Spaghetti Squash Salad With Chickpeas And Feta
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy salad recipe to try out? Look no further than this spaghetti squash salad with chickpeas and feta! This salad is not only nutritious but also incredibly flavorful and easy to make. Read on to learn more about this tasty dish.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup of chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Here's how to make this delicious salad:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and pulp.
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
- Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the squash into a large bowl and discard the skin.
- Add the chickpeas, feta cheese, parsley, mint, and red onion to the bowl with the spaghetti squash.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Health Benefits
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of the ingredients:
- Spaghetti Squash - Low in calories and high in fiber, spaghetti squash is a great alternative to traditional pasta. It's also high in vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system.
- Chickpeas - Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. They can help support a healthy digestive system and may also help lower cholesterol levels.
- Feta Cheese - While cheese is often associated with unhealthy foods, feta cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. It's also lower in fat and calories than many other types of cheese.
- Parsley - This herb is rich in vitamin K, which is important for bone health. It also contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Mint - Mint has a refreshing flavor and may help soothe digestive issues such as bloating and gas.
- Red Onion - Red onions are high in antioxidants and may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Olive Oil - This healthy fat is a good source of vitamin E, which is important for healthy skin and hair. It may also help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Lemon Juice - Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system. It may also help improve digestion and detoxify the body.
- Garlic - Garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and may help boost the immune system.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a healthy and delicious salad recipe to try out, this spaghetti squash salad with chickpeas and feta is definitely worth making. It's packed with nutritious ingredients and is easy to make. Plus, it's sure to impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
