Spaghetti Salad is a fresh, colorful pasta salad packed with crisp vegetables, herbs, and a simple bottled dressing. It’s an easy make-ahead side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, or summer dinners.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Spaghetti Salad
- Flavor: This salad is bright, fresh, and tangy, with crisp vegetables, savory Parmesan, and a zesty dressing coating every bite.
- Why Make It: Spaghetti noodles make this salad a budget-friendly side dish that stretches to feed a crowd while using just a handful of fresh ingredients.
- Tools: All you need is a large pot, colander, sealable jar or container, and a big serving bowl to prepare and serve this salad.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside grilled hamburgers, BBQ chicken sliders, or smothered pork chops for an easy meal.
Total Time: 14 Mins Servings: 7
Ingredient Notes
- Spaghetti Noodles: Cook the noodles just until al dente, so they stay firm and hold their shape when tossed with the dressing.
- Peppers: Green and red peppers add fresh crunch, vibrant color, and a balance of savory flavor and natural sweetness to the salad.
- Roma Tomatoes: Firm and less watery than larger tomato varieties, they add fresh flavor without making the pasta salad soggy.
- Dressing: To make this salad easy I like to use a bottled red wine vinaigrette or Italian dressing.
- Variations: Add extra vegetables like cucumber, black olives, celery, shredded carrots, or zucchini, or make it heartier with diced salami, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or mozzarella cubes like in this Italian Pasta Salad.
How To Make Spaghetti Salad
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain well, and let cool.
- Add chopped veggies and herbs to a large bowl.
- Toss in the cooled spaghetti and pour the dressing over top (full recipe below).
- Finish with parmesan and extra seasoning, then serve cold.
Holly’s Tips for the Best Results
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm noodles hold up better after tossing with dressing.
- Drain Well: Extra water dilutes the dressing and makes the salad less flavorful.
- Cool Before Mixing: Warm pasta can soften the tomatoes and peppers too much.
- Toss Twice: Mix once when adding the dressing, then toss again before serving.
- Make Ahead: Prep the vegetables and dressing ahead, then toss with pasta closer to serving.
Storing Spaghetti Salad
Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing is not recommended.
Easy Pasta Salad Favorites
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Spaghetti Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red pepper
- 3 green onions chopped
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 roma tomatoes diced
- ⅓ cup Red Wine Vinaigrette or Italian Dressing
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta noodles for 9 minutes, so they are al dente, drain and set aside to cool, about 10 minutes
- Add peppers, green onions, garlic, tomatoes, and cilantro to a large serving bowl. Add in cooked spaghetti noodles and toss to combine.
- Pour dressing over salad, mix well. Garnish with Parmesan cheese, and serve cold.
Notes
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2½ Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Salad Elegance seasoning
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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What is “Salad Elegance”??? I have never heard of that… is there any substitute?
Salad Elegance is a spice mix made for pasta and chicken dishes, a good alternative would be seasoned salt with a bit of parmesan cheese added to it!