Cuisine: Squash

Maple-and-Bacon Fall Chopped Salad

I am desperate for Autumn to arrive here in Los Angeles, but the forecast of 100° F+ for the next week is putting a damper on it. I made this Maple-and-Bacon Fall Chopped Salad to get into the spirit of fall. It has roasted butternut squash, bacon, walnuts, Honeycrisp apple, extra sharp cheddar, and kale. The maple vinaigrette ties it all together.

By Leslie Blythe

Apple Cider Risotto with Bacon and Butternut Squash

This Apple Cider Risotto with Bacon and Butternut Squash is the epitome of fall. The sweet butternut squash marries perfectly with tart granny smith apple and the bacon drippings coat the rice, which gives it a smokey flavor. Half the roasted butternut and apple mixture gets puréed and stirred into the risotto (the other half is reserved for topping). Finally, a hefty amount of Parmesan and a little butter at the end are stirred in for even more umami and to make the risotto nicely glossy and extra creamy. The dish is finished with the reserved chunks of roasted squash and apple, and the crumbled crisp bacon, making it a perfect, savory-sweet, and comforting fall meal.

By Leslie Blythe

Ritz Zucchini Cheddar Casserole

Since I am originally from Indiana, I can't resist a cheesy casserole. This Cheesy Zucchini Cheddar Casserole is the ultimate comforting side! It's packed with zucchini and onions in a rich, creamy, and, you guessed it, cheesy sauce, all topped with buttery, crunchy crackers. It's a simple, warm, and delicious dish that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

By Leslie Blythe

Parmesan Zucchini Rings

Get ready for a snack revelation! These Parmesan Zucchini Rings offers crunch and savory flavor. Each slice of fresh zucchini is generously coated in Parmesan cheese, baking up into a wonderfully crispy, golden crust. They're not just delicious, they're also gluten-free and low-carb, making them the perfect smart snack solution.

There is zero waste here because the zucchini centers become a dip. They are sautéed until tender, then blended with bright lemon, milk, and spices and pulsed until smooth.

By Leslie Blythe

Salmon with Zucchini and Corn Cream Sauce

Enjoy this Salmon with Zucchini and Corn Cream Sauce. it’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests. It's simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for any special occasion.

The salmon gets seared until golden, then you make the sauce by sautéing shallots, garlic, fresh thyme, red pepper, zucchini and corn. Then whisk some heavy cream and Dijon mustard, add it to the vegetables along with some white wine and let it reduce a bit and finish the sauce with a bit of butter, lemon juice and zest. You can either spoon the sauce over the salmon or pour it on a plate and top with the salmon.

By Leslie Blythe

Zucchini Orzo Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing

Zucchini Orzo Salad with toasted walnuts, herbs, and a zesty Pepperoncini Dressing is refreshing and flavorful. Pepperoncini peppers are mild, yellow-green chili peppers that are typically pickled. They are tangy, slightly sour, and subtly spicy. It’s a great side dish for a summer barbecue.

By Leslie Blythe

Butternut Squash & Leek Gratin with Gruyère & Sage

Butternut Squash & Leek Gratin with Gruyère & Sage is a delectable and satisfying dish, ideal for the autumn and winter seasons. It’s a comforting fusion of butternut squash, leeks, and Gruyère cheese, baked to golden perfection and finished with crispy sage.

By Leslie Blythe

Maple-and-Bacon Fall Chopped Salad

This Maple-and-Bacon Fall Chopped Salad is a hearty autumnal dish. It’s sweet, salty, savory, and crunchy. This salad is a perfect side dish for a fall dinner or a light lunch. It's also a great way to use up seasonal produce and enjoy the flavors of autumn.

By Leslie Blythe

Mexican Chicken Zucchini Noodles

I am on the east coast at my brother David's house. He made these Mexican Chicken Zucchini Noodles, which is healthy, delicious, low in calories and fat, and high in fiber. This dish is made with zucchini noodles, which are made by spiralizing zucchini into long, thin strips that resemble pasta. The zucchini noodles are then cooked in a skillet with chicken, cumin, and pico de gallo. It's a healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Oh, and it's gluten-free.

By Leslie Blythe

Baked Feta and Tomatoes with Spaghetti Squash

This Baked Feta and Tomatoes, which is a viral TikTok recipe, get stirred up with roasted spaghetti squash. If you are not into eating carbs, this is for you. It's full of flavor. If you want to add more protein, you could use chicken or shrimp.

By Leslie Blythe