Recipe By Ashley Moore
Published on August 27, 2026
Sure, you can toss it with butter (yawn) or pretend it’s pasta (it’s not). But we wanted a more flavorful approach.
Time
2 hrYield
4 to 6Why This Recipe Works
Looking at these yellow, oblong squash, you would never know that inside are hundreds of sweet noodle-like strands that resemble spaghetti. After roasting halved squash cut side down in a hot oven, we let the squash cool and then scraped out the strands with a fork. We tossed the cooked squash with a bright vinaigrette, halved grape tomatoes, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
Ingredients
1 (2 ½-pound) spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Salt and pepper
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest plus 7 teaspoons juice
½ cup halved grape tomatoes
1 ounce Pecorino Romano cheese, grated (½ cup)
¼ cup torn fresh basil leaves
1 shallot, sliced thin
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
Cook along with these step-by-step instructions
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Brush cut sides of squash with 2 tablespoons oil and season with salt and pepper. Place squash, cut side down, on rimmed baking sheet. Roast squash until just tender and tip of paring knife can easily be slipped into flesh, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer squash to wire rack, cut side up, and let cool completely, about 1 hour.Recipe TipPlan ahead: The squash needs to cool for 1 hour after roasting.
- Combine lemon zest and juice, remaining ¼ cup oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in large bowl. Holding squash over bowl, use fork to scrape flesh from skin into strands; discard skin.
- Add tomatoes to bowl with squash and toss gently to coat with dressing. Transfer to serving platter and sprinkle with Pecorino, basil, shallot, and pine nuts. Drizzle with extra oil before serving.
Ask ATK
Have a Question?
We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a message anytime and we’ll get back to you. We’re here to help!
20 Comments