Sharon Palmer RD

Published on November 9, 2025

Easy Roasted Butternut Squash with Figs and Pistachios (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Celebrate the cozy flavors of the season with this Roasted Butternut Squash with Figs, Dates, and Pistachios—a simple yet elegant dish that captures the essence of fall. Sweet, caramelized roasted squash pairs beautifully with chewy dates, juicy figs, and the crunch of toasted pistachios for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, this recipe is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened, making it as nourishing as it is delicious. Serve it warm as a stunning side dish or light main for your fall and winter gatherings, and let seasonal produce shine in every bite.

Winter squash recipes are hearty, delicious, and comforting in the cooler months. I love to serve roasted butternut squash for holidays, potlucks, and simple weekly dinners. This easy recipe also celebrates the beauty of seasonal fruits and nuts, including figs (fresh or dried), dates, and pistachios. The moment you find squash in season, start enjoying them in the kitchen. With only 7 ingredients (not including pantry items), this vegetable side-dish is very easy to prepare. While it’s baking, prepare the rest of your meal so that dinner is on the table in under 45 minutes. I like to serve this Roasted Butternut Squash with Figs and Pistachios with lentil patties, and a crisp green salad. I love to prepare this squash side dish for holiday dinners, as it is so festive and colorful. If you have leftover roasted squash, use it in a recipe, such as my Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Hazelnuts and Butternut Squash Kale Barley Salad. Don’t squander the season—do butternut squash as often as you can!

Squash Nutrition

Winter squash are packed with powerful health benefits, too. The nutrient profile of squash—rich in carotenoids and fiber—makes them particularly potent health defenders. Studies show that these colorful squash have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent chronic diseases.

How to Cook with Butternut Squash

The best part is that winter squash are delicious and so easy to prepare! All you have to do is slice the squash open, scoop out the seeds, season it, and place it in the oven to roast until it is tender and golden, as I have done in this recipe.

How to Cut Butternut Squash

I get a lot of questions about how to cut butternut squash, as the peel is so tough, and the flesh is very firm. While you can use a sharp knife with force and slice a butternut squash open horizontally, you can get the job done a little easier by microwaving the squash for a few minutes before cutting into it. This softens the outer peel, which makes slicing easier. You’ll find the knife just glides through. Once you cut it in half and scoop out the seeds, then you can choose to cut the squash into smaller pieces or even peel it, according to your recipe.

How to Peel a Butternut Squash

Once you have sliced the butternut squash in half, scooped out the seeds, and sectioned it into smaller pieces, you can choose to peel it, depending on your recipe. I recommend softening the squash by microwaving it for a few minutes, and then using a small sharp knife and caution to peel it. Another easy way to peel squash is to roast it (as this recipe calls for) and then simply scoop out the tender flesh with a spoon. This works well for recipes that call for soft cooked squash.

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