Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe

Looking for a light, refreshing, and easy dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or meal prepping? This Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad is the answer! Imagine chilled spaghetti pasta tossed with a variety of fresh vegetables, a tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of cheese—all coming together in a burst of flavor. It’s light, satisfying, and so easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re serving it as a side or as a standalone dish, this pasta salad is always a hit. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option—just toss it together and let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to recipe for any gathering!

Why You’ll Love Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual barbecue, packing a lunch for work, or looking for a picnic-friendly dish, this pasta salad is ideal.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires only a few ingredients and is super simple to make. You’ll have it ready in no time!
• Customizable: You can add your favorite veggies, proteins, or seasonings to make this salad uniquely yours.
• Make-Ahead: This dish actually gets better the longer it sits! It’s a great option for preparing ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side, a light lunch, or even a dinner dish on those warm nights when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive in and make this delicious Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! process. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta is cooling, chop up the veggies. Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the bell pepper. Add them all to a large mixing bowl along with the black olives.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing will bring everything together with its tangy, flavorful kick!
4. Combine Everything: Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the large bowl with the veggies. Toss everything together until well mixed. Add the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese to the mix, and toss again.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets! Serve chilled, and enjoy.

How to Serve Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad

• As a Side Dish: This pasta salad is a fantastic side to grilled meats, burgers, or barbecued foods.
• As a Light Meal: Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to make it a heartier meal.
• Picnics and Potlucks: This is a great dish to bring to outdoor events or gatherings—easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Garnish: You can add fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, as a garnish for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 16g

• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 10mg
  Sodium: 330mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 27g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
  Protein: 6g
  Vitamin A: 10%
  Vitamin C: 25%
  Calcium: 8%
  Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Additional Tips

• Add Protein: If you want to turn this into a main dish, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or add a sliced jalapeño to the salad.
• Swap the Pasta: While spaghetti works great, you can also use other types of pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli for a fun twist.
• Storage Tips: This pasta salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to stir it before serving again, as the dressing can settle at the bottom.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the spaghetti for penne, rotini, fusilli, or any pasta you prefer.

Q2: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This pasta salad actually tastes better the longer it sits, so it’s perfect for making ahead. Just let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight.

Q3: Can I add meat to this pasta salad?
A3: Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even turkey are great additions to make it a more filling dish.

Q4: How do I make this pasta salad dairy-free?
A4: You can easily make it dairy-free by omitting the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese or replacing them with vegan cheese options.

Q5: How long will leftovers last?
A5: Leftover pasta salad will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Q6: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A6: Yes! Simply use a gluten-free pasta to make this salad suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Q7: Can I use bottled salad dressing instead of making my own?
A7: Yes, if you’re in a rush, you can use bottled Italian dressing or any dressing you prefer.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables?
A8: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the veggies. You can add cucumbers, zucchini, bell peppers, or even some shredded carrots.

Q9: How can I make the dressing creamier?
A9: If you want a creamier dressing, you can add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.

Q10: Can I make this pasta salad spicy?
A10: Yes, you can! Add some crushed red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a simple, refreshing, and totally customizable dish that everyone will love. It’s the perfect option for a summer gathering, a picnic, or even a light lunch. With its combination of fresh veggies, flavorful dressing, and cheesy goodness, it’s a dish you can enjoy anytime you want something light, satisfying, and full of flavor. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s always a crowd favorite!

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