Roasted Acorn Squash with Arugula Pesto and Pomegranate

Since we are shopping majorly last minute for Christmas this year, the first part of this week, we’ve had UPS come to our door at least three times with numerous boxes from our online orders. Every year Jason and I try and see if we can successfully make it another year without having to step foot in a store for Christmas shopping. So far, we’ve succeeded. It’s a fun game to play and a bit of a challenge to try to think outside the box of gift-giving. Like, what can you gift someone that you won’t have to go into a store to look at? Tricky tricky!

Are you done Christmas shopping or are you going to power through and do it all this weekend? Our mall used to be open until late..like midnight during holiday hours, but I think retailers are starting to think that’s a dumb idea for themselves and also store employees so now it’s just regular store hours throughout the holidays. I remember we used to go at 10pm when all the parents are already home with their sleeping kids and we’d pretty much have the entire mall to ourselves to do Christmas shopping. It was really nice lol..no dealing with crowds and driving endless loops for a parking spot.

This recipe for roasted acorn squash with arugula pesto and pomegranate was inspired by our recent trip to LA. When we were there ove Thanksgiving, we went to Gjelina for dinner one night and they had this kombocha squash dish that we ordered and fell in love with. I couldn’t find kombocha squash at our grocery store so acorn squash will have to do. I loved how it turned out. The garlicky arugula pesto on top of the sweet squash and you’d get a burst of pomegranate seeds every now and then in your bite. It is the perfect appetizer or side dish!

Did you notice the fun color scheme? It’s so Christmas!! The shape of the acorn squash look like wreaths, too! You’ll love this recipe and so will your guests! It’s a great side dish to accompany any holiday meal…and an even better way to sneak in veggies!

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Roasted Acorn Squash with Arugula Pesto and Pomegranate

Roasted acorn squash with arugula pesto and pomegranate is a great side dish addition to any meal! 

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Author: Julie Chiou

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 inch large acorn squash, washed and sliced into half moons, about 1/4- in thickness (leave the outer skin on)
• ▢ Olive oil
• ▢ Salt and pepper
• ▢ 1 recipe for arugula pesto
• ▢ Pomegranate seeds

Instructions

• ▢
  Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• ▢
  Spread out sliced acorn squash onto a large baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top then toss to coat.
• ▢
  Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until squash is tender and softened.
• ▢
  While the squash is still warm, place pesto on top the squash and sprinkle pomegranate seeds all over.
• ▢
  Serve warm.

Notes

You will have leftover arugula pesto. Here are some recipes you can use it in:
Arugula Pesto Pasta with Goat Cheese, Arugula Walnut Pesto Sundried Tomato Pasta