Two yellow-orange acorn squash halves are proudly presented on a dark, rustic plate, their round craters stuffed with the red, white, and green speckled quinoa, adorned with a drizzle of creamy, green avocado-cilantro sauce. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds gives a pop of color.

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Tex-Mex Quinoa & Avocado-Cilantro Dressing

Name: Stuffed Acorn Squash with Tex-Mex Quinoa & Avocado-Cilantro Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: acorn squash, 2 halved and seeds removed; quinoa, 1 cup rinsed; black beans, 1 can drained and rinsed; tomatoes, 2 diced; corn kernels, 1 cup fresh; jalapeno peppers, 2 finely chopped; avocado, 1 ripe, pitted and peeled; fresh cilantro, 1 bunch well washed; lime juice, 2 tablespoons; dried oregano, 1 teaspoon; cumin, 1 teaspoon; garlic powder, 1 teaspoon; salt and black pepper, to taste; olive oil, 2 tablespoons

Category Main Course

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 40 minutes

Style Fusion

Technique roasting

Diet Friendly Vegan

Daily Recipe: December 26, 2025

This unique dish is a delightful fusion of Tex-Mex heat and vegan winter comfort. It highlights a hefty dose of hearty vegetables alongside some spicy elements, rounded off with a coat of creamy avocado-cilantro sauce.

Ingredients (for 2)

Acorn squash - 2 - halved and seeds removed
Quinoa - 1 cup - rinsed
Black beans - 1 can - drained and rinsed
Tomatoes - 2 - diced
Corn kernels - 1 cup - fresh
Jalapeno peppers - 2 - finely chopped
Avocado - 1 - ripe, pitted and peeled
Fresh cilantro - 1 bunch - well washed
Lime juice - 2 tablespoons
Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
Cumin - 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder - 1 teaspoon
Salt and black pepper - to taste
Olive oil - 2 tablespoons

Preparation

Step 1 - 🌡️🥄🔥

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the halved acorn squash with a bit of olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and place them cut side down on a baking sheet.
Step 2 - 🍽️⏲️🔥

Roast the acorn squash in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until it is tender.
Step 3 - ⏲️🥣🔥

While the squash is roasting, cook the quinoa as per the instructions on the package.
Step 4 - 🥘🍅🌽

Heat the olive oil in a pan. Add the cooked quinoa, drained black beans, diced tomatoes, fresh corn kernels, finely chopped jalapeño peppers, dried oregano, cumin, garlic powder and salt. Mix well and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Step 5 - 🥑🌿🥣

Prepare the dressing by blending together a ripe avocado, a bunch of fresh cilantro, and two tablespoons of lime juice with a little olive oil. Season with salt to taste.
Step 6 - 🥣😋🍽️

Once the squash is tender, remove it from the oven and fill each cavity with the quinoa mixture. Drizzle the avocado-cilantro dressing over the top and serve warm. For added color and a touch of tantalizing tartness, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

Additional

This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add other kinds of beans or vegetables to the quinoa mixture. If you are not strictly vegan, some crumbled cheese could add an extra layer of flavor. You can also involve children in preparing the dressing or sprinkling the pomegranate seeds on top. Enjoy your vegan Tex-Mex experience!