Thursday, June 19, 2014

7 Easy Spaghetti Squash Dinner Recipes

Large yellow spaghetti squash                                   

I love Spaghetti Squash but I always make it the same plain way. So, I decided to search the Internet for some new exciting recipes. I wasn't disappointed. It is such a versatile vegetable and a perfect substitution for any kind of pasta. I know Pasta tastes great, but who needs all the carbs and calories when spaghetti squash tastes this good. 


vegetarian spaghetti squash recipes


Another reason I eat this vegetable is because the latest research is suggesting that carbs, whether simple or complex, are culprits in diabetes, heart disease, and now Alzheimers, ( read Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar--Your Brain's Silent Killers)- so why not lower your intake of carbs when you can. Substituting spaghetti squash for pasta is a great way to start!
basket of winter squash

 I've been eating spaghetti squash at least once a week.  I feel like I'm eating pasta, but I'm eating something much healthier. At only 42 calories per cup, spaghetti squash is a winner in my book. In addition, it has  a large variety of vitamins and minerals and is very tasty. It's uncanny how it looks like ( yellow) spaghetti.. Although Spaghetti Squash is considered a winter squash, it is not sweet like butternut squash or pumpkin.   




Don't worry if you have never tried to make it before,  click here to learn  a really simple way to cook it without having to peel it..You could eat it plain with sauce and grated cheese or you can try some of these delicious recipes from some of the blogs I follow on Twitter. 

These are some of the fabulous recipes I found!


squash fritters
This photo is from The Healthy Recipes Blog.

Spaghetti Squash Fritters  comes from the Healthy Recipes Blog. Once your spaghetti squash is cooked, the prep for the fritter is only 5 minutes and 10 minutes to cook them. Make the squash the day before and then prepare  in 15 minutes total. Look for lots of healthy recipes on her blog.
spaghetti squash Alfredo skinny version
This photo is from  The Comfort of Cooking,

Spaghetti Squash Alfredo comes from The Comfort of Cooking, The recipe calls for 2 Tablespoons of flour so be sure to substitute a gluten free flour like coconut flour or a gluten free flour mix . This is a nice rich low carb meal. What a decadent dinner!

spaghetti squash gratin
This photo is from Healthie Foodie 

This Spaghetti Squash Gratin from The Healthie Foodie is made with walnuts, tomatoes, spinach and cheese. It also has corn and corn starch ( I would make sure to buy organic corn so you are not eating Genetically modified corn.) Need information about the reasons you do not want to eat Genetically modified food and the 7 worst genetically modified foods and ingredients in the supermarkets (. Corn or anything made from corn (like corn meal, corn oil, corn chips) is one of them. That is why for when using anything made with corn- buy organic to avoid being exposed to GMOs . With organic corn, this recipe looks outstanding!
Spaghetti squash Noodle Bowl from Nosh On it blog!
This photo is from Nosh on it 


Spaghetti Squash Noodle Bowl with Lime Peanut Sauce is from Nosh on it looks amazing and is topped with broccoli, cashews, and herbs. Healthy and Low Carb. I love the colorful presentation of the yellow squash with the bright green broccoli. And for me nothing beats a good peanut sauce topping. Yum!



Spaghetti Squash Pizza is from a blog called, A Beautiful Mess  This is easy to make and satisfies the craving for pizza without the carbs! I couldn't grab a pic, but go check it out. The recipe and pic look outstanding. Personally, I'm a pizza fan and I make cauliflower crusted pizza, but I've never tried the crust with spaghetti squash. Can't wait to try it. Great recipe!!


spaghetti squash
This photo is from Joy of Kosher
Spaghetti Squash Mushroom Primavera  from a blog called Joy of Kosher.  Another interesting recipe with lots of wonderful vegetables to make this hearty spaghetti squash dish! 

Bonus Recipe #8 I know that I called this post 7 spaghetti squash recipes, but after I posted I came across this fabulous recipe by Jen at Driftwood Gardens and added it. Jen is eating a vegan diet and has been posting some wonderful recipes. Her Spinach Pesto Walnut tossed into spaghetti squash is one of them. You must check it out. Consider it a bonus recipe. 


spaghetti squash with pesto, spinach, and walnuts
This photo is from Driftwood - Gardens 
Bonus # 9 Spaghetti Squash Greek Salad  comes from one of my favorite blogs, Slender Kitchen 
She also published after I rounded up recipes. This recipe looks so good, I had to add it. 


                                 Spaghetti Squash Greek Salad  photo belongs to Slender Kitchen 

* This recipe contains a side of chicken. If you are a vegetarian ( like me ) just omit it!

If you are looking for some new ideas for making spaghetti squash, or if you want to try it for the first time. These recipes are sure to please.

May be shared on a few of the following  blog carnivals

Lets stay connected: follow me on Pinterest,  Gluten Free A-Z  and Twitter To see the many other healthy gluten free recipes, healthy living tips, kitchen and blogging ideas 

Why I make spaghetti squash recipes for my family instead of making pasta: 

The best selling book, Wheat Belly . helps you understand the dangers of today's new wheat !- 

Did you know that today's wheat is not the same wheat as the wheat that was growing 40 years ago . It has been genetically modified, and changed into a grain that has 4 times the gluten and 4 times the starch as the grain your grandparents ate. 

This means that the starch in bread, pasta, cakes, etc. turns to sugar much more quickly than it used to. A piece of bread now gives you 4 times the amount of starch (which turns to sugar) than it did 40 years ago . 

Wonder why so many people have allergies ? Wonder why so many people are pre- diabetic or diabetic, have heart disease or other diet related diseases. Our bodies are not meant to handle that much concentrated starch and gluten. The result: a nation of diabetics, obesity, heart disease. Sugar is often called a killer!

