Sometimes you need a dish that’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Spaghetti salad is the answer! It’s a perfect blend of tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing that all come together in a satisfying, easy-to-make dish. Whether it’s for a summer BBQ, a potluck, or just a quick and tasty dinner, this spaghetti salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Salad
This recipe is a go-to favorite for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll love it:
Versatile:
You can easily customize this salad with your favorite veggies, proteins, or even switch up the dressing. It’s super adaptable based on what you have on hand.
Budget-Friendly:
Made with simple, everyday ingredients, spaghetti salad is a budget-friendly meal or side dish. It’s the kind of recipe that makes a lot without breaking the bank!
Quick and Easy:
With minimal prep time, this dish comes together in no time. Boil the pasta, chop your veggies, and toss everything together—simple!
Customizable:
You can add anything from olives to cherry tomatoes, cucumbers to chickpeas, or even grilled chicken for a more hearty meal. Get creative!
Crowd-Pleasing:
Everyone loves a good pasta salad! It’s perfect for family dinners, cookouts, or even just a meal prep option for the week.
Ingredients in Spaghetti Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to create this fresh and vibrant pasta salad. The ingredients work together to bring the right balance of textures and flavors!
Spaghetti:
The star of the dish! The pasta serves as a base, providing that perfect chewy texture that holds the dressing and other ingredients.
Bell Peppers:
Chopped into bite-sized pieces, bell peppers add a lovely crunch and a sweet, colorful element to the salad.
Cherry Tomatoes:
These little bursts of juicy sweetness elevate the dish, giving it a refreshing taste with every bite.
Red Onion:
Thinly sliced red onion adds a bit of sharpness and color to the mix. It’s the perfect balance to the sweetness of the peppers and tomatoes.
Cucumber:
Crisp and cool, cucumber brings a refreshing crunch that’s great for adding texture to your salad.
Olives:
Black olives are a great choice for their slightly salty, briny flavor, which complements the other fresh ingredients.
Italian Dressing:
This is the key to bringing everything together! The zesty, tangy Italian dressing is full of herbs and flavors that soak into the pasta and veggies, making every bite irresistible.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Making spaghetti salad is so simple, and the steps are easy to follow. Ready? Let’s get started!
Boil the Pasta:
Start by cooking your spaghetti according to package directions. Once it’s al dente, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
Prepare the Veggies:
While the pasta is cooking, chop your bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Slice your olives, too.
Toss Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spaghetti with all your chopped veggies and olives. Give it a gentle toss to distribute everything evenly.
Add the Dressing:
Pour in your Italian dressing, and toss again to coat everything in that tangy, herby goodness. Make sure the dressing gets into every little nook and cranny of the pasta!
Chill and Serve:
For best results, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. This makes it even more refreshing when you’re ready to serve.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve the spaghetti salad in bowls or on a large platter. It’s the perfect light dish for a summer evening or to bring to a potluck.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
How to Serve Spaghetti Salad
This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more satisfying:
- As a side: Pair it with grilled chicken, burgers, or BBQ ribs for a delicious, balanced meal.
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to make it a full meal on its own.
- Add some cheese: Toss in some feta or parmesan for an extra creamy and salty element.
Additional Tips
- Make it ahead: Spaghetti salad actually tastes better the longer it sits in the fridge! You can prep it the night before and have it ready to go the next day.
- Add some crunch: If you like a bit more texture, sprinkle some roasted nuts or croutons on top just before serving.
- Try different dressings: While Italian dressing is classic, feel free to experiment with ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or a creamy Caesar dressing.
FAQ’s
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use penne, rotini, or any pasta you prefer. Just make sure it’s small enough to be easily eaten in one bite. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, spaghetti salad is perfect for making ahead! Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor. - Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some chickpeas would make this salad more hearty and filling. - What if I don’t have Italian dressing?
No worries! You can use any vinaigrette or dressing you prefer. A lemony dressing or ranch would work great too! - Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! This recipe is very customizable. You can add zucchini, olives, or any veggies you like. - How long will this salad last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. - Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go! - Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes, some shredded mozzarella, feta, or parmesan cheese would be a great addition for a creamy touch. - Do I have to refrigerate the salad?
Yes, keeping it in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together and ensures it stays fresh. - Can I make this salad spicy?
If you like a little heat, you can add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the salad.
Conclusion
Spaghetti salad is the ultimate easy and refreshing dish that’s perfect for just about any occasion. It’s full of flavor, texture, and so simple to make. With just a few ingredients, you can have a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love. So, grab your pasta and veggies, and make this delicious salad today!
Print
Spaghetti Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful salad made with cooked spaghetti, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or a quick meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For a protein boost, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- This salad can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg