Lunch: Spaghetti Squash Salad with Pine Nuts and Tarragon

Spaghetti squash, which separates into spaghetti-like strands when cooked, is an excellent base for this easy salad from The FourCoursemen's Patrick Stubbers. The recipe would also be good with roasted cubes of butternut squash.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Lemon, Nuts

Health and fertility benefits of Spaghetti Squash Salad with Pine Nuts and Tarragon

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

1/2 c. pine nuts
3 large spaghetti squash
.67 c. extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 c. water
1/2 c. dry white wine
3 tbsp. white wine vinegar
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp. chopped thyme
1 pinch crushed red pepper
2 tbsp. chopped tarragon
4 oz. queso fresco or ricotta salata

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Spread the pine nuts in a pie plate and bake for about 5 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
Arrange the spaghetti squash halves cut sides up on 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Flip the squash cut sides down and pour the water and wine into the pans. Bake for about 50 minutes, until the squash is barely tender. Flip the squash cut sides up and let cool until warm.
In a small bowl, combine the white wine vinegar with the lemon zest and lemon juice, thyme, and crushed red pepper. Whisk in the 2/3 cup of olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
Working over a large bowl, using a fork, scrape out the spaghetti squash, separating the strands. Pour the dressing over the squash and toss to coat. Add the tarragon, queso fresco, and pine nuts and toss again. Serve right away.

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