What to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup (52 Best Sides)

Wondering what to serve with butternut squash soup?

Well, you’re in luck!

I’m always looking for new and interesting side dishes to serve with my butternut squash soup.

I’ve tried a lot of different things over the years, and today I’m going to share my 52 favorite side dishes with you!

Related: 18 Best Herbs And Spices for Butternut Squash Soup

Whether you’re looking for something simple or something more complex, I promise you’ll find something here that you love.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired!

Read Also: What To Serve With Butternut Squash? 15 Best Side Dishes

What to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup?

There are many options for what to serve with butternut squash soup. Some popular choices include grilled cheese, croutons, bacon, and roasted nuts. You could also serve it with a salad, bread, or quinoa.

For a more complete meal, you could add roasted chicken or shrimp.

Here are 52 of my favorite side dishes to serve with butternut squash soup!

27 Salads to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup

If you’re looking for a salad that can stand up to the bold flavors of butternut squash soup—and vice versa—these 27 recipes are just what you need.

From healthy greens to hearty grains, these salads are perfect for pairing with the soup, or just as good on their own.

1. Chicken Caesar Salad

I like this salad because it’s familiar and comforting, but it’s also light and fresh.

The dressing is made of eggs and anchovies, so it has a lot of protein (click here to learn what protein to serve with butternut squash soup) to help you feel full longer.

It also has an acidic bite that cuts the richness of your soup perfectly.

2. Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

Another favorite is a simple tomato and mozzarella salad.

You can add arugula for color or basil for flavor if you like, but this combination is so satisfying on its own that sometimes I skip these extras.

The tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor—they’ll help cut through the heavy richness of your soup while still being filling enough to keep you satisfied until dinner’s over!

3. Grilled Vegetable Salad

If you’re looking for something even lighter than a tomato-based salad, I love serving grilled vegetables as an accompaniment to butternut squash soup.

The char from the grill gives them a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the earthiness of the soup, and their crunchy texture helps cleanse your palate before you take another bite of soup.

4. Classic Greek Salad

The classic Greek salad is another great option for serving alongside your soup because it’s so fresh and light—the perfect counterpoint for something very rich!

It’s also super easy to make in advance—just combine all of your ingredients except for the olives (which you can add right before serving) in a bowl and mix well.

Then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper; toss again; top with feta cheese cubes; garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional).

5. Caprese Salad

If you’re looking for a more substantial salad, try a caprese salad with slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.

The combination of salty cheese and sweet tomatoes makes this simple salad an excellent match for butternut squash soup.

6. Cranberry Walnut and Blue Cheese Green Salad

This one has a lot going on: it’s got a generous amount of crunch from the walnuts and apples; the blue cheese adds a tangy bite; and the strawberries add a little sweetness to balance out all those strong flavors!

This salad holds up well in the fridge for days after you make it, too—so don’t be afraid to make it ahead of time if you want an easy lunch option during the week!

7. Spicy Thai Salad

When I’m in the mood for something spicy, this is my go-to dish.

It’s super easy to make: just toss together some fresh greens with sliced cucumbers, carrots, scallions (or red onion), cilantro, mint leaves and peanuts (or cashews).

Then top with chili sauce and lime juice to taste—you can add more or less depending on how much heat you want.

If you’re feeling particularly spicy (or adventurous), try adding some crushed red pepper flakes too!

8. Mediterranean Chickpea Wedge Salad

This salad is so simple: just toss together some canned chickpeas (drained), cherry tomatoes halved, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt/pepper/garlic powder/onion powder/oregano/thyme/rosemary/basil (whatever you’ve got on hand), lettuce wedges and you’re done!

It makes a great side dish because it’s so colorful and flavorful—the flavors of the herbs (see also: what herbs go with butternut squash soup) play off each other beautifully as they complement each other in every bite!

9. Classic Coleslaw Salad

Coleslaw is another great option for pairing with butternut squash soup because it pairs well with any kind of vegetable-based dish.

It’s also a good side to serve alongside sandwiches or burgers—just make sure you don’t use too much dressing!

10. Buckwheat Salad

If you’re in the mood for something a little heartier and more satisfying, try making buckwheat salad instead.

It’s easy to make at home (you just need buckwheat groats), but it tastes like something you’d get at an expensive restaurant!

11. Grilled Shrimp Salad

This salad is great for outdoor entertaining because you can grill your shrimp outside, toss it with your favorite dressing, and then just assemble when guests arrive!

The greens are prepped in advance (and can be stored in the fridge), so once you’re ready to serve, all you have to do is plate them.

12. Quinoa Spinach Salad

This salad is a great way to use leftover quinoa—it’s packed with protein, so it’ll keep you full for hours.

The dressing is light and refreshing, so there’s no risk of feeling weighed down by your salad!

