Are you looking for an interesting and delicious way to spice up your weekly meal plans?
Spaghetti squash is a great alternative for pasta, but how can you make it go the extra mile?
Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start; this blog post has got everything covered!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at 12 must-try side dishes that will pair perfectly with spaghetti squash, giving your meals a tasty twist.
From garlic Parmesan shrimp to Mediterranean vegetables, there are plenty of recipes in store that are sure to have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!).
So get ready as we explore some unique combinations and expand our culinary horizon — let’s dive into what to serve with spaghetti squash!
What to Serve with Spaghetti Squash? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
1. Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is a classic choice for spaghetti squash, and for a good reason.
The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the slight bitterness of the squash.
Plus, the sauce helps to moisten the dish and add some much-needed flavor.
There are endless ways to elevate your tomato sauce.
You could add some beef or pork for extra protein.
Or mix in some vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or peppers.
You could also go the non-traditional route and add some flair with spices like chili flakes, oregano, or basil.
No matter how you make it, tomato sauce is always a delicious option for spaghetti squash.
Just be sure to adjust the recipe according to your own personal taste.
2. Pesto
Pesto is a sauce that originates from Genoa, Italy.
It is traditionally made with basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
Pesto can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, chicken, fish, and vegetables.
Pesto has a distinct taste that is both savory and slightly sweet.
The texture of the pesto is smooth and creamy.
When made correctly, pesto should be a bright green color.
There are several ways to elevate a dish with pesto.
One way is to add roasted cherry tomatoes.
Another way is to use pesto as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Finally, pesto can be used as a dipping sauce for bread or crackers.
3. Roasted Red Peppers
Red peppers are a classic ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
They have a distinct flavor that is both sweet and savory.
Roasting red peppers is a great way to enhance their flavor and add a bit of depth to your dish.
When roasted, red peppers take on a smoky flavor that is perfect for pairing with other bold ingredients.
They also become very soft, making them easy to incorporate into a wide range of dishes.
One of the best things about roasted red peppers is that they can be used in both hot and cold dishes.
There are a few things to keep in mind when roasting red peppers.
First, make sure to wash them thoroughly before cooking.
Second, cut them into small pieces so that they will cook evenly.
Third, roast them at a high temperature so that they develop a nice char.
- Spaghetti squash with roasted red pepper sauce.
- Grilled chicken with roasted red pepper salsa.
- Quinoa salad with roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and olives.
4. Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is a simple and healthy side dish that goes well with a variety of main courses.
The taste of sautéed spinach is both earthy and slightly sweet, while the texture is tender but still has a bit of bite to it.
There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish and make it even more delicious.
First, be sure to use fresh spinach rather than frozen for the best flavor.
Additionally, add a bit of garlic to the pan when you sauté the spinach for an extra boost of flavor.
Finally, top the dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
5. Garlic and Butter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to elevate your spaghetti squash, then garlic and butter is the way to go.
This dish is simple but so flavorful, and it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
The taste and texture of garlic and butter are really what makes this dish so special.
The garlic adds a beautiful depth of flavor, while the butter helps to bind everything together.
It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, and it’s absolutely delicious.
There are a few tips that will help you get the most out of this dish.
First, be sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Second, don’t be afraid to add a little extra butter if you want a richer dish.
And finally, if you’re looking for an extra pop of flavor, try adding some Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Olive Tapenade
This dish is perfect for those who love the taste of olives but want to try something a bit different.
Tapenade is a paste made from olives, capers, and anchovies.
It can be used as a spread on bread or crackers or as a condiment for meats and vegetables.
The taste of tapenade is salty and briny with a strong olive flavor.
The texture is smooth and spreadable.
There are many ways to elevate this dish.
One way is to add fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Another way is to use flavored olive oils such as lemon or chili.
You can also experiment with different types of olives to change the flavor.
7. Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions are a simple yet delicious way to elevate your dishes.
They can be used as a topping on pizza, burgers, salads, and more.
The sweet and savory flavor of caramelized onions is sure to please everyone at the table.
The key to making perfect caramelized onions is to cook them low and slow.
This allows the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize and brings out their deep flavor.
Be patient when cooking them, as rushing the process will result in burnt onions.
There are a few things you can do to take your caramelized onions to the next level.
One is to add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar at the end of cooking.
This will add a touch of acidity that balances out the sweetness of the onions.
