Southwestern-Style Spaghetti Squash
A flavorful Southwestern-inspired spaghetti squash dish featuring peppers, olives, and cilantro, perfect for a healthy, vegetarian meal with vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 lb. spaghetti squash ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped red and/or green sweet pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 to 4 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro or dried cilantro, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
Instructions
- Halve the squash and discard the seeds.
- Place, cut side down, in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water to the dish.
- Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender, rearranging once.
- Drain and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For an easier cutting experience, microwave the whole spaghetti squash for 5 minutes before halving. If you don't have fresh cilantro, dried cilantro works as a substitute; use about 1 tablespoon. For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. This dish can also be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken broth or using vegetable broth instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southwestern-style spaghetti squash topped with additional fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Tostados or can be enjoyed as a main dish alongside a fresh salad. This meal is also great for meal prep, making it a versatile option for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispy texture, you can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern-Style Spaghetti Squash contains roughly 236 calories, with 7g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2486mg per serving (108% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?
While spaghetti squash gives this dish its unique texture, you can experiment with other squash varieties like butternut or acorn squash. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to achieve tenderness.
How do I know when the spaghetti squash is cooked properly?
The spaghetti squash is done when a fork easily pierces the skin and the flesh separates into strands. If it's still firm after microwaving, continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until tender. Properly cooked squash will have a slight crunch without being mushy.
What can I add to enhance the flavor further?
Consider adding black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. You can also mix in some diced tomatoes or avocado for freshness. For a kick, a sprinkle of jalapeños or hot sauce would complement the Southwestern flavors beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).