Plus, this recipe makes enough for two or three servings, so you can share with friends or save some for later.

13. Chickpea Greek Salad

This salad is packed with tons of veggies and beans, so it’s a great way to get some extra fiber and protein in your diet.

It has a lot of different textures and flavors (especially if you add feta cheese), but it still manages to be light enough that it won’t weigh you down when you’re eating it.

14. Macaroni Salad

I’m not one for making big bowls of macaroni salad—it just feels like too much food!

But this recipe makes just enough for two people, which means you won’t have to worry about having leftovers that don’t get eaten before they go bad (and no one likes wasting food).

15. Creamy Cucumber Salad

I’m all about salads that are flavorful AND filling—especially if they’re going to be a meal on their own.

That’s why I love this creamy cucumber salad!

It’s got a lot of bold flavors going on: the lemon juice and zest add brightness, while the olive oil gives it an amazing flavor boost.

The cucumbers play double duty here: they give the salad its signature crunch, but they also help keep this dish creamy without any mayo or other heavy ingredients.

This salad holds up well in the fridge for days after you make it, too—so don’t be afraid to make it ahead of time if you want an easy lunch option during the week!

16. Garden Salad

This is my go-to when I’m feeling like I need a break from all the Thanksgiving food.

It’s so simple: just lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots.

But it’s also so satisfying—the crunchy veggies are great for digestion, and they fill me up without weighing me down (like some heavier salads can).

Plus, if you’re not big on dressing but still want something zippy?

Just squeeze some lemon juice over your lettuce before eating!

17. White Bean Salad

This white bean salad is the perfect accompaniment to your butternut squash soup because it’s light, flavorful, and healthy!

The lemon juice adds a nice zingy touch that really complements the nuttiness of the beans.

This dish is also super easy to make—you can throw everything together in about 15 minutes.

18. Lemon Kale Salad

Kale is one of my favorite foods because it’s so versatile: you can use it in smoothies, as chips or in this delicious salad (which also happens to be gluten-free).

The lemon juice adds a pop of flavor without being too sour; the honey brings out its earthy flavor; and the olive oil helps keep your body hydrated while keeping your skin healthy.

19. Greek Chicken Salad

Grilled chicken breast goes great with butternut squash soup because of its hearty texture and mild flavor that won’t overpower the soup.

But if you don’t have time to cook chicken yourself, you can always buy pre-cooked chicken breast strips at your local grocery store to save yourself some time!

20. Potato Salad

I’m not going to lie: I love potato salad.

It’s so creamy and delicious, and it reminds me of summer barbecues and cookouts—and those are some of my favorite memories.

But I try to save the potato salad for the end of dinner, because it’s so filling.

And if you’re looking for a lighter option?

Try this version that uses cauliflower instead of potatoes!

21. Greek Pasta Salad

This is one of my favorite salads ever.

It’s got everything: a tangy dressing with lots of garlic and oregano, feta cheese for creaminess and protein, plus lots of tomatoes and cucumbers for crunchiness and freshness (not to mention antioxidants!).

It’s like a deconstructed Greek salad—plus it’s really easy to make: 

1. Just boil pasta until al dente then toss it with dressing while still warm.
2. Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately while still warm (otherwise the pasta will soak up all the dressing).

22. Southwest Salad

This is one of my favorite salads to serve with butternut squash soup because it has a little bit of everything: crunchy romaine, soft corn tortilla chips, bell peppers, black beans and cilantro lime dressing.

My favorite part? The avocado—it adds creaminess without adding fat (and its healthy fats are great for digestion!).

If you’re not a fan of avocados or just don’t have any on hand at this point in time (because they’re seasonal), feel free to swap it out for an extra cup of corn tortilla chips instead!

23. Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

This is one of my favorite ways to get in some greens and carbs at once!

Brown rice is packed with fiber, which helps keep your digestive system running smoothly while keeping you full longer.

And since this recipe uses cooked brown rice instead of raw, it’ll be super easy to digest even if you’ve been eating all day long already!

My favorite version has chickpeas and sun-dried tomatoes in it—they’re both high in protein and fiber too!

24. Creamy Broccoli Slaw Salad

If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, this is it!

This salad uses broccoli slaw as the base, which means you get all the crunch of a regular salad without weighing you down.

It also uses avocado as its creamy base—so if you’re looking for something with more fat than your typical salad, this could be it!

25. Strawberry Avocado Salad

I also love to serve this salad with butternut squash soup because it has the same kind of lightness as the garden, but with a little bit more flavor thanks to the sweet strawberries and creamy avocado.

This combo is especially good if you’re into savory-sweet combos like me!

26. Watermelon Feta Salad

This is a fun twist on traditional Greek salad—it’s a little bit more refreshing than the traditional version, and the sweetness of the watermelon cuts through the salty feta nicely.

