If you’re after a bright and zesty dish that everyone absolutely loves, look no further than this Spaghetti Salad Recipe! Vibrant veggies, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a tangy Italian dressing all come together to create the ultimate crowd-pleasing side. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal, it’s a colorful twist on traditional pasta salad that brings both flavor and freshness to your table. This is one of those recipes you’ll be asked for again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can turn into a dish that feels special every single time. Each component of this Spaghetti Salad Recipe plays an important role in bringing both delicious flavors and irresistible textures to every bite.

Spaghetti (12 oz, broken in half): Breaking the spaghetti makes it easier to serve and eat in a salad.
Cherry Tomatoes (1 1/2 cups, halved): Sweet and juicy, they pop with color and freshness.
Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Adds crispness and a cool, refreshing bite.
Red Bell Pepper (1/2 cup, diced): A touch of sweetness and crunch to balance the other veggies.
Black Olives (1/2 cup, sliced): Their briny flavor gives the salad a little Mediterranean flair.
Red Onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Just enough zing to wake up each bite.
Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Salty, savory, and adds wonderful creaminess.
Italian Dressing (1/2 cup): Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade version for a flavor boost.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses every noodle with herby goodness.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of green for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Spaghetti Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the broken spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 9 to 11 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the noodles down for salad perfection.

Step 2: Prep and Combine Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking and cooling, prep all your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, slice the black olives, and thinly slice the red onion. Once ready, combine all these veggies with the cooled spaghetti in a large bowl.

Step 3: Add Parmesan and Italian Dressing

Sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese, then drizzle the Italian dressing right over everything. This is the magic step where the salad starts to really come alive!

Step 4: Season and Toss

Sprinkle Italian seasoning, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the bowl. Toss everything together until all the spaghetti and veggies are coated in that glorious dressing and seasoning. You want every strand to glisten!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate your Spaghetti Salad Recipe for at least one hour. This chill time lets the flavors truly meld together, making the dish even better. Just before serving, give it another toss and top with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor and color.

How to Serve Spaghetti Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of earthiness, while a touch more Parmesan is always welcome. If you want to get fancy, a few extra sliced tomatoes or black olives on top turn this from simple to showstopper.

Side Dishes

This Spaghetti Salad Recipe is a natural pairing for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or anything hot off the barbecue. It’s also dreamy with fresh bread, garlic knots, or a bowl of soup for a light lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your salad in a large pasta bowl or mound into individual cups for easy potluck grab-and-go. For a rustic picnic vibe, try serving it in mason jars. If you want to wow your guests, line a platter with leafy greens and pile the salad high in the center for a buffet-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and sometimes it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and the dressing, this Spaghetti Salad Recipe doesn’t freeze well. The texture of the noodles and veggies changes after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Reheating

Since this salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat it. If it’s been in the fridge, simply give it a good toss and set it out for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While spaghetti gives this salad a fun twist, feel free to swap in rotini, penne, or bow-tie pasta for a different texture or whatever you have on hand.

What’s the best way to make it ahead for a party?

You can prep all the veggies and cook the spaghetti a day in advance. Mix everything together and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve. I like to reserve a little dressing to freshen it up just before presenting.

How can I make this Spaghetti Salad Recipe gluten-free?

Just substitute your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or pasta, and double-check that your Italian dressing is also gluten-free. Everything else is naturally gluten-free already!

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

For sure! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cubes of salami or pepperoni turn this side salad into a satisfying meal. Or, keep it vegetarian by adding chickpeas or cannellini beans for extra heartiness.

What dressing works best?

A classic zesty Italian works beautifully, but feel free to get creative! Creamy Italian, balsamic vinaigrette, or a homemade mix of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs all work well. Just aim for something with a bold, bright flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, fun, and overflowing with flavor, this Spaghetti Salad Recipe belongs on your table! It’s one of those dishes you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re feeding a crowd or making weekday meals a little more exciting. Give it a try and prepare for rave reviews!

Spaghetti Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Spaghetti Salad Recipe is a delightful and refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as an easy side dish. With a medley of fresh vegetables, tangy Parmesan cheese, and zesty Italian dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti Salad:

12 oz spaghetti, broken in half
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup cucumber (diced)
1/2 cup red bell pepper (diced)
1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the spaghetti: In salted water, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine spaghetti, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, red onion, and Parmesan cheese.
Add dressing: Pour Italian dressing over the salad, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and toss to coat.
Season and chill: Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

This salad can be customized with additional mix-ins like pepperoni, feta, or chopped broccoli.
For enhanced flavor, try using a zesty or creamy Italian dressing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American