Baked Spaghetti Squash | Naturally Gluten-free

This baked spaghetti squash is what I wish to name “lazy fancy.” It seems to be such as you put in effort, nevertheless it’s actually simply roasted squash and a bunch of daring, stunning toppings you’ll be able to toss on in minutes. You’ve received briny olives, creamy feta, crunchy cucumbers, and a lemon-garlic French dressing that makes every part style restaurant-worthy. It’s recent, filling, naturally gluten-free, and doesn’t depart you needing a nap afterward, which, let’s be trustworthy, is a win.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti Squash 

All of us need meals which can be gentle however satisfying, nourishing with out being difficult, and filled with recent taste that truly excites us. That’s precisely why this baked spaghetti squash recipe completely rocks. Right here’s why it’ll earn a everlasting spot in your recipe rotation:

• Twirlable texture, no bloat: Roasted spaghetti squash offers you that pasta-like really feel with out the heaviness or gluten. It’s low in carbs and wealthy in nutritional vitamins A and C for immune and skin support.
• Large Mediterranean taste: A mixture of Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and zesty lemon-garlic French dressing makes each chew vivid, briny, and filled with savory depth.
• Intestine-healthy, satisfying veggies: Artichoke hearts carry meaty texture, prebiotic fiber, and antioxidant advantages, great for digestion and liver support.
• Quick, versatile and meal-prep pleasant: Prepared in beneath 40 minutes and excellent for leftovers. Add chickpeas or grilled tofu for further protein.

Substances You’ll Want

Ever stare into your fridge like, “What do I even make with this squash?” I do know proper. However this Mediterranean combo completely saves the day, vivid, filling, and manner simpler than it sounds. Right here’s what you could pull it collectively: 

• Spaghetti squash: This nutrient-dense veggie is the star of the present. As soon as roasted, it shreds into golden, pasta-like strands that take in all of the Mediterranean taste. Search for medium-sized squash within the produce part.
• Further-virgin olive oil: A drizzle of cold-pressed olive oil brings richness and helps caramelize the squash whereas including heart-healthy fat. Select a high-quality possibility for the most effective taste.
• Sea salt, black pepper and garlic powder: These fundamentals improve the pure sweetness of the squash and tie all of the elements collectively. Garlic powder provides mellow, savory depth with out overpowering. You’ll find this within the spice aisle.
• Kale and recent parsley:  These greens carry the glow. Kale provides fiber and just a little crunch, whereas parsley brightens every part up. Chop ’em high-quality so that they soften proper into the nice and cozy squash. Seize a pre-washed bag within the refrigerated produce part.
• Artichoke hearts: Tender, briny, and wealthy in antioxidants. Use canned or jarred, packed in water or oil, simply drain nicely earlier than including. Look within the canned vegetable aisle or close to jarred olives and roasted peppers.
• Kalamata olives: These darkish, salty olives carry daring Mediterranean taste and a meaty texture that pairs fantastically with the lighter squash. Discover them in jars or tubs within the olive/pickle part or deli space.
• Vegan Parmesan cheese: A savory, tacky end with out the dairy. Sprinkle over simply earlier than serving for a creamy, salty kick. Search for it within the plant-based part or make your personal with my vegan parmesan cheese recipe.

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Tips on how to Make Baked Spaghetti Squash

This vibrant, veggie-forward dish comes collectively in just some easy steps, and the most effective half? A lot of the magic occurs whereas your squash is roasting within the oven. Right here’s how you can make it:

1. Place a complete spaghetti squash on a steady chopping board. Utilizing a pointy chef’s knife, fastidiously minimize the squash in half lengthwise. Then, scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the middle of every half utilizing a spoon.
2. Drizzle every squash half with extra-virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Flip them minimize facet down on the ready baking sheet and roast for 40–45 minutes, or till the flesh is fork-tender and simply pulls away in strands.
3. Flip the halves over and use a fork to softly scrape the within. It’ll naturally separate into noodle-like strands, scoop them into two massive bowls.
4. Prime the nice and cozy squash strands with sautéed kale, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped walnuts, recent parsley, purple pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese.
5. Gently toss every part collectively so the nice and cozy strands take in all that vibrant taste. 
6. Serve instantly whereas the dish is recent, zesty, and comforting.

Recipe Suggestions and Artistic Swaps

This recipe is scrumptious as written, however don’t be afraid to make it your personal. There are such a lot of easy methods to tweak this baked spaghetti squash with out sacrificing taste. These simple swaps and attractive add-ins will aid you combine issues up and hold this dish feeling recent:

• Protein increase: Wish to make it extra filling? Toss in chickpeas, white beans, or grilled tofu for a hearty, plant-based protein improve. You too can sprinkle on hemp seeds or serve with a facet of lentils.
• Cheese swap: Not a fan of vegan parmesan? Attempt crumbled feta (dairy or dairy-free) for that salty Mediterranean chew.
• Veggie variations: Be happy to combine up the veggies! Attempt including roasted purple peppers, chopped cucumbers, zucchini ribbons, or avocado.
• Nut alternate options: Out of walnuts? No drawback. Use toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or pumpkin seeds for that crunchy factor. They’re all scrumptious and provide wholesome fat and texture.
• Dressing twist: In order for you a taste change, swap the lemon juice for a splash of balsamic vinegar, or add a drizzle of citrus tahini dressing for a creamy, nutty end.

Extra Wholesome Pasta Recipes

If you happen to’re loving the comfy consolation and veggie-packed goodness of baked spaghetti squash, listed below are a number of extra pasta-inspired recipes that carry massive taste and nourishing elements to the desk: 

• After I’m brief on time however need most consolation, I make vegan one-pot pasta. Every thing, from the noodles to the veggies and broth, simmers collectively in a single pot for a creamy, flavorful meal with zero fuss.
• After I’m craving one thing gentle, crisp, and refreshing, healthy pasta salad at all times hits the mark. It’s loaded with crunchy greens, tossed in a zesty French dressing, and excellent for lunch, picnics, or meal prep.
• For a nourishing twist, I really like making sweet potato noodles. They’re naturally gluten-free, barely candy, and style wonderful with daring spices, roasted veggies, or a drizzle of tahini.
• And once I want one thing heat and restorative, vegetable noodle soup is my go-to. It’s brothy, healthful, and filled with seasonal greens and slurp-worthy noodles, all cooked in a single comforting pot.

If you happen to make this baked spaghetti squash, I’d love to listen to the way it turned out within the remark field beneath. Your suggestions helps me and all of the readers on this group. And if you happen to’re focused on extra plant-based recipes (and unique content material), join my weekly recipe newsletter.