Things I changed:
Halved the recipe, but kept some extra like garlic
Replaced pumpkin seeds with salted sunflower seeds in the pesto, and then skipped salt
Added nutritional yeast to the pesto
Used vegan feta for garnish
Source: Cookie + Kate | Serves: 2 | Time: ~1hr
Ingredients
Squash & Filling
1 spaghetti #squash
1 tbsp EVO, divided
1/2 can (15 ounces) #chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 red #bellpepper, chopped
3 tbsp chopped red onion
2 tbsp thinly sliced Kalamata #olives
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil and/or parsley, plus extra for garnish
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
1/2 tbsp lemon juice
Dash of salt
Vegan feta cheese for garnish
Pesto
2 tbsp sunflower seeds toasted in sea salt
1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 tbsp lemon juice
1-2 tbsp water
2 tbsp EVO
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
Add garlic?
Instructions
To prepare the spaghetti squash, preheat the oven to 400F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy clean-up. Use a very sharp chef’s knife to cut off the tip-top and very bottom ends of each spaghetti squash. Stand the squash upright on a stable surface and slice through it from top to bottom to divide it in half. Repeat with the other squash.
Use a large spoon to scoop out the spaghetti squash seeds and discard them. Drizzle each squash half with 1 teaspoon olive oil and rub it all over the inside and outside of the squash, adding more oil if necessary. Sprinkle salt and pepper lightly over the interiors of the squash, then place them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, until the interiors are easily pierced through with a fork.
Meanwhile, to prepare the chickpea salad, combine the chickpeas, bell pepper, onion, olives, chopped basil and/or parsley, garlic, lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt. Stir to combine. Taste, and add more lemon juice and/or salt if necessary. Set aside.
To prepare the pesto: In a small skillet, toast the pepitas over medium heat, stirring often, until they are fragrant and making little popping noises, about 5 minutes. Pour the pepitas into a food processor and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, add the basil, parsley, lemon juice, water and salt. Process while slowly drizzling in the olive oil, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary, until the pepitas have broken down to create a pretty smooth sauce. Transfer the pesto to a small bowl for serving.
To assemble, use a fork to fluff up the squash and make it easier to eat. Then divide the chickpea salad between the squash “bowls” and top each one with a generous drizzle of pesto. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs and cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.