The mint adds another layer of flavor that makes it feel a little more festive than your average salad!

27. Beet Salad

I love beets, but they can be hard to eat if they aren’t cooked correctly.

That’s why I love making my own beet salad: they’re still sweet and delicious (and healthy!), but they have a much softer texture than when they’re roasted or boiled.

Plus, they look beautiful in any color scheme—so if you’re going for a specific theme with your dinner table decorating, this one will fit right in!

25 Starchy Sides to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup

Sometimes, especially if you’re serving soup for a crowd, it can be nice to add some starchy sides to round out the meal.

These 25 starchy sides are perfect companions for your butternut squash soup:

1. Cornbread

Cornbread is the perfect side for butternut squash soup because it’s a little bit sweet, but not too sweet.

It’s also a nice contrast in texture, since butternut squash is soft and moist, and cornbread is dry and crumbly.

If you’re serving this with biscuits instead of cornbread, I would recommend pairing it with a salad or something else crunchy to balance out the texture of the soup.

2. Biscuits

Biscuits are another great pairing for butternut squash soup because they have a similar flavor profile as cornbread—they’re both sweet and savory at once.

The biscuit’s texture makes it really nice to eat with the soup because you can dip your spoon into both the biscuit and into your bowl of soup without having any trouble separating them when they meet up in your mouth!

3. Dinner Rolls

I love to serve dinner rolls with butternut squash soup because they’re the perfect vehicle for dunking: they have a nice, soft center and a crunchy crust that holds up well to being soaked in the hot, creamy soup.

They also work well as a neutral flavor base—you can dip them in any of your favorite sauces and they’ll go with just about anything.

Butternut squash soup is a great way for me to use up leftover bread—if you don’t want to buy fresh rolls just for this purpose, just make sure to keep some on hand so you can use any leftovers later in the week.

4. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

I also like serving this spicy and cheesy cornbread with butternut squash soup because it brings a little bit of heat and spice to balance out all of the richness of the soup.

The jalapeño adds just enough kick without overpowering everything else on your plate, and it goes great with the sweet creaminess of butternut squash.

While this dish is usually served as an appetizer or side dish, I like making mini-loaves since they’re easy to grab with one hand while holding onto my bowl of soup with another (and they look pretty!).

5. Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are another great option for dipping into your butternut squash soup—the garlic butter really shines through and makes these buttery knots more flavorful than plain ones would be on their own.

The knots themselves are also soft enough that they won’t get soggy or fall apart when dunked into the soup (which can happen with other types of bread).

6. Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread is an Italian flatbread made with olive oil and salt and typically eaten plain or with toppings like honey or herbs or cheese.

It’s got a really nice chewy texture and tends to be pretty dense—similar to pita bread—so it’s great for holding up against the thick butternut squash soup without getting soggy too fast.

The added bonus of focaccia is that it’s already baked so you don’t have to worry about heating it up before serving.

7. Parmesan Crisps

The parmesan crisps are really just thinly sliced parmesan cheese that’s been baked until it crisps up and gets all golden brown and delicious.

You can serve them on top of or alongside your bowl of butternut squash soup, or you could even use them as a garnish for salads or other dishes!

8. Croutons

Croutons are always a great addition to any bowl of soup!

You can make them from scratch using day-old bread (check out what bread to serve with butternut squash soup) or store-bought bread crumbs, but I almost always opt for store-bought croutons because they’re ready when I need them, and usually come in different flavors like Parmesan cheese or garlic herb—so I don’t have to worry about making a mess of my kitchen!

9. Pita Chips

Pita chips are another good side dish option for butternut squash soup because they hold up well under heat and are easy to eat without utensils.

Plus they’re pretty cheap!

You can buy them in bulk at most grocery stores or make them yourself using store-bought pita bread.

Cut the pita into triangles (or whatever shape you like) and bake at 350 degrees until crispy (about 10 minutes).

10. Tortilla Chips

I like tortilla chips because they have such a different texture and flavor profile than most other snacks—they’re not sweet or salty or spicy like most snacks we eat at home, so it helps cut through some of the richness of the soup without overpowering it.

Plus, they’re easy to eat: no utensils required!

11. Ritz Crackers

Ritz Crackers are another great option for serving with butternut squash soup: not only are they delicious on their own, but adding them into the bowl gives you an extra crunch factor that’s hard to beat when you’re enjoying a hot bowl of soup.

The buttery flavor of these crackers makes them even more versatile than dinner rolls—they complement sweet as well as savory flavors beautifully.

12. Naan Bread

Naan bread is another great option for dunking because it has large holes that are perfect for catching all of those delicious chunks of butternut squash and nutmeg-spiced cream cheese spread!

It’s also got a nice texture—it’s chewy without being too tough, so it holds up well to being dunked without getting mushy or falling apart on you.

