If you’re searching for a summer side dish that’s bursting with color, crunch, and crave-worthy flavor, look no further than Spaghetti Salad. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser: tender strands of spaghetti tumbled with crisp veggies, briny olives, and a tangy Italian dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s endlessly adaptable and so easy to make ahead for picnics, potlucks, and easy weeknight dinners. Whether you’re a seasoned kitchen whiz or new to pasta salads, Spaghetti Salad promises to become your new warm-weather obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient lineup for Spaghetti Salad is refreshingly straightforward, but each component brings something unique—think vibrant veggies, savory cheese, and bright Italian flavors. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes you’ll come back to again and again!
- Thin spaghetti, broken in half: This shape is perfect for soaking up the dressing and mingling with the veggies—making every forkful balanced.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: These little bursts of sweetness add juicy color and freshness.
- Cucumber, diced: Crisp and cool, cucumber adds irresistible crunch.
- Red bell pepper, diced: Sweet and vibrant, red bell peppers bring beautiful color and subtle sweetness.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Slightly grassy and different in crunch, green bell peppers round out the flavor mix.
- Red onion, finely chopped: Sharp and a little spicy, red onions wake up the whole salad.
- Sliced black olives: Briny and rich, olives give every bite a salty depth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Savory and nutty, Parmesan delivers that satisfying, cheesy finish.
- Italian dressing (bottled or homemade): The ultimate flavor bomb—choose a dressing you love, because it ties everything together!
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs gives this salad that unmistakable Italian flair.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t forget these! They dial up all the other flavors.
How to Make Spaghetti Salad
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your thin spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This stops the cooking process and ensures that your Spaghetti Salad will have cool, firm noodles that don’t stick together.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While your spaghetti cools, get all your veggies ready. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and both bell peppers, and finely chop the red onion. Prepping everything in similar-sized pieces makes the salad both pretty and easy to eat.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Transfer the cooled spaghetti to a large mixing bowl, then pile on all those vibrant veggies—tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, onion, and olives. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and pour the Italian dressing evenly over the top. Add the Italian seasoning and toss everything together until every strand of pasta and every bite of veggies glistens with zesty dressing.
Step 4: Season and Chill
Taste your Spaghetti Salad and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour so all the flavors can meld beautifully. This chilling time is what makes every bite so refreshing and flavorful—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Just before you’re ready to serve, give your salad another quick toss to redistribute the dressing. If you’d like, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few fresh herbs for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Spaghetti Salad
Garnishes
To make your Spaghetti Salad extra enticing, top it with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, plenty of chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of sliced green onions. For an extra pop, a handful of diced pepperoni, cubed mozzarella, or torn basil leaves is always a hit.
Side Dishes
This dish is versatile enough to accompany nearly anything. Pair Spaghetti Salad with anything off the grill—think burgers, chicken, or skewers—or serve it alongside classic picnic favorites like deviled eggs or fruit salad. It’s also a hit next to hearty sandwiches or as a zippy foil to rich casseroles.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your presentation by piling the salad into a colorful serving bowl, nestling in extra tomatoes and herbs for a pop of color. Or serve individual portions in mason jars for picnics and potlucks. Tuck in edible flowers or skewers of marinated mozzarella for a gourmet touch that wows guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Spaghetti Salad (lucky you!), simply cover the bowl tightly or transfer the salad to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days and tastes even better as the flavors mingle.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for Spaghetti Salad—since the veggies tend to lose their crispness—you can freeze the cooked and cooled noodles if needed. Simply add the fresh veggies and dressing after thawing for the best possible texture and flavor.
Reheating
Spaghetti Salad is truly meant to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, give it a good toss and check the seasoning before serving. Add an extra splash of dressing if it’s looking a bit dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While traditional thin spaghetti is perfect for this salad, feel free to try other shapes like rotini, penne, or even angel hair. Just keep in mind that sturdier shapes hold up better with the add-ins and dressing.
Is Spaghetti Salad gluten-free?
If you need a gluten-free version, you can easily substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just follow the package instructions for cooking and rinse as usual before preparing the salad.
Can I add meat or cheese to make it a meal?
Definitely! Cubed mozzarella, crumbled feta, sliced pepperoni, or grilled chicken are all delicious ways to turn Spaghetti Salad into a more filling main course. Mix in your favorites for a heartier twist.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance. In fact, the flavors improve as they sit, so feel free to make it the night before your event and simply toss again before serving.
What’s the best dressing for Spaghetti Salad?
A classic Italian dressing—bottled or homemade—is the go-to choice. If you want extra flavor, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, a touch of honey, and Italian seasoning for a simple homemade option tailored to your taste.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give Spaghetti Salad a try the next time you need a colorful and crowd-pleasing side. With its zippy flavors, gorgeous presentation, and effortless make-ahead magic, it’s sure to steal the show at any gathering and become a staple in your own kitchen. Happy twirling!
Print
Spaghetti Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Spaghetti Salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish. This cold pasta salad is loaded with cherry tomatoes, crunchy vegetables, black olives, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in zesty Italian dressing.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Salad:
- 12 oz thin spaghetti, broken in half and cooked al dente
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian dressing (bottled or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, olives, and Parmesan.
- Add dressing: Pour Italian dressing, sprinkle Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Toss again before serving.
Notes
- Enhance with homemade Italian dressing or add cheese, pepperoni, or fresh herbs.
- Best served cold and can be made a day ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
