If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your butternut squash soup, you’ve come to the right place!
We have 15 delicious side dishes that will bring out all of the flavors and warmth from this delightful autumn flavor staple.
But beware – it won’t be an easy choice with so many tasty recipes inspired by classic global cuisines.
Whether you love the ease of Asian-inspired favorites such as Brussels Sprouts Slaw, or crave Italian goodness like Roasted Garlic Breadsticks, there are plenty of options for even the pickiest eaters.
So let’s dive into these sides—it only gets tastier from here!
What to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup? 15 Side Dishes to Try
1. Pecan Crusted Salmon
Pecan-crusted salmon is a delicious, healthy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal.
The salmon is covered in a pecan crust and then baked.
The result is a flaky, moist piece of fish that is full of flavor.
The taste and texture of the salmon are amazing.
The pecans provide a crunchy contrast to the softness of the fish.
The salmon itself is very moist and flaky.
The flavors of the pecans, lemon, and thyme all come together perfectly.
There are a few tips that will help you elevate this dish even further.
First, use fresh salmon if possible.
Fresh salmon will have a better flavor than frozen salmon.
Second, cook the salmon on a bed of lemon slices.
This will infuse the fish with even more flavor.
Third, use thyme sprigs instead of dried thyme for garnish.
This will give the dish a beautiful presentation and an extra boost of flavor.
2. Stuffed Acorn Squash
Butternut squash soup is a delicious and healthy option for a winter meal.
This particular recipe is made with acorn squash, which gives it a unique flavor and texture.
The soup is also stuffed with a variety of healthy ingredients, making it a filling and satisfying dish.
If you’re looking for a new recipe to try this winter, consider making stuffed acorn squash soup.
The taste and texture of the soup will depend on the type of squash you use.
Acorn squash has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory ingredients in the soup.
The squash is also very dense, so it gives the soup a thick and creamy consistency.
If you’re looking for a lighter soup, you could try using another type of squash.
If you’re looking for ways to elevate the dish, there are several options.
First, you could top the soup with crumbled bacon or crispy fried onions.
You could also add some chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary.
Finally, if you want a bit of sweetness in your soup, you could add a dollop of honey or maple syrup before serving.
3. Green Beans with Almonds
What’s not to love about green beans? They’re crisp, slightly nutty, and pair well with a variety of dishes.
And when you add in the richness of almonds, you have a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.
But how can you elevate this humble dish? Here are a few ideas.
For starters, try blanching the green beans.
This will give them a bright green color and help to preserve their crunch.
You can also experiment with different types of almonds.
Slivered almonds will add a delicate crunch, while chopped almonds will give the dish a more robust flavor.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with other seasonings.
A touch of lemon juice or garlic can really take the dish to the next level.
4. Kale Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
If you’re looking for a new, healthier salad to add to your repertoire, look no further than this kale salad with cranberries and pecans.
Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green that’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
Cranberries are tart and juicy, while pecans add a crunchy, nutty element to the dish.
As far as taste and texture go, this salad is hearty and satisfying without being too heavy.
The kale holds up well to the other ingredients, so you won’t end up with soggy leaves.
And the cranberries and pecans provide plenty of interest and flavor.
To take this salad to the next level, consider adding some crumbled goat cheese or shaved Parmesan cheese.
A drizzle of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice would also be delicious.
For extra crunch, toss in some chopped roasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
5. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
This quinoa salad with roasted sweet potatoes is a great dish for any time of day.
It’s packed with flavor and has a great texture.
The quinoa is fluffy, and the sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted.
This dish is also healthy and filling.
If you’re looking for a new recipe to try, this is it.
The best part about this dish is that it can be easily elevated.
If you want to make it more filling, you can add some grilled chicken or shrimp.
If you’re looking for more of a vegetarian option, you could add some crumbled feta cheese or avocado.
You could also spice it up with some hot sauce or Sriracha.
However you decide to eat it, this dish is sure to please.
6. Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut squash risotto is a creamy, dreamy dish that’s perfect for fall.
The butternut squash adds a lovely sweetness and creaminess to the dish, while the risotto rice provides a hearty, filling base.
This dish is sure to please everyone at your table.
When it comes to taste and texture, butternut squash risotto is definitely a winner.
The creamy, dreamy consistency is simply divine, and the flavor is out of this world.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both tasty and elegant, look no further than butternut squash risotto.
If you’re considering trying butternut squash risotto, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, be sure to use good-quality risotto rice.
Second, cook the rice until it’s just al dente – you don’t want it to be too mushy.
Finally, add plenty of Parmesan cheese – it really makes the dish.
- Top it with fried sage leaves for a bit of crunch.
- Stir in some cooked pancetta or bacon for extra flavor.
- Serve it with a simple green salad on the side.
- Add a dollop of mascarpone cheese on top before serving.
7. Mandarin Broccoli Salad
Looking for a unique and tasty way to spruce up your next salad? Look no further than mandarin broccoli salad.
This dish is packed with flavor and texture and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
The first thing you’ll notice about mandarin broccoli salad is its unique taste.
The combination of sweet mandarin oranges and savory broccoli is truly something special.
And the best part is, this dish is super easy to make.
Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, and you’re good to go.
8. Shaved Fennel Salad
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful salad to add to your repertoire, look no further than this shaved fennel salad.
Fennel has a subtle anise flavor that is perfectly complemented by the other ingredients in this dish.
The salad also has a nice mix of textures, with the crunch of the fennel and radishes offset by the creaminess of the avocado.
This recipe is perfect if you’re looking to add more variety to your salads.
It’s also a great way to get some extra Crunchy vegetables into your diet.
Here are a few tips to make this dish even better:
- Add a protein: To make this dish into a complete meal, add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Use a mandoline: If you have one, use it to thinly slice the fennel and radishes. This will give you nice, even slices that will be easy to eat.
