This Easy Italian Spaghetti Salad is a colorful mix of cooked spaghetti, fresh veggies, and zesty Italian dressing. It’s great for picnics or family dinners!
The best part? It can be made ahead of time! I love whipping this up and letting it chill while I kick back with a good book. Who doesn’t enjoy pasta that does the waiting for you? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Use regular spaghetti or switch it up with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs. I find that rotini or fusilli also work great as they hold dressing better.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes are perfect, but grape tomatoes work just as well. If tomatoes aren’t in season, feel free to use sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
Bell Peppers: The mix of red and yellow adds color and sweetness. You can use any color bell pepper you like. Green bell pepper will add a sharper taste if you prefer that.
Black Olives: I prefer Kalamata olives for their rich flavor, but you can use green olives or even omit them if you aren’t a fan.
Italian Dressing: Store-bought works well for convenience, but homemade dressing is a fun option. Combine olive oil, vinegar, Italian herbs, and a bit of garlic for a zesty punch.
How Do I Keep the Spaghetti Salad from Getting Mushy?
Preventing mushy spaghetti is key for a great salad. First, cook the spaghetti until it’s just al dente – this means it should still have a slight bite when you chew it. After draining, rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
- Don’t skip the rinsing step; it helps wash away excess starch, keeping pasta from sticking together.
- Let the spaghetti cool completely before mixing in the other ingredients to avoid wilting your veggies.
- Refrigerate before serving. This helps the flavors blend while keeping the salad fresh and crunchy.
Easy Italian Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour of chilling in the fridge so all the flavors can mix together beautifully. It’s perfect for a quick meal or a party side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (tender but still firm). Once done, drain the spaghetti in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Make sure it’s well-drained so it doesn’t water down the salad!
2. Mix the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti with the cherry tomatoes, black olives, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, shredded carrots, cucumber, and fresh parsley. This is where all the colorful veggies bring the salad to life!
3. Add the Dressing:
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together so that the spaghetti and veggies are coated evenly with the dressing. This gives every bite fantastic flavor!
4. Season:
Season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. Give it another gentle mix to incorporate the seasoning.
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad extra refreshing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, dish out your beautifully colorful spaghetti salad. You can garnish with extra parsley on top if you like. It’s perfect as a side or a light main dish—enjoy your tasty creation!
FAQ
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat and gluten-free pasta both work well in this recipe. Just cook according to package instructions, and your salad will still be delicious and satisfying!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
The beauty of pasta salad is its versatility! You can add diced bell peppers, artichokes, spinach, or even roasted zucchini. Get creative with your favorite veggies!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving as the dressing may settle. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, making it ahead of time is a great idea! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just be sure to mix in the dressing right before serving if possible, to keep everything crisp!
