Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Description:
Spaghetti Salad is a colorful, cold pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a light summer meal. It features cooked spaghetti tossed with fresh vegetables and a zesty Italian dressing. Easy to make, highly customizable, and absolutely refreshing!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, cooked and cooled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil water with a pinch of salt.
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables:
While spaghetti cools, chop all vegetables as directed.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix Italian dressing with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Combine:
In a large bowl, add cooked spaghetti, chopped vegetables, and olives.
Pour in the dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (best overnight for flavor melding).
Garnish and Serve:
Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley just before serving.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Nutrition Info (Per Serving, based on 8 servings):
Calories: ~260 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Clolesterol: 3mg
Sodium: 420mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
(Note: Values may vary depending on dressing and ingredient brands used.)
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different pasta instead of spaghetti?
A: Yes! Rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta also work great in this salad.
Q: How long does spaghetti salad last in the fridge?
A: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Q: I make it vegan?
A: Absolutely. Just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Q: What protein can I add?
A: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even diced hard-boiled eggs make great additions.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe gluten-free.
Would you like a printable ve
rsion or a visual layout? I can also help with a low-calorie or high-protein variation if you’re interested!