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Community Corner

Curb the Carbs: Spaghetti Squash Salad

Easy vegetarian side dish perfect for entertaining.

This is the season for outdoor parties - pool parties, beach bonfires, backyard barbecues, s’mores pits. You name it and I’m usually there.

With these parties, it’s customary (says me) to want to bring something. If you’re like me, you can’t just bring something. It needs to be something memorable. But it also needs to stick to my motto: simple and healthy.

This week I’m showing you a great entertaining side dish for your next outdoor gathering. The star is spaghetti squash – it’s low carb, low-calorie and a great substitute for regular pasta. It can be served hot, cold or at room temperature, so don’t have to worry about it spoiling in the heat.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 (3-pound) spaghetti squash
  • 1 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
  • 2 zucchinis, diced into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and place face down on baking sheet. Prick squash all over with fork. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until squash is soft when squeezed.

Meanwhile, season zucchini chunks with ½ teaspoon olive oil, salt and pepper. Cook in same oven as squash for 10 minutes. Remove zucchini and spaghetti squash from oven and let cool. 

Scoop out the seeds and use a fork to shred the spaghetti squash into a large bowl (the strands will look like spaghetti). Add cooked zucchini, feta cheese, garlic powder, 1 tablespoon olive oil and fresh parsley; toss well. Season with salt and pepper.

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