Fall is practically synonymous with pumpkin – lucky for us, it also has plenty of nutritional benefits, but we usually just favor the sugar-laden, processed ones that look tantalizing in bakery windows and billboards. Here are the tastiest pumpkin recipes to nourish you all through autumn and winter.
1. Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins
Bake a batch of these gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian pumpkin oatmeal muffins for the easiest breakfast meal prep ever. Perfect for on the go breakfasts where you want that muffin as comfort food, without the extra love handle inches.
2. Skinny Pumpkin Frappuccino
One of the best parts of September rolling around is all the autumn beverages that come back into rotation, especially at our PSL mainstay, Starbucks. Cut the calories and refined sugar by making the DIY pumpkin spice Frappuccino instead.
3. Pumpkin-Banana Bars
These might taste decadent, but thanks to dairy free cream cheese, yogurt, and bananas, you can have a moist and delicious cake that tastes like a coffeeshop guilty pleasure, but without all of those processed consequences.
4. Pumpkin No-bake Energy Bites
Throw away all your energy bars, because these little energy balls are filled with pumpkin and granola goodness that’s sure to get you through the worst Monday slump. It can be thrown in yogurt for breakfast, made a dessert with grilled peaches and whipped cream, or act as a lunch break snack.
5. Mild Meatball Pumpkin Curry
No, pumpkin is not just for dessert – this is an equal opportunity seasonal ingredient that we’re obsessed with in a mild meatball pumpkin curry interpretation. It might sound like a lot of words that don’t go together, but just trust us on this one.
6. Pumpkin and Kale Lasagna Roll-Ups
Nothing ushers in cool weather better than a steaming pan of lasagna, topped with gooey cheese. This roll-up version is guilt-free thanks to pumpkin and kale but still tastes just like mom’s classic recipe.
7. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
For those who are overwhelmed by the thought of a PSL frappuccino, a pumpkin pie smoothie might seem more your speed. It’s nutritious and still has that tropical essence of a smoothie thanks to the addition of coconut milk and banana. This is a fusion dessert or beverage that’s versatile for everything.
8. Pumpkin Carrot Soup With Coconut Milk
Butternut squash is so last year. This time around, stay warm with a surprising but tasty blend of pumpkin, carrot, and coconut soup. In our opinion it pairs perfectly with a vegan grilled cheese! Add in a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess before you blend.
9. Pumpkin Pie Roasted Almonds
This isn’t so much a full recipe as it is an add-on or perfect finisher to the ultimate trail mix. With agave, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, you can have the perfect coated almonds that usually cost a hefty price at the store.
10. Pumpkin Spaghetti
We’ve all heard of zoodles, but what about poodles? No, not the fluffy dog, the noodles fashioned out of peeled pumpkin. Raw pumpkin is filled with beta-carotene, and has the perfect mild but savory taste to pair with cream butternut squash, herbs, butter and garlic.
11. Yellow Chickpea Pumpkin Curry with Coconut Brown Rice
What better way to recreate curry than with a chickpea pumpkin rendition? Completed with coconut brown rice, this dish is bursting with flavour but healthier than any takeout meal that you could order.
12. Pumpkin Pancakes
There’s nothing more satisfying than some fresh Aunt Jemima pancakes. Instant mix might be fluffy and satisfying in the moment, but is it worth the bloat later on? Instead, try the naturally pumpkin infused pancakes which are gluten-free and lighter than air.