Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberries, Walnuts & Feta (Vegetarian & Gluten-Free)

🎃 Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash is a vibrant fall dish that’s just as nourishing as it is beautiful. Roasted acorn squash becomes a tender, golden bowl for a hearty, plant-powered filling of fluffy quinoa, earthy spinach, crunchy walnuts, and sweet cranberries—all topped with creamy, tangy feta. 🍂✨

It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying. Whether you serve it as a holiday side, a cozy weeknight dinner, or a show-stopping vegetarian main course, this recipe delivers flavor, color, and comfort in every bite.

🌿 Why This Works:

🎃 Acorn squash – High in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber for immunity and digestion
🌾 Quinoa – A complete protein packed with fiber, magnesium, and all 9 essential amino acids
🌿 Spinach – Adds iron, folate, and antioxidants for energy and cellular support
🍇 Dried cranberries – Provide natural sweetness and antioxidants
🌰 Walnuts – Full of brain-boosting omega-3s and healthy fats
🧀 Feta – Adds calcium and a salty, creamy contrast to balance the dish
🫒 Olive oil – Supports heart health and enhances absorption of fat-soluble nutrients

👩🍳 Serves: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 50–55 minutes

🥣 Ingredients:
2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
1 cup cooked quinoa
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup walnuts, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

🍽️ Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Brush the inside of each acorn squash half with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Place squash halves, cut side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 30–40 minutes until tender and golden around the edges.

4. While squash is roasting, cook quinoa if not already prepared.

5. Once ready, stir in cranberries, chopped walnuts, and spinach while warm to slightly wilt the greens.

6. Flip the roasted squash cut side up. Spoon quinoa mixture generously into each half.

7. Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve warm. Optional: drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze for extra flavor!

This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, and easily adaptable—use goat cheese, omit nuts for allergies, or swap spinach for kale. It’s colorful, comforting, and perfect for your seasonal table.

🥄 Nutrition (Per Serving Approximate):
Calories: 360
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 38g
Fiber: 7g
Net Carbs: 31g