There is something truly magical about the combination of tender Delicata squash and crisp-tender broccolini, all brought together with the smoky, vibrant flavors of Romesco sauce. This Delicata Squash and Broccolini with Romesco Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both elegant and effortless, boasting warm autumn colors and a balance of textures that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a perfect way to showcase seasonal produce with a Spanish-inspired twist that can easily become a beloved centerpiece on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white cloth on a white marbled table holds a bunch of broccolini with dark green stems and small green buds on the top right, next to a delicata squash with yellow skin and green stripes lying horizontally in the center. To the left, there is a small glass bowl filled with bright red-orange romesco sauce with a textured surface. Below it, a small round white bowl with scalloped edges contains white kosher salt and black pepper in two small piles. Near the bottom left is a small white bowl filled with sliced almonds in various shades of beige and brown, and next to it is a tiny copper bowl holding golden olive oil. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in making the dish pop with flavor and texture. From the naturally sweet and tender delicata squash to the fresh snap of broccolini, every component complements the others perfectly.

12 oz delicata squash: Choose a medium-sized squash for tender slices that roast evenly with a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
12 oz broccolini: Trimmed and crisp-tender, broccolini adds a delightful crunch and vibrant green color.
2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil): This helps roast the veggies to golden perfection and enhances their natural flavors.
1 tsp kosher salt: To season perfectly during roasting and bring out the best in every bite.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
28 g (¼ cup) sliced almonds: Toasted for a satisfying crunch and mild nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the squash.
370 g (1 ½ cup) Romesco Sauce*: The star sauce of the dish—smoky, tangy, and packed with flavor, binding everything together.
Optional: Flaky sea salt: For a finishing touch that adds texture and a burst of briny contrast.

How to Make Delicata Squash and Broccolini with Romesco Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 400° Fahrenheit (205° Celcius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your veggies roast without sticking and to simplify cleanup. This sets the stage for perfectly roasted delicata squash and broccolini.

Step 2: Prep the Squash

Trim off the ends of the delicata squash and slice it lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits. Then slice the flesh into half-moons about ¼ inch thick. These uniform pieces will roast evenly and develop just the right caramelized edges.

Step 3: Roast the Squash

Arrange the squash slices evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with half of the kosher salt and black pepper. Roast them for 20 minutes — this first phase softens the squash and gets it started on browning beautifully.

Step 4: Add Broccolini

After 20 minutes, pull the pan from the oven and slide the squash to one side. On the other side, place the broccolini, drizzle with the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with the rest of the salt and a bit more pepper. Roast for another 20 minutes until the broccolini is crisp-tender and the delicata squash is golden and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Toast Almonds

While the veggies roast, toast your sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir often and watch closely, as almonds go from fragrant to burnt quickly. You’ll want a lovely golden color and nutty aroma. Set them aside once toasted to prevent overcooking.

Step 6: Assemble

Now for the fun part. Spread the Romesco sauce generously on a serving platter. Arrange your warm roasted delicata squash and broccolini on top. Sprinkle everything with the toasted almonds and finish with a few flakes of sea salt and a little black pepper. The colors, textures, and flavors here are simply stunning.

How to Serve Delicata Squash and Broccolini with Romesco Sauce Recipe

The image shows a baking tray lined with parchment paper on a wooden table. On the tray, there are two sections: one with bright green broccolini stalks with small clusters of florets, neatly arranged in a bunch towards the top half, and the other section has multiple crescent-shaped slices of roasted golden-yellow delicata squash, some with a light sprinkle of dark seasoning, spread out in small groups covering the bottom half. The overall look shows fresh and cooked textures side by side on the tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few finishing touches makes this dish shine. Besides toasted almonds and flaky sea salt, a little fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon can brighten up the deep smoky flavors of the Romesco sauce. If you love a touch of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes works beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Delicata Squash and Broccolini with Romesco Sauce Recipe is versatile enough to be a show-stopping side or a hearty appetizer. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted pork, or seared fish for a balanced meal. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread that you can dip into any extra Romesco sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your presentation, serve the vegetables over a bed of creamy polenta or fluffy quinoa. For a party, arrange the components on a large wooden board with additional roasted nuts and fresh herbs so everyone can build their own bites. The vibrancy of the roasted delicata and broccolini against the red Romesco sauce will totally wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover delicata squash and broccolini with Romesco sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the Romesco sauce separate if possible to maintain freshness and prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Freezing

While the roasted vegetables can be frozen, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, keep the veggies and sauce in separate containers. Freeze for up to 1 month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, place the vegetables on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350° Fahrenheit oven until heated through, which keeps their texture intact better than microwaving. Add a fresh drizzle of Romesco sauce or a sprinkle of toasted almonds when serving to refresh their flavor and crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of squash instead of delicata?

Absolutely! While delicata squash is wonderfully sweet and cooks quickly, you can substitute butternut or acorn squash. Just adjust roasting times as needed because those tend to be denser and may take longer to soften.

Is broccolini interchangeable with broccoli?

Yes, broccoli works well as a substitute, but broccolini’s thinner stalks and tender florets roast faster and provide a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor that complements the delicata squash perfectly.

Can I make the Romesco sauce from scratch?

Definitely! Traditional Romesco sauce is made from roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, blended into a smoky, tangy sauce. Making your own allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking and makes the dish even more special.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this entire dish is vegan-friendly, using just plant-based ingredients. It’s a wonderful, vibrant option for vegan meals or to add more veggies to your rotation.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp, unoaked white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully, balancing the smoky richness of the Romesco and the natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Delicata Squash and Broccolini with Romesco Sauce Recipe, it’s likely to become a go-to anytime you want something flavorful, comforting, and effortlessly elegant. Roasting the squash and broccolini brings out their best, and the Romesco sauce adds a unique, unforgettable punch. Share it with friends or savor it yourself — either way, it’s a dish that invites you to relax, enjoy, and celebrate simple seasonal goodness.