Spaghetti Salad Recipes Easy: A Fresh, Colorful Summer Dish
Spaghetti Salad Recipes Easy bring a burst of color and flavor to any summer table, making them a must-try Summer Recipe. With crisp vegetables, zesty dressing, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this Cold Spaghetti Salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or light meals.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- Spaghetti 1 lb, broken into 1-inch pieces: The base of this Spaghetti Pasta Salad.
- Cucumber 1, seeded and diced: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch.
- Red Bell Pepper 1, diced: Brings vibrant color and sweetness.
- Yellow Bell Pepper 1, diced: Adds variety and a mild flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes 1 pint, halved: Provides juicy bursts of flavor.
- Red Onion ½, finely chopped: Offers a sharp, savory bite.
- Black Olives ¼ cup, sliced: Adds a briny, savory touch.
- Parmesan Cheese ¼ cup, grated: Enhances the salad with a nutty, cheesy finish.
For the Dressing
- Italian Dressing ½ cup, store-bought or homemade: The zesty backbone of this Cold Spaghetti Salad.
- Red Wine Vinegar 2 tbsp: Adds a tangy kick.
- Garlic Powder 1 tsp: Infuses a subtle, savory depth.
- Italian Seasoning 1 tsp: Brings herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste for perfect seasoning.
For Garnish
- Fresh Basil chopped: Adds a burst of freshness and elegance.
Instructions
1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, per package instructions.
- Rinse and Drain: Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop Veggies: Dice the cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the black olives.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and black olives.
3: Make the Dressing
- Whisk Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well blended.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or additional seasoning as desired.
4: Assemble the Salad
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the spaghetti and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again to incorporate.
5: Chill and Serve
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Spaghetti Pasta Salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
- Serve: Enjoy this Cold Spaghetti Salad as a main dish or a side, perfect for any summer gathering.
Notes
- Although spaghetti noodles are the classic choice for this salad, feel free to use any pasta of your choice. Rotini, bowtie, or penne work well with this recipe.
- Consider adding diced grilled chicken, cubed salami, or chickpeas for added flavor and protein.
- Feta cheese, or mozzarella balls are excellent choices that can be added to the salad, mix them in at the end.
- Add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for a zesty twist to the salad. It's best to mix this in just before serving.