Fall cooking never looked (or tasted) this good. Roasted pumpkin with lemon yogurt and pine nuts is the perfect warm-and-cool combination that checks all the flavor boxes. It brings the comfort of slow-roasted seasonal vegetables and the brightness of citrusy yogurt to one beautiful plate.
This dish is surprisingly easy yet feels gourmet, making it a fabulous starter or a light vegetarian main. The sweet caramelized pumpkin balances with tangy lemon yogurt, while crunchy pine nuts add texture and richness. Serve it warm or room temperature, and watch it disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt & Pine Nuts
This recipe hits all the right notes when you’re looking for something nourishing and elegant. It’s cozy but refreshing, hearty yet not heavy. It’s also vegetarian-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and easy to prepare in advance. The ingredients are minimal, but the payoff in flavor is huge.
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, while lemon yogurt adds a creamy acidity that keeps things lively. And that finishing touch of toasted pine nuts? Irresistible.
What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?
You can use any firm-flesh pumpkin or winter squash for this recipe. Sugar pumpkin (also called pie pumpkin) works wonderfully, as do kabocha or butternut squash. Avoid the large carving pumpkins, as they tend to be watery and bland. If you’re short on time, pre-cut pumpkin or squash cubes from the store will save you a prep step.
Ingredients for the Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt & Pine Nuts
Pumpkin is the star of this recipe, so choosing a variety with rich, dense flesh is key. The supporting ingredients add freshness, creaminess, and texture without overwhelming the main act.
- Pumpkin
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Greek yogurt
- Lemon zest & juice
- Garlic
- Pine nuts
- Fresh herbs (parsley or mint)

How To Make the Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt & Pine Nuts
Step 1: Prep the Pumpkin
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice your pumpkin into wedges or cubes, remove the seeds, and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Roast Until Tender
Roast the pumpkin in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping once, until the pieces are tender and lightly caramelized around the edges.
Step 3: Mix the Lemon Yogurt
While the pumpkin roasts, combine Greek yogurt with lemon zest, lemon juice, a grated garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Toast the Pine Nuts
In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden and fragrant. This takes just a few minutes, so don’t walk away.
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
Spread the lemon yogurt on a serving plate, top with warm roasted pumpkin, sprinkle toasted pine nuts, and scatter chopped herbs. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
How to Serve and Store Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt & Pine Nuts
This dish is perfect as a seasonal side, vegetarian lunch, or even a shareable appetizer for gatherings. It serves about 4 people as a side or 2 as a main. You can also double the batch easily for larger groups.
To store leftovers, place the roasted pumpkin and yogurt separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the pumpkin gently in the oven or microwave and assemble before serving.
What to Serve With Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt & Pine Nuts?
Hummus and Warm Pita
A scoop of classic hummus and wedges of warm pita bread complement the creaminess of the yogurt and roasted pumpkin.
Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl
For a more substantial plate, pair with our Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl.
Classic Caprese Salad
Keep things fresh and vibrant with our Classic Caprese Salad on the side.
Easy Homemade Naan
If you’re craving something to scoop and savor, Easy Homemade Naan is a cozy companion.
Grilled Chicken Bites
Lightly seasoned Grilled Chicken Bites offer protein and pair beautifully.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta
Make it a comforting meal by serving with a bowl of Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta.
Want More Vegetable Side Dish Ideas?
If you loved this Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt & Pine Nuts, check out these other flavorful dishes:
- Roasted Zucchini and Squash for another seasonal vegetable side.
- Greek Lemon Potatoes if you’re craving something zesty and comforting.
- The Best Cauliflower Cheese when you’re in the mood for a creamy baked option.
- Tennessee Onions for cheesy goodness with simple pantry ingredients.
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes that hit the spot with every bite.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can revisit it anytime.
Let me know in the comments if you added a spice twist, served it as a main, or swapped the herbs. I love seeing how you make it your own!
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite bite.
Conclusion
Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt & Pine Nuts is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. With sweet, nutty, tangy, and creamy elements all in one dish, it’s a seasonal recipe worth repeating. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just for yourself, this one is sure to satisfy.

Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt & Pine Nuts
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This roasted pumpkin with lemon yogurt and pine nuts recipe is a seasonal side dish that blends sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with creamy Greek yogurt and toasted pine nuts. A perfect fall dish, it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and bursting with warmth and freshness.
Ingredients
400g pumpkin or squash, sliced into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, grated
3 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or mint
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice pumpkin into wedges or cubes and remove seeds.
2. Arrange pumpkin on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping once, until golden and tender.
4. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
5. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
6. On a serving platter, spread lemon yogurt. Top with roasted pumpkin, toasted pine nuts, and chopped herbs. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Choose a dense-flesh pumpkin like sugar pumpkin or kabocha for best flavor.
Make the yogurt mix ahead and chill to deepen the flavor.
Toast pine nuts fresh for maximum crunch and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
