If you’re looking to incorporate more veggies in your diet post-holidays, go for the spaghetti… squash, that is. It may look like any ordinary squash from the outside, but once roasted, a simple scrape of a fork reveals beautiful little pasta-like strands. Low in calories and carbs but not in flavor, spaghetti squash is a great alternative to actual pasta. Still stumped on how to use it? Here are 20 ways to cook with this uber versatile squash.
Half Baked Harvest
This great make-ahead meal looks pretty darn cute when it’s finished. You’re guests will leave satisfied and impressed that you were able to whip up such a fancy meal. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Lexi's Clean Kitchen
Now you can eat as much pad thai as you want and not feel bad about it. You won’t even notice the difference. Go on, try it and see for yourself. (via Lexi’s Clean Kitchen)
Brit + Co
Pick a sauce and dig in. Heck, you can even eat all three and no one would blame you. (via Brit + Co)
Julia's Album
Fry up full-sized fritters and serve alongside a garden salad for a full meal, or make smaller patties for totally poppable bite-sized appetizers. (via Julia’s Album)
Pineapple and Coconut
Made with only two tablespoons of butter, this dish is both healthy and delish. It’s also easy to throw together during the week, but still decadent enough for a weekend dinner party served alongside a good bottle of white wine. (via Pineapple and Coconut)
A Family Feast
This bright and beautiful gremolata is chocked full of lemon zest, garlic and chopped herbs. Toss it with a few fresh tomatoes and you’re good to go. (via A Family Feast)
BS' in the Kitchen
When cut in half lengthwise, this squash makes two perfectly cute (and edible) bowls. Use it to your advantage and stuff that baby with spinach, tomatoes and creamy goat cheese. Top it all off with roasted seeds for extra crunch. (via BS’ in the Kitchen)
Love and Lemons
Slow-roasted spaghetti squash strands are tossed with olive oil, rosemary, garlic and lemon before colliding with sauteed kale and chickpeas for a meal packed with flavor and protein. (via Love and Lemons)
Tasty Kitchen
Use the squash in a totally unexpected way, like the crust for this asparagus quiche. It might just be better than the real thing. (via Tasty Kitchen)
iFoodreal
Baked egg and avocado take this already delicious squash to a whole other level. It might look fancy, but if you can crack an egg you can definitely handle this one. (via iFoodreal)
Pinch of Yum
Take a step back and go with simply classic flavors like toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley. The point isn’t to cover up the taste of the squash, but to make it shine. (via Pinch of Yum)
Making Thyme for Health
Okay, so it might not be Chipotle, but if you’re going to eat squash you might as well stuff it with beans and smother it in melty Mexican cheeses. (via Making Thyme for Health)
Taste and Tell
In the mood for something warm and comforting but still want to fit into your skinny jeans tomorrow? You’ll be able to have seconds with this easy-peasy recipe. (via Taste and Tell)
Vegetarian Times
If tofu isn’t your thing, substitute it out for boneless chicken breast. Either way you won’t be disappointed. (via Vegetarian Times)
Feel Good Foodie
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is one of my favorite Italian meals ever! Think of the flavor of lasagna in a low-carb, gluten-free, diet-friendly disposable hot bowl of cheesy goodness! There’s not much more to think about. If you haven’t tried spaghetti squash in place of spaghetti yet, this is a great way to start! (via Feel Good Foodie)
Sweet Treats and More
The saying must be true. You can really put Frank’s Red Hot Sauce on everything. (via Sweet Treats and More)
Lexi's Glean Kitchen
Make this pasta with shrimp, chicken or both if you’re feeling extra crazy. Just make sure there’s more than enough to go around. You’ll thank us later. (via Lexi’s Clean Kitchen)
The Pioneer Woman
If there’s someone we trust when it comes to comfort food, it’s The Pioneer Woman. And if she says it’s good, then that’s the end of it. (via The Pioneer Woman)
Feasting at Home
Guess what? Cutting this squash in half widthwise makes for a deeper bowl with room for MORE filling. This versatile recipe can be made vegan, vegetarian, or with chicken (or ground beef) for all you meat lovers. Be sure to make room in your weekly dinner rotations for this bad boy. (via Feasting at Home)
A Sweet Life
This one takes a bit of time… but good things come to those who wait, right? It’s safe to say that this squash is twice as delicious. (via A Sweet Life)
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This post has been updated.
Header image via Half Baked Harvest