An easy and delicious recipe by Giada is this Citrus-Chile Acorn Squash that you can prepare quickly for a healthy side dish, made with acorn squash, olive oil, Parmesan, orange juice, and Calabrian chile paste. This flavorful Citrus-Chile Acorn Squash recipe makes a great side dish or appetizer that takes about 35 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Recipe Ingredients

• 2 small acorn squash, halved, seeds scooped out, and sliced ¼ inch thick
• ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice (from ½ large orange)
• ¼ teaspoon of Calabrian chile paste or crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped

How To Make Giada Citrus-Chile Acorn Squash

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 475°F. Position the rack in the upper third of the oven, and while it heats, place a rimmed baking sheet inside to get hot.
2. Prepare the Squash: In a large bowl, toss the acorn squash slices with the extra-virgin olive oil, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt. Make sure each piece of squash is coated evenly for consistent flavor and roasting.
3. Roast the Squash: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and spread the seasoned squash slices evenly across the sheet. Return the baking sheet to the oven, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the squash slices are tender and fully cooked through.
4. Mix the Dressing: In the same large bowl, whisk together the grated orange zest, fresh orange juice, Calabrian chile paste, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. This citrus-chile dressing will give a fresh, slightly spicy kick to the roasted squash.
5. Finish and Serve: Once the squash is done roasting, transfer the warm slices back to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss them to coat without breaking the slices. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the squash, and serve it immediately for the best flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Add Some Crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped roasted almonds over the finished squash before serving. It adds a delightful crunch to the tender roasted squash slices.
• Use Lemon Instead of Orange: If you don’t have an orange on hand, you can use fresh lemon juice and zest. It will bring a slightly sharper tang to the dish without overpowering the flavors.
• Switch the Cheese: For a creamier finish, swap Parmesan with crumbled goat cheese or feta. These cheeses add a milder, creamy element that complements the zesty and spicy notes in the recipe.
• Experiment with Herbs: Substitute fresh basil with chopped cilantro or parsley to change the herb profile. Cilantro gives a more citrusy flavor, while parsley provides a fresh and clean taste.
• Make It a Full Meal: Turn this side dish into a complete meal by serving it over a bed of quinoa or farro. The grains absorb the citrus-chile dressing, adding heartiness to the dish.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Roasted Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto
• Giada Swiss Chard Rolls
• Giada De Laurentiis Stuffed Tomatoes