Fall and Winter Vegetables to Enjoy Besides Pumpkin

Pumpkin may be the star of the show during the fall season and for good reason. It is delicious and chalked full of benefits. Let’s also not forget the homemade pumpkin pie. (Yum!) If you are looking for a change or something different than pumpkin, try some other fall and winter vegetables to enjoy besides pumpkin.

Fall & Winter Vegetables

Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a sweet and savory squash that makes for a great alternative to classic holiday dishes like candied yams. When selecting an acorn squash at your local farmers market or grocery store, pick one that is dull in color and heavy in weight. Avoid any ones with cracks or soft spots.

When preparing the acorn squash, wash the acorn squash in cool water then cut it into ½  inch slices. Place acorn squash slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with avocado oil or a cooking oil of your choice.

If you prefer a savory flavor, add a sprinkle of pink Himalayan salt, but if you prefer something sweet, add a dash of cinnamon. Simply bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes then enjoy as a side dish, perfect for your next holiday gathering with family and friends.

Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts are another delicious fall and winter vegetable to enjoy besides pumpkin. They make for the perfect salad or side dish. A shredded Brussel sprout salad topped with bright red juicy pomegranate seeds makes for a hearty fall salad while roasted brussel sprouts go great with any entree, especially roasted pork tenderloin. (Cue the chef’s kiss). If you prefer a savory and sweet combination, try this recipe for Crispy Bacon Brussel Sprouts, or if you have any extra fall apples lying around the kitchen, try this Irresistible Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts with Roasted Apple recipe.

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is an extremely versatile winter squash. The skin is thin, making it relatively easy to cut. Wonderful when roasted, butternut squash can also be served boiled, pureed, or stuffed. It makes an excellent addition to curries, homemade ravioli, risotto, and stir-fries. Butternut squash can also be substituted for any recipe that calls for pumpkin. Also, remember to keep the seeds, which can be roasted, just like pumpkin seeds. Need some butternut squash recipes for your fall meal prep? Try these:

• Butternut Squash Hash with U.S. Wellness Meats Pre-Cooked Pot Roast

• Crispy Roasted Chicken with Butternut Squash

●     Dominique Fasano’s Butternut Squash & Chicken Soup

●     Butternut Squash, Swiss Chard & Bison Chorizo Hash

Delicata Squash

Delicata squash is oblong in shape, yellow or orange in color and sometimes includes light-colored stripes. Delicata squash tastes like a cross between corn, squash, and a sweet potato. (Talk about a trifecta of flavor).

Their football-like shape gives them the unique ability to hold their shape while cooking, making them an excellent choice for stuffings. You can also enjoy them on their own with a sprinkle of your favorite seasonings. Uncut winter squash should be stored in a paper bag and kept in the refrigerator. When stored properly, winter squash should keep for at least one month.

Potatoes

Potatoes, including sweet potatoes, are some examples of grounding foods that can help you get into the fall spirit. Plus, potatoes are super delicious. They are also incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. They can be air-fried, baked, boiled, cooked, fried, or sauteed. Pick your favorite method of preparation and enjoy with a juicy grilled steak. Need some fall and winter grilling tips? Check out this guide.

Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard is dark leafy greens that have stalks resembling celery stalks. Swiss chard stalks can vary in color and can include green, orange, pink, red, yellow, or can even be rainbow. Swiss Chard should be stored unwashed, in a plastic bag and placed in your refrigerator’s crisper for 2-3 days. This fall leafy green does not last long though, so be sure to use it soon after purchase to get the most nutritional benefit.

Turnips

Turnips are a cruciferous vegetable and can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Peppery in flavor, turnips are perfect for pickling. If you are looking for a mildly sweet taste, select small to medium-sized turnips. Baby turnips are especially sweet and are perfect for eating raw, roasted, or tossed in salads just like radishes, which happen to be another fall veggie. However, they pair beautifully with other fall flavors like apple. Although these vegetables are delicious, they can be difficult to cut so be careful!

Although pumpkin is a seasonal favorite for fall, try something new this season and try these seven fall and winter veggies that are just as good as a pumpkin if not better.

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