Spaghetti Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, this Spaghetti Salad is exactly what you need! This isn’t your average pasta salad. It’s a vibrant, flavorful mix of cooked spaghetti, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing that brings everything together in the most delicious way. It’s light yet hearty, making it perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or even a quick weeknight meal. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Salad

There are so many reasons to love this Spaghetti Salad:

Flavor-Packed

The combination of fresh veggies, savory Italian dressing, and the subtle richness of pasta creates a salad that’s bursting with flavor. Every bite is a balance of tangy, salty, and slightly sweet, making it totally irresistible.

Easy and Quick

It’s incredibly simple to make—just cook your spaghetti, chop your veggies, and toss everything together with the dressing. No fancy techniques or long prep times needed!

Perfect for Meal Prep

This salad holds up well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead of time for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It’s a great option for meal prep that gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Versatile

You can easily customize this salad to fit your tastes. Add your favorite veggies, swap out the dressing, or throw in some protein like grilled chicken or pepperoni. The possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, BBQ, or family dinner, this Spaghetti Salad is sure to please everyone. It’s easy to make a big batch, and it’s a great dish for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple and tasty Spaghetti Salad:

For the Salad:

• Spaghetti
  The base of the salad. Cooked al dente for the perfect texture.
• Cucumbers
  Chopped into small chunks for a crisp, refreshing bite.
• Cherry Tomatoes
  Halved to add color and a burst of sweetness.
• Red Onion
  Thinly sliced for a little zing and extra flavor.
• Bell Peppers
  Any color you like! They add crunch and vibrant color to the salad.
• Olives
  Green or black olives for a briny, salty kick.
• Parmesan Cheese
  Grated for a bit of cheesy goodness throughout the salad.

For the Dressing:

• Italian Dressing
  A tangy, herby dressing that ties everything together. You can use store-bought or make your own.
• Olive Oil
  To add a smooth richness to the dressing and help it coat the pasta and veggies.
• Lemon Juice
  To brighten the flavor of the salad and give it a fresh, zesty finish.

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

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.

Prep the Veggies

While the pasta is cooling, chop up your cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and olives. You want them all to be bite-sized so they mix well with the pasta.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Italian dressing, olive oil, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, chopped veggies, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are well coated.

Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marinate. This salad tastes even better after sitting for a little while!

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Spaghetti Salad cold and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors! It’s perfect on its own or as a side dish to grilled meats, sandwiches, or anything else you’re serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 250 calories

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Vitamin A: 10%
• Vitamin C: 25%
• Calcium: 8%
• Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Spaghetti Salad

As a Side Dish

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or burgers. It’s a great addition to any BBQ or cookout!

For Meal Prep

Pack individual servings of the Spaghetti Salad in containers for easy lunches throughout the week. It holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

As a Main Dish

Add some protein, like grilled chicken or cubed mozzarella cheese, to make this salad a complete meal.

As a Party Dish

Serve this salad in a large bowl at your next party or gathering. It’s colorful, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.

Additional Tips

Customize the Veggies

Feel free to swap in other veggies you love, like zucchini, carrots, or artichoke hearts. The beauty of this salad is how versatile it is!

Add Protein

To turn this salad into a more filling meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even bacon bits for an extra savory bite.

Make It Spicy

If you like a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Use Homemade Dressing

If you prefer homemade dressing, you can mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian herbs for a zesty alternative.

Serve it Chilled

For the best flavor, let your Spaghetti Salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The pasta absorbs the dressing, and the veggies stay crisp.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free version of this salad. It will taste just as delicious.

Q2: How long can I store leftovers?
A2: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day!

Q3: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A3: Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, the flavors get better as it sits in the fridge. Just don’t add the dressing until right before serving if you want the veggies to stay crisp.

Q4: Can I make my own Italian dressing?
A4: Yes! You can make a homemade Italian dressing by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Q5: Can I add cheese to the salad?
A5: Yes, absolutely! You can add crumbled feta, mozzarella balls, or even some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Q6: Can I use different vegetables?
A6: Yes! You can swap in any veggies you like—broccoli, carrots, or spinach would all work wonderfully in this salad.

Q7: How can I make this salad more filling?
A7: Add some protein, like grilled chicken, pepperoni, or even chickpeas, to make this salad more substantial.

Q8: Can I use any type of pasta?
A8: While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini.

Q9: Is this recipe vegetarian?
A9: Yes, this Spaghetti Salad is vegetarian as written. Add protein if desired!

Q10: How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?
A10: To prevent the pasta from getting soggy, rinse it under cold water after cooking and before adding the dressing. This helps it stay firm and absorb the dressing better.

Conclusion

This Spaghetti Salad is a fantastic, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, enjoying it as a quick weeknight meal, or packing it for lunch, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of fresh veggies, tangy dressing, and tender pasta makes for a light yet satisfying meal. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple, versatile, and delicious it is!

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