Description
This Spaghetti Salad recipe is a refreshing and flavorful pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish. With a colorful mix of vegetables, cheeses, and tangy Italian dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be prepared in advance.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti Salad:
- 1 pound spaghetti, broken into halves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 bottle (16 ounces) Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the salad: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, onion, olives, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan to the bowl with the spaghetti.
- Add dressing and seasonings: Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Toss and chill: Toss until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this salad a day ahead, making it great for picnics and potlucks.
- Substitute mozzarella cubes or feta for a different flavor twist.
- Add grilled chicken or pepperoni for a heartier version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
