There’s something about a well-made spaghetti salad that just hits the spot every time. Whether it’s for a barbecue, picnic, or a quick family dinner, this dish is like a big, comforting hug in a bowl. The soft spaghetti, combined with crunchy veggies and a tangy dressing, creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s an absolute game-changer. It’s easy to make, refreshing, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Salad
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
You can make this recipe your own by tweaking it to fit your taste preferences. Add in more veggies, swap out the dressing, or even toss in some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. The possibilities are endless.
Budget-Friendly
Spaghetti salad is a great option when you want something delicious without breaking the bank. It uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to find, and you can always keep the leftovers for later.
Quick and Easy
Don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? No worries. This salad comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
Customizable
Love olives? Throw them in. Not a fan of red onions? Skip them! This recipe is all about your preferences. You can customize it with the veggies, herbs, and flavors that make your taste buds dance.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this spaghetti salad—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Spaghetti
The foundation of this salad. Cooked to perfection, these little pasta strands soak up the flavors of the dressing and hold everything together.
Cherry Tomatoes
These bite-sized beauties bring a burst of sweetness and juiciness, making each bite pop with flavor.
Cucumbers
Crunchy and refreshing, cucumbers add the perfect contrast to the soft spaghetti.
Red Onion
Thinly sliced red onions bring a tangy kick to the salad, but they’re not overpowering. You can even soak them in cold water to mellow the flavor if you prefer.
Bell Peppers
Sweet and colorful, bell peppers add some vibrant color and a delightful crunch to every forkful.
Black Olives
These savory gems give the salad a salty bite that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
Italian Dressing
A zesty and herb-infused dressing that ties all the flavors together in the most delicious way. It’s the magic ingredient that makes everything taste just right.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Spaghetti
Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package directions. Once it’s perfectly al dente, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Prepare the Veggies
While your pasta is cooking, slice up your cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and bell peppers. Don’t forget to slice the olives too—these little guys add so much flavor!
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing ingredients. You can either use store-bought dressing or make your own by combining olive oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs, and a touch of seasoning.
Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled spaghetti with the prepared veggies and olives. Pour the dressing over the top and give everything a good toss to make sure it’s all coated evenly.
Chill and Serve
Let your spaghetti salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. Serve it cold, and you’re ready to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: 250-300
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Spaghetti Salad
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve it as a side dish to grilled meats like chicken or steak.
- Pair it with some crusty bread and a light soup for a refreshing, easy dinner.
- Top it with grilled shrimp or chicken for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It gets even better as the flavors have more time to meld together.
- Add a sprinkle of feta or Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- If you like it a bit spicier, toss in some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
10 FAQ’s
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Make it in advance and let the flavors meld together.
Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the Italian dressing for a balsamic vinaigrette or any other dressing you love.
Is this salad gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just check the dressing ingredients as well to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu would make a delicious addition to this salad for a more filling meal.
How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
This salad will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just give it a good toss before serving.
Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add or swap veggies like carrots, celery, or even broccoli to suit your taste.
What type of pasta should I use?
Spaghetti works best, but you can use any pasta you have on hand, like rotini, penne, or fusilli.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Just make sure your dressing is vegan and leave out any cheese or protein that’s not plant-based.
What if I don’t like olives?
No problem! You can simply leave them out or replace them with capers, artichoke hearts, or another ingredient you like.
Can I freeze this salad?
Spaghetti salad doesn’t freeze well due to the veggies and dressing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Conclusion
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a light, flavorful meal, this spaghetti salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s simple, fresh, and bursting with all the right flavors—making it the perfect go-to for any occasion. Grab your ingredients, and trust me, you’re going to love it!
Print
Spaghetti Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing spaghetti salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion! With a tangy dressing and a medley of fresh vegetables, it’s both light and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and bell pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing until everything is well coated.
- Chill the spaghetti salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese before serving (optional).
Notes
- Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- For a more robust flavor, add a few tablespoons of pesto.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg