Why You’ll Love this Mediterranean-Style Spaghetti Squash
Every home cook needs a dish that’s both impressively healthy and deceptively simple, and this Mediterranean-Style Spaghetti Squash ticks all those boxes. The tender strands of squash, warmed tomatoes, and salty feta create a perfect harmony that’ll transport you straight to a seaside taverna.
I love how this dish combines the subtle sweetness of spaghetti squash with bold Mediterranean flavors. Isn’t it amazing when something so nutritious actually tastes indulgent?
The olives add that briny punch, while fresh basil brings a bright, aromatic finish. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and loaded with nutrients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
What Ingredients are in Mediterranean-Style Spaghetti Squash?
The beauty of this Mediterranean-style spaghetti squash lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
I’m always amazed at how just a handful of quality components can transform the humble spaghetti squash into a dish worthy of your favorite bistro.
The Mediterranean flavor profile works perfectly with the mild, slightly sweet notes of the squash, creating a light yet satisfying meal that feels like sunshine on a plate.
- 1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow sweet onion, chopped
- 1/2 garlic clove, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons sliced black olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
When shopping for these ingredients, quality really makes a difference.
Try to find a firm, heavy spaghetti squash with unblemished skin for the best texture.
For the tomatoes, fresh is wonderful when in season, but good-quality canned tomatoes work beautifully in winter months.
And while pre-crumbled feta is convenient, buying a block and crumbling it yourself often yields better flavor and texture.
Feel free to personalize this dish—add some roasted red peppers for sweetness, swap the black olives for kalamata, or toss in some baby spinach for extra nutrition and color.
How to Make this Mediterranean-Style Spaghetti Squash
Let’s start with the star of our show: the spaghetti squash itself. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a baking sheet. Take 1 spaghetti squash, cut it lengthwise (which can be a bit of an arm workout, not gonna lie), and scoop out all those seeds.
Place the squash halves cut-side down on your prepared baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when you can insert a knife with just a little resistance—think al dente pasta, not mushy vegetable. Once cooked, set the squash aside to cool a bit. Nobody needs burned fingers when trying to make dinner, right?
While your squash is cooling down to a manageable temperature, it’s time to prepare the flavorful Mediterranean topping. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add 1 small yellow sweet onion (chopped) and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent. This is where your kitchen starts smelling amazing.
Next, add 1/2 clove of minced garlic and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes—just enough time for the garlic to become fragrant without burning. Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups of chopped tomatoes and cook just until they’re warmed through. We’re not looking to make tomato sauce here, just to wake up all those fresh flavors.
Now comes the fun part: assembly. Using a large spoon (or a fork if you prefer), carefully scrape the squash flesh to create those signature spaghetti-like strands, and place them in a medium bowl. The texture should remind you of angel hair pasta—delicate yet substantial.
Add your warm vegetable mixture to the squash strands, then sprinkle in 3/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 3 tablespoons of sliced black olives, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. For the most authentic Mediterranean flavor, consider investing in a premium kitchen set with quality olive oil dispensers and spice jars. Using a high end processor can make chopping and preparing the ingredients for this Mediterranean dish much quicker and more uniform. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the feta begins to soften slightly from the heat of the other ingredients.
Serve this gorgeous creation warm, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of basil on top for that professional chef touch.
Mediterranean-Style Spaghetti Squash Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you might be wondering about possible tweaks and alternatives.
I’m all about flexibility in the kitchen—it’s what makes cooking fun!
You can swap feta for goat cheese or even mozzarella if you prefer.
Not a fan of olives? Try capers or artichoke hearts instead.
For a protein boost, toss in some chickpeas or white beans.
Fresh herbs are magical here—oregano or mint work beautifully if basil isn’t available.
And for a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa.
What to Serve with Mediterranean-Style Spaghetti Squash
While this Mediterranean-style spaghetti squash shines as a main dish on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can transform your meal into a complete feast.
I love serving it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a peppery contrast to the sweet squash.
A crusty baguette or garlic bread makes perfect sense for sopping up those delicious Mediterranean juices. Can you imagine anything better?
For protein, consider grilled chicken or salmon seasoned with the same herbs.
White beans sautéed with rosemary would work beautifully for vegetarians.
Really, anything with Mediterranean flair complements this versatile dish.
Final Thoughts
After discovering this Mediterranean-style spaghetti squash recipe, I’m convinced it deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation. It’s the perfect harmony of flavors—tangy feta, briny olives, and fresh basil—all nestled in nature’s perfect pasta alternative.
What makes this dish truly special? It’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry, add protein for a heartier meal, or keep it as is for a delightful vegetarian option. For a complete meal experience, consider serving it alongside garlic bread just as you would with traditional lasagna.
Quick, nutritious, and bursting with Mediterranean sunshine, this recipe transforms humble squash into something extraordinary. Don’t you think comfort food should always be this wholesome? Much like baked potatoes, you can customize this dish with your favorite toppings for endless variety.
