Vegan Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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Low-carb spaghetti squash stands in for wheat noodles in this updated twist on a classic pesto pasta dish. Cashews lend richness to the pesto, while nutritional yeast, mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes contribute satisfying umami to this vegan dinner recipe.

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Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
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Ingredients

  • 1 2 1/2- to 3-pound spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded

  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

  • ½ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes

  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided

  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves

  • 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

  • cup unsalted raw cashews

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

Directions

  1. Place squash halves, cut-side down, in a microwave-safe dish; add 2 tablespoons water. Microwave, uncovered, on High until tender, 10 to 14 minutes. (Alternatively, place squash halves, cut-side down, on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a 400 degrees F oven until tender, 40 to 50 minutes. You can also cook the squash in a pressure cooker/multicooker; see Tip.)

  2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, tomatoes and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are soft and starting to brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat.

  3. Combine basil, the remaining 3 tablespoons oil, garlic, cashews, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper in a food processor. Process until mostly smooth.

  4. Use a fork to scrape the squash flesh from the shells into a colander. Press lightly on the flesh to remove some of the liquid. Divide the squash among 4 plates. Top each serving with mushroom mixture and then a dollop of basil pesto.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, July 2018

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

310 Calories
22g Fat
27g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 cup
Calories 310
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 6g 20%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 7g 13%
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Vitamin A 1003IU 20%
Vitamin C 29mg 32%
Folate 74mcg 19%
Sodium 377mg 16%
Calcium 96mg 7%
Iron 3mg 14%
Magnesium 81mg 19%
Potassium 895mg 19%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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