This Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether it’s a casual lunch at home or a gathering with friends, there’s something special about tossing together al dente pasta with crisp vegetables and a tangy homemade dressing. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how it can be made in advance, giving the flavors time to meld together beautifully. It’s not only a feast for the eyes with its colorful ingredients, but it’s also a treat for the taste buds. Each bite brings a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor, making it perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or picnics in the park. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create a dish that’s sure to impress everyone!
Why This Recipe Works
This Spaghetti Salad combines a variety of textures and flavors that come together to create a refreshing dish. The balance of al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy Italian dressing makes every bite satisfying. The medley of ingredients not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a party on your palate, making it a great choice for any occasion. It’s versatile enough for both casual cooks and culinary enthusiasts, ensuring that this salad resonates with everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Salad
Whether you are hosting a summer BBQ or attending a potluck, this Spaghetti Salad is ideal. It’s colorful, easy to prepare, and can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. The combination of fresh ingredients and homemade dressing elevates this dish from simple to spectacular. Not to mention, it appeals to both kids and adults, making it a favorite for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2.25-ounce can sliced black olives, drained
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Homemade Italian Dressing
- 1 ½ cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Pasta
Cook Spaghetti to Perfection
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain it well and rinse under cold water. This step cools the pasta and helps prevent it from sticking together. To further reduce sticking, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pasta. Toss it gently and set it aside to cool completely in the refrigerator.
Combining the Ingredients
Mix Veggies and Cheeses
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to combine your colorful veggies and cheeses. Add the diced green and red bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, drained olives, and cubed cheddar cheese. Toss these ingredients together gently, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. The freshness of these ingredients brings the salad to life!
Making the Dressing
Whisk Together Italian Dressing
Now, let’s whip up the homemade dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Extra Virgin Olive Oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, freshly squeezed lemon, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of both salt and pepper. This mixture will infuse the salad with a zesty flavor profile and elevate it beyond the ordinary.
Assemble Your Spaghetti Salad
Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour that zesty Italian dressing over your vegetable and cheese mixture. Gently toss everything together. This step is crucial as you want to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with that vibrant dressing.
Final Touches Before Serving
For an extra touch, sprinkle the top with additional Parmesan cheese if you like. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let your salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a dish that tantalizes the taste buds when served.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spaghetti Salad chilled on a large platter. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, garlic bread, or can be part of a buffet spread during summer gatherings. This salad stands out, drawing everyone in with its colors and aromas.
Tips for Success
- Ingredients Prep: Make sure to chop all your vegetables evenly. This helps maintain a balanced texture in every bite.
- Chill Time: For the best flavor infusion, allow the salad to chill in the fridge longer (up to 6 hours) if time permits.
- Dressing Variability: If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought Italian dressing; however, homemade dressing offers that added freshness that’s hard to beat.
Variations
- Protein Boost: For extra protein, consider adding cooked and shredded chicken, diced salami, or even chickpeas for a hearty twist.
- Vegan Option: Substitute cheese with a vegan version and use agave syrup instead of any honey in the dressing.
FAQs
Can I make this salad the night before?
Absolutely! Preparing the salad ahead enhances the flavors as they meld overnight, making it even better the next day.
What if I don’t have all the vegetables?
No problem at all! Feel free to substitute or omit any veggies based on what you have on hand or your preferences.
Can I freeze spaghetti salad?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended since the texture may change.
How can I make this salad spicy?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes when mixing the dressing. It’s an easy way to give your salad a spicy kick!
What to serve with spaghetti salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or seafood. Alternatively, it can stand alone as a refreshing meal on a hot day.
This Spaghetti Salad is not just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece for your summer gatherings. It embraces fresh flavors and provides nourishment and delight in every bite. Prepare this easy recipe, and watch it become a favorite among friends and family!
Print
Spaghetti Salad
This Spaghetti Salad is a colorful and easy dish that’s ideal for any gathering. Featuring crisp vegetables and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2.25-ounce can sliced black olives, drained
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti as per package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse with cold water; drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix chopped veggies and cheeses.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Chopping vegetables evenly ensures a balanced texture.
For better flavor, let the salad chill for up to 6 hours.
Store-bought dressing can be used in a pinch, but homemade is preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 10
