Colorful Spaghetti Squash Salad
This vibrant Spaghetti Squash Salad is a delightfully fresh and healthy dish that combines the light, tender strands of spaghetti squash with a medley of colorful vegetables. Juicy cherry tomatoes in red and yellow, crisp bell peppers, and aromatic green onions provide a burst of flavor and nutrition in every bite. Tossed in a tangy dressing, this salad makes for a perfect side dish or a light meal, ideal for warm days. Enjoy this salad as a refreshing addition to your dining table, and consider pairing it with protein-rich toppings for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti squash
3 cups (cooked and well drained)
Cherry tomatoes
6 (cut in half)
Yellow cherry tomatoes
6 (cut in half)
Red bell pepper
1/4 cup (diced)
Green bell pepper
1/4 cup (diced)
Green onions
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Vinegar
1/4 cup (for dressing)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (for dressing)
Garlic clove
1 (smashed)
Dried oregano
to taste (for seasoning)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you haven't already cooked the spaghetti squash.
2
Cook the spaghetti squash as per your preferred method, either by roasting it in the oven or microwaving. Allow it to cool slightly, then scrape out the strands and set them aside to drain fully.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained spaghetti squash with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red and green bell peppers, and finely chopped green onions.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, smashed garlic clove, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
5
Pour the dressing over the spaghetti squash and vegetable mix. Gently toss everything together until well coated.
6
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a more intense flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Colorful Spaghetti Squash Salad?
It is a vibrant and fresh dish that combines tender spaghetti squash strands with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and a tangy herb dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
Is the Colorful Spaghetti Squash Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can vegans eat this spaghetti squash salad?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is suitable for vegans.
How do I cook the spaghetti squash for this recipe?
You can cook the spaghetti squash by either roasting it in the oven or using a microwave until tender.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) if you choose the roasting method.
Can I use a microwave to prepare the squash?
Yes, the instructions state you can cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave as an alternative to roasting.
What should I do after cooking the spaghetti squash?
Allow it to cool slightly, scrape out the strands, and set them aside to drain fully.
Why is it important to drain the squash strands?
Draining the strands ensures the salad does not become watery and helps the dressing coat the squash better.
What types of cherry tomatoes are included?
The recipe uses both red cherry tomatoes and yellow cherry tomatoes for a variety of colors.
How much red bell pepper do I need?
You will need 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper.
How much green bell pepper is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of diced green bell pepper.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The green onions should be finely chopped before being added to the salad.
What ingredients make up the salad dressing?
The dressing consists of vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, a smashed garlic clove, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the garlic for the dressing?
The garlic clove should be smashed to infuse the dressing with flavor.
What herb is used for seasoning?
Dried oregano is used to season the dressing and the salad.
What kind of oil is recommended for the dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for the dressing.
How much vinegar is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of vinegar for the dressing.
Can I serve the salad immediately after mixing?
Yes, you can serve it immediately or chill it for more intense flavor.
How long should I chill the salad for a more intense flavor?
Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes will help the flavors develop.
What can I add to make this a complete meal?
You can consider pairing the salad with protein-rich toppings to create a complete meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this dish considered a light meal?
Yes, it is described as an ideal light meal or a refreshing side dish for warm days.
How do I combine the ingredients?
Toss the cooked squash and vegetables with the dressing in a large mixing bowl until well coated.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste and adjusting seasonings after mixing.
What makes this salad 'colorful'?
The combination of red and yellow cherry tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, and green onions provides a vibrant appearance.
How much cooked spaghetti squash is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked and well-drained spaghetti squash.
What are the main vegetables mixed with the squash?
The main vegetables are cherry tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, and green onions.
Is this recipe good for warm days?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing addition to the table, especially ideal for warm days.
What should I use to toss the salad?
You should use a large mixing bowl to gently toss the spaghetti squash and vegetable mix with the dressing.