Delicata Squash Tacos with Quick Pickled Onions
Tacos are easy on the home cook. You can put practically anything in a warm tortilla, add a few condiments, and call it a meal. I should know, since I do this for breakfast, lunch, and often supper, at least a few times a week. Such is the case with these Roasted Delicata Squash Tacos. Slice a couple of flavorful squash into half moons, roast them in a hot oven, and serve them with the fixings of your choice. Do up a quick pickled onion and you’ve got a tasty counterpoint to the sweet squash.
What is Delicata Squash?
Delicata is a variety of winter squash that is relatively small with a sweet, delicious flesh and thin skin. It is my favorite roasting squash. Because of its small size, it cooks more quickly than many other varieties. And the skin is tender enough to eat (translation: more fiber, no waste). If you can’t get your hands on delicata, feel free to use acorn squash for these tacos.
Healthy Vegetarian Tacos
The upside of a supper like this isn’t just that it’s easy and tasty, but also super nourishing. Corn tortillas are whole grain, winter squash of every stripe is packed with vitamin A and other nutrients, and if you’ve read this post or this one, you know eating less meat — the standard taco filling — makes good sense for health, the environment, and the wallet.
I like to serve these with a bowl of black or pinto beans on the side. If you don’t have time to make your own, open a can or box, add a squeeze of lime and a few dashes of cumin, and heat them on the stove.
If you like Delicata Squash Tacos, you might like:
Roasted Delicata with Maple Syrup and Thyme
Arugula Salad with Delicata Squash and Pomegranate
Cinnamon Roasted Squash by Weelicious
Delicata Squash and Apple Salad by Pamela Salzman
Delicata Squash Tacos with Quick Pickled Onions
Ingredients
- 2 delicata squash
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt , plus more to season the squash
- Chili powder
- 1/3 cup white , apple cider, or white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 small red onion; thinly sliced
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 1/3 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salsa and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
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Cut the squash crosswise into 1/4-inch thick half moons (no need to peel).
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Put the squash in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Use your hands to toss the squash and oil together. Distribute the squash over the 2 bakings sheets so that it doesn't overlap too much.
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Lightly sprinkle salt and chili powder over the squash.
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Roast until tender and lighly browned, 20 to 25 minutes.
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While the squash roasts, make the pickled onion by mixing the vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and sugar in a medium bowl until the salt and sugar dissolve. Add the onion and toss well in the vinegar (I use my hands for this). Leave it to macerate, tossing it occasionally.
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When the squash is done, remove from oven and transfer to a plate.
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Drain off the pickling juice from the onions.
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Heat the tortillas and serve with the squash, cotija, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, and limes at the table
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Everyone can assemble their own tacos with favorite toppings.
Comments
11.02.2015 at6:52 AM #
Tawnie Kroll
mmm perfect for Fall!
11.02.2015 at6:58 AM #
Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
Great minds think alike! I just made a delicata squash recipe too. I’ve never tried them in tacos.. what a creative idea!
11.02.2015 at6:58 AM #
Katie Morford
Just pinned yours. It’s gorgeous. The squash is excellent roasted for tacos…maybe with a side of your salad 🙂
11.02.2015 at11:40 AM #
Monica
Your tortillas looks very nice… Do you have a favorite brand? Or is it just that you’ve charred them for photo shoot perfection?
11.02.2015 at11:40 AM #
Katie Morford
My favorite is to go to the Mexicatessen on 24th and Florida, but that doesn’t help folks like you who don’t live in SF. I think La Tortilla Factory makes a good, handmade-like tortilla. They also have an organic option as well. Don’t know if those are available where you live. Charring is key, however 🙂
11.02.2015 at12:19 PM #
Allie
These look fantastic and I love the vibrant colors. This is a great meal for meatless Monday
11.02.2015 at12:19 PM #
Katie Morford
Thanks Allie. I know they say looks don’t matter, but when it comes to food, I’d have to disagree 🙂
11.02.2015 at12:30 PM #
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
Such a delicious flavor combination and gorgeous too! Can’t wait to try it!
11.02.2015 at12:30 PM #
Katie Morford
Hope you and the family like them!
11.12.2015 at5:29 PM #
Sonali- The Foodie Physician
These look awesome- beautiful colors! I loved pickled onions and the whole combination of flavors you have going on here sounds absolutely delish!
11.12.2015 at5:29 PM #
Katie Morford
I love traditional tacos, but it’s fun to play with non-traditional ingredients. Thanks for chiming in.
11.20.2017 at6:57 PM #
Amanda
I am ashamed to say I had never heard of delicata squash until my best friend, a chef, told me about it 2 weeks ago. I immediately looked up recipes, and since we are vegetarians who love anything you can wrap in a tortilla, chose this taco recipe. In 2 weeks we have had it 5 times. Best tasting squash/meal I have ever had! I added avocodo, mixed baby greens, cherry tomatoes, spoonful of pintos, and because of the flavor of this sweet squash: Mango Peach Salsa! Wonderful!
11.20.2017 at6:57 PM #
Katie Morford
5 times in 2 weeks is about as good an endorsement as I could ask for. So glad you like it. Mango peach salsa sounds delicious.
08.09.2019 at9:38 PM #
Jules
Costco Warehouse sells raw flour tortillas that you individually cook and have a long expiration life
08.09.2019 at9:38 PM #
Katie Morford
Wow. That sounds great. Thanks for passing along the tip.
09.02.2020 at3:51 PM #
Cristina Montesinos
This is fantastic! Thanks!
09.02.2020 at3:51 PM #
Katie Morford
I’m so glad you like this one!
01.04.2021 at6:59 PM #
Lisa P
This is my absolutely favorite recipe and I omit the oil!
01.04.2021 at6:59 PM #
Katie Morford
Oh great! One of my favorites, too.
09.23.2021 at5:00 PM #
Maureen
My favorite! These are amazing!! Thank you, and keeps me on track with WW to maintain my 60lb weight loss. My favorite meal this time of year, so tasty!
11.18.2021 at8:22 PM #
Tory
Just made this for my fam tonight with a side of Mexican black beans… was a big hit! We all agreed we would have again – thanks for the gorgeous recipe 🙂
11.18.2021 at8:22 PM #
Katie Morford
Yay! So glad to hear that. It’s always a win when everyone agrees!
01.07.2022 at12:39 PM #
Laura
This recipe is a few years old but I make these ALL the time. Perfect for a quick lunch.
01.07.2022 at12:39 PM #
Katie Morford
Yay! I love this one, too! I often make a bigger batch of the squash, since it is excellent for snacking, too.
03.24.2022 at10:49 AM #
Jeanne
Loved this easy and delicious recipe. We love Delicata squash and this was an easy way to use it. Plus the pickled onions were delicious. We used fresh blue corn tortillas which complimented the sweetness of the squash.
Thanks for this!
03.24.2022 at10:49 AM #
Katie Morford
Fresh blue corn tortillas sound perfect. Glad you enjoyed the recipe!