Spaghetti Squash “Pasta” Salad

Published on January 6, 2015 | By |

- Prep Time
- 60 Minutes
- Cook Time
- 60 Minutes
- Yield
- 4 cups
- Difficulty Level

In 2002, when I found out I had food allergies, a friend of mine suggested I try spaghetti squash to replace noodles, since I hadn’t seen any gluten free noodles in the store. When I cooked it I had no idea it was going to come out of the cooked rind like spaghetti without me having to manipulate it somehow with some fancy kitchen tool. It is truly one of the coolest foods in creation! All you do is bake it and when it’s done it comes right out like noodles! How cool is that?
Here’s a great way to enjoy them! Even my 6 year old loves it! Another bonus, since she is the pickiest eater I’ve ever seen! There are only about 3 vegetables in the world that she’ll eat!

Ingredients

1 medium to large spaghetti squash
2 T. extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 1/2 t. sea salt
1 t. garlic powder
1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped, fresh basil or 2 t. basil flakes (not pictured with fresh basil)
2 - 3 T. Trader Joe's Artichoke Antipasto
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, or more if you like

Instructions

1. Cut a medium to large spaghetti squash in two lengthwise. Sometimes they're too hard to cut, so if your strongman is out, then just poke holes in the rind with a fork and treat it like a baked potato. It'll still work out.
2. If your cut was successful, scoop out the seeds and either discard them or save them for making a nutrient rich snack.
3. Place the two squash halves cut side down in a large baking dish.
4. Put them into a Preheated oven at 350 and bake for 50 - 55 minutes.
5. When they're done they feel softer on the outside, but not too mushy. If you cook them too long, they come out like mush, not like noodles. Very disappointing! Let them cool for a while till you can comfortable handle the rind while scooping out the flesh with a large spoon into a bowl.
6. Drizzle the EVOO, Salt, Garlic Powder, and Artichoke Antipasto over the "Noodles." If you have fresh basil cut it up and add it to the "pasta." Stir till thoroughly combined and then garnish with cherry tomatoes. If you don't have a Trader Joe's in your area, you can omit the Artichoke Antipasto. It is still really tasty without it! Bon Appetite!