Another way to elevate this dish is to add fresh thyme or rosemary before serving.
This will give the onions an herby flavor that takes them from good to great.
8. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a type of fungi that come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors.
They can be found in many different habitats all over the world.
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Some mushrooms are edible, while others are poisonous.
Mushrooms have a unique flavor and texture that can add a lot of depth to a dish.
When cooked, they can have a chewy or crunchy texture.
Mushrooms can be used as a meat alternative in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
There are many ways to cook mushrooms.
You can fry them, bake them, sauté them, or even grill them.
Adding mushrooms to your spaghetti squash dish can elevate the flavors and make it more filling.
Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Sauté the mushrooms in olive oil before adding them to the spaghetti squash. This will help bring out their flavor.
- Add some garlic to the mushrooms while they are cooking for an extra boost of flavor.
- Try using different types of mushrooms for different flavors and textures. Button mushrooms are a good choice for beginners, but you could also try shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
9. Arugula and Parmesan Salad
Arugula and Parmesan salad are a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion.
The bitterness of the arugula is offset by the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and the creaminess of the Parmesan cheese.
The dish is also very easy to make and can be made ahead of time.
One of the best things about this salad is its versatility.
You can easily change up the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
For example, if you don’t like arugula, you could use spinach or kale instead.
And if you’re not a fan of Parmesan cheese, you could use feta or goat cheese instead.
There are also many ways to elevate this dish and make it even more special.
One way is to add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a main course.
Or, you could add some chopped nuts or seeds for a bit of crunch.
10. Caprese Salad
Looking for a simple yet elegant side dish to serve with your spaghetti squash? Look no further than Caprese salad.
This classic Italian dish is made with just a few ingredients – tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil – but it packs a major flavor punch.
The best part about Caprese salad is that it’s so easy to make.
When it comes to taste, Caprese salad is light yet flavorful.
The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the creamy mozzarella and the fragrant basil.
The dish is also quite refreshing, making it the perfect accompaniment to a hearty pasta dish like spaghetti squash.
In terms of texture, Caprese salad is smooth and silky thanks to the creamy mozzarella.
The tomatoes provide a pleasant pop of color and freshness, while the basil leaves add a nice touch of sophistication.
There are plenty of ways to elevate this dish and make it even more special.
For example, you could use heirloom tomatoes for an added touch of flavor.
You could also substitute bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls) for the regular mozzarella.
Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could try using grilled tomatoes instead of fresh ones.
11. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a fantastic way to add flavor and texture to your meal.
There are so many different ways to grill vegetables, and each one brings its own unique taste and texture to the dish.
Here are some tips on how to elevate your grilled vegetable dish:
- Firstly, choose your vegetables wisely. Some of the best vegetables for grilling include zucchini, eggplant, peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
- Cut your vegetables into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly on the grill.
- Season your vegetables with salt, pepper, and olive oil before grilling.
- Preheat your grill before adding your vegetables.
- Grill your vegetables over medium heat so that they don’t get charred.
- Remove from the grill when they are tender and slightly browned.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or dressing.
12. Breadsticks or Garlic Bread
There are few things more classic than spaghetti squash and breadsticks.
The two go together like peanut butter and jelly or macaroni and cheese.
But what makes this combo so special? Is it the taste? The texture? Let’s take a closer look.
Breadsticks are the perfect complement to spaghetti squash because they provide a crunchy contrast to the soft, mushy squash.
They also have a similar flavor profile, with both being slightly sweet and savory.
But the real magic happens when you dip the breadsticks into the sauce- it’s like a party in your mouth.
If you’re looking to elevate this dish, there are a few things you can do.
First, try using flavored breadsticks.
There are all sorts of flavors out there these days- from garlic to Parmesan to everything in between.
You can also experiment with different dipping sauces.
A spicy marinara would be delicious, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great side dishes that go well with spaghetti squash.
Each with their own unique flavor and texture.
I hope this blog post has given you some ideas on what to serve with your next spaghetti squash dish.
If you have any other suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Squash? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Tomato Sauce
- 2. Pesto
- 3. Roasted Red Peppers
- 4. Sautéed Spinach
- 5. Garlic and Butter
- 6. Olive Tapenade
- 7. Caramelized Onions
- 8. Mushrooms
- 9. Arugula and Parmesan Salad
- 10. Caprese Salad
- 11. Grilled Vegetables
- 12. Breadsticks or Garlic Bread
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!