Thanks so much to Jennifer for asking me to write this post. For those of you who are regular readers of her blog, you know that she is a talented lady that churns out fantastic recipes week after week. I had the pleasure of spending some time with Jennifer in the fall and she is sweet, spunky and entertaining – someone I am happy to call my friend.
Serving up interesting vegetable side dishes every night can be a challenge, but it takes just a few additions to vegetables such as spaghetti squash to make something that will please the whole family. That being said, I often find myself steaming carrots and broccoli, despite the moans of “Not again” from my kids. When my youngest son was a baby, he ate pureed sweet potatoes and carrots like they were going out of style. That is, until our friend pointed out that he had an orange tinge to his skin. My child was actually turning orange from lack of vegetable variety. You would think I had learned my lesson.
In an effort to stop my children from becoming public spectacles, I started experimenting with a large variety of side dishes. Thanks to its ease of preparation, pleasing crunch, and ability to meld with a variety of flavors, spaghetti squash became a favorite in our house. This version boasts creamy Gorgonzola cheese, toasted pecans and sweet dried cherries. For a little variety, also check outSpaghetti Squash with Chipotle Peppers, Queso Fresco Cheese and Cilantro.
1 (3 lb.) spaghetti squash
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp white wine vinegar
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
1/2 cup dried cherries
2 green onions (white & green parts), thinly sliced
Using a large, sharp knife, pierce a spaghetti squash in several places. Place the spaghetti squash in a glass baking dish and cook in the microwave on high for about 15 minutes, turning the squash halfway through cooking. Before handling, let the squash stand for 10 minutes. Cut it in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and fibers. Using a fork, twist out strands of the spaghetti squash flesh and place in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together, olive oil, vinegar and salt. Pour into the spaghetti squash and toss. Add cheese, pecans, cherries, and most of green onions, and stir well.
Serve and garnish with remaining green onions.
Serves 6 to 8 as a side dish.
Be sure to head over to Cookin’ Canuck and look at all the mouth-watering recipes and serious eye candy photos!
Have you tried Spaghetti Squash?
Skinny Fat Kid says
This looks awesome! I recently had spaghetti squash at a restaurant and am dying to try and make it. This looks like a a perfect recipe!
Robyn | Add a Pinch says
Love spaghetti squash!
patsy says
I love spaghetti squash, and the additional veggies added make it so appealing! I’m adding it to my shopping list this weekend!
Jennifer says
So glad you came by and yes, Dara is one great lady
Amanda says
Dora is so talented and witty and smart!! I love this post!
RJ Flamingo says
We love spaghetti squash around here – in fact, I just made some the other night. Loving Dara’s creativity with this one. 🙂
Liz says
I LOVE this idea…it sounds fabulous!!!
Tiffany says
Spaghetti squash and gorgonzola sounds DIVINE!
Cookin' Canuck says
Thanks again for all of your comments.
Mary Kay – Feta or goat cheese (chevre) would work really nicely in this dish.
Megan says
Gorgonzola is one of my favorite cheeses and this sounds wonderful! A great way to get your veggies!
Mary Kay says
Looks amazing! I’m not a huge fan of Gorgonzola cheese … any other suggestions? Will definitely try this!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Spaghetti squash is such a nice vegetable, it’s easy to make great with sweet and savory toppings like the dried fruit and cheese here.
Jeanette says
I’ve only cooked spaghetti squash a few times and happen to have bought one a few days ago, so hoping to experiment more. Your recipe sounds delicious!
Prerna@IndianSimmer says
That’s exactly what I wanted Dara! Simple and easy ingredients for a recipe or for that matter the vegetable that I’ve never cooked before! This looks super easy to fix and I’m making it SOON! Bookmarked 🙂
Me Bean says
I will to try. Thanks. Very delicious!
penny aka jeroxie says
So want to try this! looks spectacular.
deeba says
An attempt to make your kids look like public spectacles…LOL! Love it & am so with you. I love how creative you got with squash here Dara! YUM!
Cookin' Canuck says
Thank you for all of your kind comments. We ate every last bit of this dish and just bought another spaghetti squash so we can make it again. It’s a keeper!
Shelby says
nope, I have never had spaghetti squash!! Its about time I tried it though! This looks yummy!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
Spaghetti squash is so fun. Children especially like to pull out the strands. Love the combination of pecans, gorgonzola and cherries you’ve added here, Dara. Very creative!
Katerina says
Lovely! I have admittedly only done a few things with spaghetti squash, but I love all of them.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
I’ve never tried spaghetti squash and I have been wanting to try some different vegetable side dishes. This looks perfect!
Shaina says
I love spaghetti squash. It’s so much fun to eat, and the flavor is perfect for both sweet and savory.
Jen says
I already LOVE Dara and she truly needs no introduction and I just happen to ADORE that football shaped nutrition bomb of a veggie “the spaghetti squash!”. These are new flavors to me and anything with cheese that’s got a hint of sweetness from the dried fruit?! I’m in! Going to TWEET this right now!
Kelsey says
Yum! I love spaghetti squash, great guest post!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
What an interesting combination. Looks terrific!
Dana says
Very interesting! Something I will def. try. Thanks for sharing 🙂
claudia lamascolo says
Thats one heck of a guest post lovely flavors, colors and love the addition to fruits and nuts here….
Sara @CaffeIna says
I love squash and gorgonzola in my pasta but the addition dried cherries seems just so perfect to me
Lindsay @Eat, Knit, Grow says
Yum! That looks so delicious! I love squash!
RavieNomNoms says
What a great dish!