- Dress it up: A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper is all you need to bring out the flavors in this salad. But feel free to experiment with other dressings, such as balsamic vinegar or ranch dressing.
9. Zucchini Panzanella Salad
This Zucchini Panzanella Salad is the perfect summer dish.
Click here to preview your posts with PRO themes ››
It’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor.
The best part about this salad is that it can be made in less than 30 minutes.
The salad is made with zucchini, tomatoes, red onion, fresh basil, and a simple vinaigrette.
The zucchini and tomatoes are the perfect combinations of sweet and acidic, while the red onion adds a nice crunch.
The fresh basil brings all of the flavors together.
- Use fresh ingredients: This salad is all about using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Make sure to use ripe tomatoes and zucchini that are in season.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: You want the vegetables to be slightly cooked but still crisp. Avoid overcooking them, so they don’t get mushy.
- Add some protein: This salad would be great with some grilled chicken or shrimp. Adding protein will make it a complete meal.
- Let it sit: Once you’ve made the salad, let it sit for at least 10 minutes, so the flavors have time to meld together.
10. Apple Sausage Salad with Cinnamon Vinaigrette
This Apple Sausage Salad with Cinnamon Vinaigrette is a great dish to serve as a side or main course.
The salad has a variety of textures and flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table.
The sweetness of the apples, the savory sausage, and the tangy vinaigrette all come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish.
The salad is also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for lunch or dinner.
The apples provide fiber and vitamins A and C, while the sausage is a good source of protein.
The vinaigrette is made with olive oil, which is high in healthy fats.
- Add some chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Try using different types of apples for different flavors.
- Substitute the sausage for chicken or tofu if you’re looking for a lighter option.
- Add some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for a salty contrast.
11. Grilled Apple Tossed Salad
One of the best things about fall is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.
This time of year, there are so many delicious options to choose from when it comes to salads.
If you’re looking for something a little different, why not try a grilled apple tossed salad?
The sweetness of the grilled apples pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the other ingredients in the salad.
The texture of the apples also adds a nice contrast to the crunch of the greens and the creaminess of the cheese.
If you’re thinking about trying this recipe, there are a few things you can do to elevate it.
First, try using a variety of different apples to get a mix of flavors.
Second, use good quality cheese that will really complement the other ingredients.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of greens; arugula or spinach would be great options.
12. Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is the perfect summer dish.
The sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing, and the poppy seeds add a nice crunch.
This dish is also incredibly easy to make – all you need is a handful of ingredients, and you’re good to go.
One of the best things about this salad is that it’s so versatile.
If you’re not a fan of poppy seeds, you can easily omit them from the recipe.
And if you want to add a bit more protein to the dish, you can always top it with some grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If they’re not in season, you can always use frozen strawberries instead. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the salad.
- Add some thinly sliced red onion for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
- Swap out the white sugar for brown sugar in the dressing for a deeper flavor.
13. Blueberry Romaine Salad
This Blueberry Romaine Salad is a great way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round.
The sweetness of the blueberries pairs perfectly with the crispness of the romaine, and the addition of crumbled feta Cheese takes it to the next level.
If you’re looking for a salad that’s packed with flavor, this is the one for you.
The blueberries add a sweetness that’s offset by the tartness of the feta, and the romaine provides a nice crunch.
This dish is also incredibly easy to make, which is always a bonus.
- Add some chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Substitute balsamic vinegar for the lemon juice.
- Try using goat cheese instead of feta.
14. Kale Chips
Have you ever tried kale chips? They are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional potato chips.
Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green vegetable that is packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
When kale is baked or fried, it takes on a crispy texture that makes it perfect for snacking.
Kale chips are a great way to satisfy your cravings for something crunchy and salty without resorting to unhealthy junk food.
They are also much lower in calories than potato chips.
One serving of kale chips has only about 120 calories, compared to the more than 150 calories in a serving of potato chips.
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your kale chip recipe, try adding some spices or dipping them in a flavorful sauce.
For a spicy kick, try sprinkling on some chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Or, for a sweeter flavor, try dipping the kale chips in honey or chocolate sauce.
15. Wild Rice Pilaf with Sauteed Mushrooms
If you’re in the mood for something earthy and comforting, this wild rice pilaf with sauteed mushrooms is the perfect dish.
The rice is cooked in a flavorful broth and then mixed with sauteed mushrooms, onions, and garlic.
The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day.
The wild rice gives the pilaf a chewy texture that’s complemented by the softer mushrooms.
The dish is also packed with flavor thanks to the addition of onion and garlic.
If you’re looking for a way to elevate this dish, consider adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Both would add a nice crunch and sweetness to the pilaf.
So why not give this wild rice pilaf a try? It’s sure to satisfy your hunger while warming you up on a cold day.
And if you’re looking for ways to make it even more delicious, don’t forget the chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have listed some great recipes that go great with butternut squash soup.
We hope you found this post helpful and that you’ll try some of these recipes out.
Let us know how they turned out for you and if you have any other suggestions for what to serve with butternut squash soup.
As always, happy cooking.
What to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup? 15 Side Dishes to Try
Ingredients
- 1. Pecan Crusted Salmon
- 2. Stuffed Acorn Squash
- 3. Green Beans with Almonds
- 4. Kale Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
- 5. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 6. Butternut Squash Risotto
- 7. Mandarin Broccoli Salad
- 8. Shaved Fennel Salad
- 9. Zucchini Panzanella Salad
- 10. Apple Sausage Salad with Cinnamon Vinaigrette
- 11. Grilled Apple Tossed Salad
- 12. Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- 13. Blueberry Romaine Salad
- 14. Kale Chips
- 15. Wild Rice Pilaf with Sauteed Mushrooms
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!