Bright • Herb‑Forward • Mediterranean
This dish captures Giada’s signature California‑Italian brightness: roasted butternut squash caramelized to golden perfection, finished with a fresh basil gremolata that adds citrus, herbs and aromatic lift.
It’s elegant, simple and deeply flavourful — the kind of dish that feels luxurious while staying light and wellness‑forward.
This dish is a radiance‑boosting, anti‑inflammatory, skin‑brightening Autumn plate.
Prep 10 min Cook 25 min Serves 4
Ingredients
4 cups butternut squash, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil (for gremolata)
Instructions
- Prepare the squash
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. - Roast
Spread squash on a baking sheet and roast 20–25 minutes until caramelized and tender. - Make the gremolata
Combine basil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until bright and fragrant. - Finish
Transfer roasted squash to a serving dish and spoon gremolata over the top. - Serve
Plate warm with extra herbs or lemon zest
Beauty Benefits
Butternut Squash
- Beta‑carotene → glow + collagen support Converts to vitamin A, promoting radiance and smoother skin texture.
- Vitamin C → brightness + firmness Supports collagen production and reduces dullness.
- Vitamin E → moisture barrier protection Helps defend against dryness and environmental stress.
Olive Oil
- Polyphenols → anti‑inflammatory glow Calms redness and nourishes the skin barrier.
- Healthy fats → plump, hydrated skin
Basil & Parsley (Gremolata)
- Detoxifying phytonutrients → clearer skin
- Vitamin K → circulation support Helps maintain a fresh, bright complexion.
- Chlorophyll → anti‑inflammatory + oxygenating
Garlic
- Sulfur compounds → detox + clarity Supports the gut‑skin axis and reduces inflammation.
Lemon
- Vitamin C → brightening + antioxidant protection Enhances glow and supports collagen.
This dish is a radiance‑boosting, anti‑inflammatory, skin‑brightening Autumn plate.
Health Benefits
- High antioxidant load (beta‑carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E)
- Supports immune health during colder months
- Anti‑inflammatory from olive oil, herbs, garlic
- Gut‑friendly fibre from squash
- Blood sugar stability thanks to slow‑digesting carbs
- Heart‑healthy fats from olive oil
- Nutrient‑dense herbs for detox and circulation
Substitutions
- Basil → mint, cilantro, or chives
- Parsley → dill or tarragon
- Lemon → orange zest or Meyer lemon
- Olive oil → avocado oil
- Add‑ins → toasted pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, chili flakes
- Squash → sweet potato or delicata squash
History of This Dish
Gremolata is a classic Northern Italian condiment traditionally made with parsley, garlic, and lemon zest, which is often served with osso buco to brighten rich dishes. Giada modernized gremolata by introducing basil, adding California freshness and Mediterranean lift.
Roasted butternut squash is deeply rooted in Italian autumn cooking, especially in Lombardy and Veneto, where sweet squash is used in risottos, pastas and roasted vegetable plates.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?
