Greek Style Spaghetti Squash Salad

Submitted by Julesong

"An unusual combination that works quite well! The subtle taste of the spaghetti squash goes well with the stronger tastes of feta, kalamata olives, and oregano. From Cooking Light, 1998. Serves 4 as a main dish, or 8 as a side dish. Prep time includes chilling."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 10mins
• Ingredients: 16
• Yields: 8 side servings
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (crushed in your hand before adding)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups cooked spaghetti squash, cut to desired lengths
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1⁄2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1⁄4 cup diced green bell pepper (or red/yellow/orange if you don't like green)
• 1⁄4 cup diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped pitted kalamata olives
• 1 (15 1/2 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained (chickpeas)

directions

1. (To cook the spaghetti squash, if you haven’t yet: preheat oven to 350 degrees F; slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds; poke holes all over the squash with the tip of a knife; spray a cooking sheet with pan spray and bake the squash halves face down for 30 to 40 minutes or until easily pierced by a fork; let cool until they can be handled, then gently scoop out the insides with a fork – they will form into spaghetti-like strands).
2. In a bowl, combine the vinegars, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and garlic and whisk well.
3. In another bowl, combine the squash, tomato, cucumber, feta, bell pepper, onion, onions, olives, and garbanzo beans, then add the whisked vinegar mixture and toss well.
4. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Reviews

[skimw]

I recently made this to take to a dinner and it was wonderful - everyone wanted some of the leftovers and the recipe. The only changes I made based on the reviews I read here were to add fresh basil and increase the balsamic vinegar - I used 1T.

 

[Fiat9017]

I made this for a family gathering. It was delicious!!!! It travels well and is perfect at a gathering because it can stay out. I forgot to add the chickpeas and it still was great. What a wonderful use of spaghetti squash.

 

[Penny Stettinius]

Jules, This was an interesting combination of flavors and such a unique and unusual way to prepare spaghetti squash. I did follow your directions but found it needed something. I added fresh basil, lots of fresh parsley, and much more balsamic. Good dish for a barbecue, keeps well and the flavors deepen.

 

[Beasley]

Exceptionally delicious! I can't wait to eat the leftovers!