If you’re looking for a dish that screams summer with every bite, you have to try this Spaghetti Salad Recipe! Imagine twirling perfectly chilled strands of spaghetti, all tangled with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and briny black olives, then tossed in a zesty Italian dressing that ties everything together. It’s the ultimate side for picnics, potlucks, or those lazy evenings when you want something light, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it as a lunch, dinner, or a side at your next gathering, this salad will quickly become a staple in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spaghetti Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity: every ingredient shines and brings something special to the bowl. From the vibrant veggies to the savory cheese and bold seasoning, each component adds a pop of color, texture, or zing that makes this salad so irresistible.
- Spaghetti: Use 12 oz of spaghetti, broken in half for easier eating and a perfect tangle on your fork.
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved; they add juicy sweetness and a burst of color in every bite.
- Cucumber: 1 diced cucumber brings cool crunch and refreshing flavor.
- Red bell pepper: 1/2 cup, diced; adds a hint of sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Black olives: 1/2 cup, sliced; their briny punch gives the salad a Mediterranean vibe.
- Red onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped for a mild, sharp contrast to the creamy and sweet elements.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup shredded; for a nutty, salty kick that ties the flavors together.
- Italian salad dressing: 1/2 cup; store-bought or homemade, it coats every ingredient with herby zest.
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon gives the salad that classic, aromatic Italian flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste; essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional): 2 tablespoons chopped, these herbs brighten the salad and add a fresh finish.
How to Make Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to break the noodles in half before cooking; this makes the salad much easier to serve and eat. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and chill the noodles. This step is key to keeping your salad light and refreshing.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Cheese
While the pasta cools, grab your cutting board and get chopping! Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, slice the black olives, and finely chop the red onion. Shred the Parmesan cheese if it’s not pre-shredded. Prepping all these ingredients ahead of time ensures that assembling your Spaghetti Salad Recipe is a total breeze.
Step 3: Combine Everything in a Bowl
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled spaghetti, prepared veggies, and Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic starts to happen! The colors look stunning together, and you’ll get excited just seeing how everything comes together.
Step 4: Dress and Season
Pour the Italian salad dressing evenly over the salad, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until every noodle and veggie glistens with that flavorful dressing. Take a little taste and adjust the seasoning as needed; sometimes a touch more salt or pepper really makes the flavors pop.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together, making the dish even more delicious. Right before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and fresh, herby aroma.
How to Serve Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh parsley or basil just before serving can really elevate the appearance and taste of your Spaghetti Salad Recipe. You might also add a shaving of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for even more flavor and shine.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a companion to a hearty soup. For a picnic or potluck, serve it alongside crunchy garlic bread, marinated grilled chicken, or a charcuterie board for a vibrant, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and festive presentation, consider serving this salad in individual jars or small bowls for grab-and-go convenience. Or, pile it high in a big, colorful salad bowl and let everyone dig in family-style. You can even add extras like sliced pepperoni, cubed mozzarella, or artichoke hearts to give your Spaghetti Salad Recipe a personal twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spaghetti Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to three days. Give it a quick toss before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze this salad, it’s not recommended, as the fresh vegetables tend to lose their crisp texture and the pasta can become mushy after thawing. For best results, enjoy your Spaghetti Salad Recipe freshly made or from the fridge.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, just let it sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti gives this dish its name, you can swap in rotini, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. Just aim for a pasta shape that holds up well and allows the dressing to coat each piece.
How do I make this salad gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and double-check that your Italian dressing is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and will work perfectly.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are fantastic additions if you want to turn your Spaghetti Salad Recipe into a satisfying main course. Toss them in just before serving to keep everything fresh.
What’s the best way to make homemade Italian dressing?
A classic homemade Italian dressing is easy: whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, a little Dijon mustard, Italian herbs, and salt and pepper. Adjust to taste and shake well before pouring over your salad.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Letting the Spaghetti Salad Recipe chill for at least 30 minutes is ideal, but you can make it up to a day in advance. The flavors only get better as they meld, so feel free to prep ahead!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Spaghetti Salad Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for every picnic, potluck, and summer meal. It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Go ahead and whip up a batch – you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Spaghetti Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful Spaghetti Salad recipe perfect for summer picnics or as a light side dish. This cold pasta salad combines al dente spaghetti with fresh vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half and cooked al dente
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, finely chopped red onion, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Add Dressing and Seasoning: Pour the Italian salad dressing over the salad mixture. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper as desired.
- Toss and Chill: Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing and seasonings. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added freshness and aroma.
Notes
- For variation, add sliced pepperoni, cubed mozzarella cheese, or marinated artichoke hearts to enhance flavor and texture.
- This salad can be made ahead of time; give it a quick toss before serving as the dressing may settle.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling then No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
