Spaghetti Salad is a delightful, tangy dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch or side. Cooked pasta is tossed with a variety of colorful veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes. The dish is then coated in a zesty dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a touch of garlic. It’s chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together, resulting in a refreshing, flavorful salad with the satisfying texture of pasta.
I first made Spaghetti Salad when I wanted something easy to prepare but still hearty enough to feel like a full meal. The balance of the tangy dressing with the fresh crunch of veggies and the softness of the pasta was a winner! What I love most is how customizable it is—add some feta, olives, or even grilled chicken to make it more filling. You can also play with the dressing by adding a bit of mustard or honey for a different twist. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a busy week!
Perfect for:
- Picnics
- Potlucks
- Barbecues
- Family gatherings
- Pasta salad lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Spaghetti Salad will become a go-to dish for every occasion:
- Flavorful and Tangy: The combination of zesty dressing and fresh veggies makes every bite bursting with flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a light lunch or a side to grilled meats and veggies.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to make and can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy days.
- Packed with Veggies: The salad is loaded with crisp vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a healthy boost.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep: This salad holds up well in the fridge and is perfect for making ahead.
- Delicious and Refreshing: It’s a great way to enjoy pasta in a cool, fresh salad form.
- Kid-Friendly: A hit with the whole family, including picky eaters.
- Perfect for Hot Weather: A chilled salad that’s refreshing on a warm day.
- Light yet Satisfying: A balanced meal with plenty of pasta and veggies to keep you satisfied without feeling heavy.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 32g, Fat: 10g
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb spaghetti pasta
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Spaghetti: The pasta base adds texture and heartiness to the salad.
- Fresh Veggies: Provide crunch and vibrant colors that make the salad both delicious and visually appealing.
- Olive Oil: Offers a smooth, fruity flavor to the dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet acidity to balance the richness of the olive oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook Spaghetti: Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Set Aside: Let the pasta cool to room temperature or chill in the fridge for faster cooling.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice Veggies: While the pasta cools, chop the cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Slice Olives: Slice the black olives into rounds.
Make the Dressing:
- Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- Combine Pasta and Veggies: In a large bowl, toss together the cooled spaghetti, vegetables, and olives.
- Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine evenly.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: If desired, sprinkle mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley on top.
Chill and Serve:
- Chill Salad: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing, tangy goodness of the salad.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Spaghetti Salad:
- As a Picnic Staple: Pack it for a refreshing and easy-to-eat dish on your next picnic.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a well-rounded meal.
- For Potlucks: A perfect dish to bring to share at potluck parties and gatherings.
- With a Grilled Protein: Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a satisfying main course.
- As a Light Lunch: A filling but light meal for busy workdays or weekends.
- For BBQs: Serve with hot dogs, hamburgers, or veggie skewers at your next BBQ.
- For a Family Meal: A quick and easy meal that everyone will love.
- As an Appetizer: Serve in small portions at a cocktail or dinner party for a refreshing starter.
- With Garlic Bread: Pair with warm, crispy garlic bread for an extra treat.
- As a Snack: Enjoy this salad as a healthy snack throughout the day.
Additional Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: This salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge for extra convenience.
- Adjust the Veggies: Feel free to swap in other veggies like carrots, zucchini, or spinach.
- Customize the Dressing: Add lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or herbs to change the flavor profile of the dressing.
- Keep It Vegan: Omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, bacon, or chickpeas.
Recipe Variations
- Greek Spaghetti Salad: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and cucumbers for a Greek-inspired twist.
- Italian Spaghetti Salad: Use Italian dressing and add pepperoni, salami, and provolone cheese.
- Vegan Spaghetti Salad: Replace cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast and omit honey from the dressing.
- Spicy Spaghetti Salad: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Caprese Spaghetti Salad: Add fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze for a Caprese-inspired version.
- Chicken Spaghetti Salad: Add cooked, shredded chicken for a protein-packed meal.
- Pesto Spaghetti Salad: Use pesto instead of the vinegar-based dressing for an herbaceous flavor.
- Avocado Spaghetti Salad: Add diced avocado for creaminess and extra richness.
Special Equipment
- Large Pot: To cook the pasta.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
- Large Mixing Bowl: To combine the salad ingredients.
- Whisk: For making the dressing.
- Cutting Board and Knife: To chop the vegetables.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Salad Tongs: For easy tossing and serving.
FAQ Section
- Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti is a great option for added fiber and a heartier texture. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. - Can I freeze spaghetti salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the vegetables may become mushy upon thawing. - How long does spaghetti salad last in the fridge?
The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I skip the olives?
Yes, feel free to leave out the olives if you don’t enjoy them. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like artichokes, radishes, or corn. - How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?
Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from absorbing too much dressing. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use other types of pasta, like fusilli, penne, or bowties. - How do I make the dressing creamier?
You can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing for a creamier texture. - Can I add cheese to the salad?
Yes, you can add shredded mozzarella, feta, or Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing, versatile dish that combines the comfort of pasta with the brightness of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal on a warm day. The tender spaghetti is paired with a colorful mix of veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, while the tangy vinaigrette brings everything together in a flavorful and satisfying way. It’s a great way to enjoy pasta in a lighter, more refreshing format.
This dish is easily customizable—feel free to add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it your own. It’s a great make-ahead option as the flavors meld together beautifully when it sits in the fridge, making it an ideal meal prep recipe.
I can’t wait to see how your Spaghetti Salad turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your unique twist on this dish. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made it your own!