This dish is all about contrast — soft, caramelized butternut squash meets cool, tangy Greek yogurt and the smoky heat of salsa macha. A drizzle of honey ties everything together with a touch of sweetness, while pomegranate-glazed pecans bring crunch and a flash of ruby color. It’s a vibrant side that’s as beautiful as it is balanced — the kind of thing that makes people pause mid-bite and say, “Wait, what’s in this?”
Active time: 20 min • Total time: 45 min
~1 Quart
~⅔ cup
4-6
Ingredients
For the Roasted Butternut Squash
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Yogurt Spread
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ Tbsp salsa macha (see note below for where to find my salsa macha!)
- 1 Tbsp honey
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Pomegranate-Glazed Pecans
- ½ cup pecan halves
- 1 Tbsp pomegranate molasses (or honey)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Pinch salt
For Serving
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 Tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped
Sourcing Tips:
- Salsa Macha: You can find my Ensenada Salsa Macha at Boggy Creek Farmstand, our food truck on E. 12th, or order it online. I spent years perfecting its balance of smoky and nutty heat, and I hope you enjoy it!
- Yogurt: Thick, tangy whole-milk yogurt are best, like the ones from Mother Culture and Lira Rossa at Mueller Farmers Market. Avoid low-fat versions, which can get watery.
Instructions
- Roast the Butternut Squash (30 min)
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Spread the squash cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Toss to coat, then roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized around the edges.
- Make the Pomegranate-Glazed Pecans (5 min)
- While the squash roasts, heat a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add pecans, pomegranate molasses (or honey), olive oil, and salt.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until glossy and lightly caramelized.
- Transfer to parchment paper to cool and harden slightly.
- Mix the Yogurt Spread (2 min)
- In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, salsa macha, honey, and sea salt until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust — more salsa macha for heat, more honey for balance.
- Assemble & Serve (5 min)
- Spread the yogurt mixture evenly across a serving platter or individual plates.
- Spoon the warm roasted squash over top.
- Scatter the glazed pecans, pomegranate seeds, and fresh dill.
- Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or light main dish.
Chef Tip: If the edges aren’t browning, crank the heat to 425°F for the last 5 minutes — that’s where the flavor magic happens.
Chef Tip: Keep an eye on them — glazed nuts go from perfect to scorched in seconds.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
- Ideal Temp: Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Ahead Optionality:
- Roast the squash and make the yogurt spread up to 2 days ahead; refrigerate separately.
- Glaze the pecans the day before and store in an airtight container.
- Assemble just before serving for the best contrast in textures and temperatures.
- Best By: Enjoy leftovers within 3 days.
- Surplus Ingredients: Extra yogurt spread? Try it as a dip for roasted carrots or a spread on leftover turkey sandwiches!
- Complementary Menu Ideas: Pairs beautifully with a traditional Thanksgiving turkey, charred Brussels sprouts, or a leafy green salad with citrus vinaigrette.
Did you make this?
Tag @centraltexasthanksgiving and @ensenadatx on Instagram!