 This book gives facts and studies and a great argument for why everyone should be concerned about including wheat and gluten products in their diet. Yes, everyone- not just those with Celiac or gluten intolerance. It's a must read.


Pin It
Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health

 Please leave a comment so I know you stopped by. Scroll down to the end of the post and click on comments.

41 comments:

  1. Ohhh what a great collection of recipes! I'm pinning away...

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  2. Kate,
    I am so glad you left me a comment and introduced me to your blog. I went over to check it out and haven't stopped laughing about your humor. Some really great heartfelt posts too. Looking forward to following you...

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  3. YOu always find the BEST recipes! Pinning!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Lindsay! I like your exercise videos and exercise motivation!

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  4. An unique collection. Thanks for sharing with 4 seasons blog hop. Cheers and have a nice day.

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  5. We love spaghetti sauce! this is a great roundup!

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    1. There is something for everyone. Did you see the new bonus recipe?

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  6. Replies
    1. Jo-Lynne congratulations on your new cookbook , Gluten Free Breakfast and Brunch! I'll be getting a copy soon!

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  7. Great post. I am trying to find a way to teach my mom to eat spaghetti squash to help with her diabetes. Pinning!

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  8. Hi Judee,
    I just love all the fun ideas here as to how we can use the Spaghetti Squash. Thanks so much for sharing this awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you are having a great week and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

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    1. Miz Helen,
      I look forward to your party every week and you make some amazing recipes too.

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  9. Pinned this to a round up board for you. Thanks for bringing these great squash ideas to Foodie Friday.

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    1. Diane,
      Thanks so much. I appreciate it. You throw a great party!

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  10. So cool! I love the idea of spaghetti squash but no idea how to cook it. This will be a HUGE help!

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  11. These recipes look awesome! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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    Replies
    1. Home and Garden is one of my favorite parties. See you next week.

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  12. These all look good, especially the fritters! Thanks so much for sharing with the Let's Get Real party. Pinning to our group board.

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    1. The fritters do look different and probably appealing to kids as well. thanks for commenting and I look forward to your next party

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  13. Hi Judee,
    What delectable ways to elevate any occasion! These Easy Spaghetti Squash Dinner recipes look so enticing! Thank you for sharing these healthy, creative and delicious recipes with us at the Plant-Based Potluck Party Blog Hop! We will enjoy it!

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    1. Deborah,
      It's the first time I ever thought of doing a round up from other blogs. I think it was a huge success because spaghetti squash is one of those vegetables that is a little unusual and we are not quite sure what to do with it It's fun to share and find plant based recipes on your weekly potluck. thanks

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  14. YUM!! I planted spaghetti squash this year and can't wait to enjoy it! Thanks for the great recipe roundup. I'm featuring you today over at Think Tank Thursday! http://saving4six.com/2014/06/welcome-to-think-tank-thursday-87.html

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    1. Wow! planted it? I'm impressive. I hope you get a good crop, they are so delicious.
      I am so excited for the feature. Thanks so much.

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  15. What a great round-up, Judee! These recipes are amazing sounding, thanks for finding them all and sharing them at Savoring Saturdays! :)

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    1. Raia,
      I know. Isn't it amazing how versatile this vegetable is. I've made similar recipes with spiralized zucchini. I'll be over this Saturday. Love your party.

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  16. You will be featured at Savoring Saturdays this week when it goes live at 7pm tonight! Thanks for linking up!
    ~Whole Food Mom on a Budget

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    1. Eva,
      Thank you so much. I can't wait to see the feature. It's always so fun and exciting to see one of your posts featured. See you Saturday!

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  17. Hi Judee! I'm stopping over from Let's Get Real today. I am trying to work spaghetti squash into my family's meal plan. They seem reluctant to change the pasta they love. Perhaps, if I try one of these recipes rather than traditional spaghetti sauce, they would be more willing to try it. I know I love it.

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    1. It's hard to get children and ( husbands) to be open to something new and a little unusual.I think many people share the same dilemma. Maybe the fritters would be a good start, since it may look more interesting and less strange. Good luck!

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  18. I've made spaghetti squash once a long time ago and totally overcooked it! The dishes you've shared all look fantastic and I know I wouldn't miss the pasta or carbs in any of them. Great round-up, Judee...it is one of the top-viewed links at this week's See Ya in the Gumbo and will be featured tonight. Thank you for linking!

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  19. Michelle,
    I interchange spaghetti squash with spialized zucchini . I spiralize and then saute the raw Zucchini a little before proceeding with the recipe. . There are some great recipes in the round up. Hope you try again. Glad it was one of the top viewed ! I love being featured!

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  20. I heard about that book Wheat Belly. I'm going to check it out! Thanks for linking up at the Manic Mondays blog hop! This week's hop is now live at http://mommyatozblog.com/2014/06/29/join-the-manic-mondays-blog-hop-2/. Hope to see you there!

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  21. Delicious and healthy recipes, love to try it.

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  22. Delicious and healthy recipes, thanks for sharing with Hearth and Soul blog hop.

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  23. Delicious and very nice recipes, thanks for sharing with Hearth and Soul blog hop.

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  24. Oh, I'm going to have to give one of these a try! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  25. I love love love spaghati squash! That Alfredo looks great :) I wish I'd had spag squash last night - it would have gone great with my stir fry! Will get some this week... Thank you for sharing at Merry Monday Linky! See you Sunday at 6pm pst! Have a great weekend! Julia

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  26. Thanks for sharing these photos. They all seem to look really tasty and healthy. Nice post.

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  27. These look great! I'm a fan of squash but especially love spaghetti squash.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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