13. Zucchini Fritters

I love making zucchini fritters with butternut squash soup because it’s one of my favorite ways to use up extra vegetables at the end of winter when there are still tons of squashes and zucchinis in my fridge (and yours too!).

It’s also an easy way to make sure your kids eat more vegetables without having to force them down their throats by disguising them as something else (like pizza).

14. Savory Cheese Muffins

Savory cheese muffins are another great option if you’re looking for something savory and substantial.

These muffins are filled with all kinds of tasty ingredients like parmesan cheese, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and scallions!

They’re perfect when served warm out of the oven with a little butter melting into their tops—but they also taste amazing cold (or reheated)

15. Rice

I like serving rice with butternut squash soup because it has a neutral flavor that allows you to enjoy the soup without getting distracted by other flavors.

I’m always looking for ways to add more vegetables into my diet (and yours!), so I love how easy it is to sneak some into a dish like this one without even realizing it!

16. Quinoa

Quinoa is another perfect side dish for butternut squash soup because it’s hearty enough to stand up to the richness of the broth without getting lost in it—and it’s packed with protein and nutrients!

Quinoa is easy to cook too: all you need is water, salt and oil (or butter).

You can prepare quinoa ahead of time so that all you need to do at dinner is heat it up and add whatever toppings sound good at the moment.

17. Lemon Couscous

Another great option is couscous!

This grain-based side dish has a texture that’s similar to pasta, but it’s much lighter than pasta because it’s made from whole grains instead of flour.

The best part about couscous is how easy it is to prepare: all you have to do is add boiling water and cover it until all of the liquid has been absorbed by the couscous.

18. Barley

To make your own barley side dish, cook the barley according to package directions and season with salt and pepper.

Once cooked, drain any excess water from the pot and add in some butter or olive oil (or both!), along with some minced garlic if desired.

Stir everything together until well combined before serving alongside your soup!

19. Farro

I love farro—it’s a whole grain that’s related to wheat and barley, but it has a unique flavor that I find really interesting.

It’s got a little bit of an earthy taste, but it also has a nice nutty quality to it.

And because it’s so hearty, when you add some cooked farro into this soup, it makes for a filling meal that will keep you full for hours and hours.

20. Millet

Millet makes a great side dish for butternut squash soup because it has an earthy flavor that really complements the sweetness of the squash and cream.

It’s also very high in fiber and protein, which means it’ll keep you feeling full longer than other starches like potatoes or rice.

I usually cook millet with lots of spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper so it has a little kick!

21. Polenta

Polenta is an Italian dish made from cornmeal that’s cooked until it reaches a porridge-like consistency.

It’s usually served alongside meat or fish, but it’s also delicious on its own with some butter and salt.

I like polenta because it absorbs flavors well—especially if you add spices or herbs (like pepper) when cooking it!

This makes it an easy side dish that pairs well with many different kinds of food (especially if you use leftover polenta).

22. Bagels

Bagels are another great way to serve butternut squash soup.

Bagels have a unique texture that makes them perfect for dunking: they’re firm enough to hold up well to being soaked in the hot, creamy soup without getting soggy or falling apart—but they’re still soft enough that they’ll still taste good even if they get a little wet.

You can dip them in anything: cream cheese, butter, jam or jelly—whatever suits your fancy!

23. Toast

I also like serving it with toast!

If you don’t have any bread on hand you could even just buy some plain white bread and toast it up (and then cut it into cubes).

It adds a nice texture contrast between the smoothness of the soup and crunchiness of the toast cubes.

Toast cubes are also great for soaking up extra sauce from your bowl if you have any left over!

24. Chicken Sandwich

I’m a big fan of chicken sandwiches (learn what sandwich to serve with butternut squash soup right here) and this is one of my favorites.

The combination of the tangy, buttery sauce and the soft bread works perfectly with the crunchy lettuce and sweet tomatoes.

Add in some crisp bacon if you want to make it even better!

25. Tuna Melt Sandwich

This is another great option for sandwiches that go well with butternut squash soup because it’s so rich and filling.

The melted cheese sauce is especially good with the creamy texture of the soup, though you can always swap it out for mayonnaise as well!

What to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup for Dinner?

There are a lot of different things you can serve with butternut squash soup for dinner, and it really depends on what you and your family like.

I personally think that a nice grilled chicken breast or salmon filet goes really well with the soup.

You could also do something like roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted sweet potatoes as a side.

If you’re looking for something a little more hearty, you could always add some rice or quinoa to the soup.

And of course, don’t forget the bread!

A nice crusty loaf of bread is perfect for sopping up all the deliciousness.

Whatever you decide to serve with your butternut squash soup, I’m sure it will be amazing!

Also, why not serve a glass of wine with your soup?

You can learn what wine to serve with butternut squash soup right here.

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