combination.
Notes
- This dish works beautifully as a vibrant and easy side to complement your main courses. Add your choice of protein for a complete meal.
- The natural sweetness of delicata squash reduces the need for extra sugar or sweeteners.
- Feel free to swap pistachios with toasted walnuts or pecans if preferred.
- Use fresh burrata for the best creamy texture; substitute with mozzarella if unavailable.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or parsley as alternatives to basil for varied flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 181 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg