Spaghetti Salad
Spaghetti Salad
Spaghetti salad is a refreshing and tasty dish that brings together the goodness of pasta and fresh vegetables. It’s a wonderful option for summer picnics, family gatherings, or any time you want a light meal that’s packed with flavor.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also lets you use seasonal vegetables. Spaghetti salad is filling and satisfying, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it a great dish for busy days.
How to Make Spaghetti Salad
Making spaghetti salad is straightforward. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 bottle Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the directions on the package. Once it’s done, drain and rinse it in cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced zucchini, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell peppers, diced onion, and drained black olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, sesame seeds, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the vegetables and olives.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together thoroughly.
- Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours.
- Serve the salad chilled and enjoy!
How to Serve Spaghetti Salad
Spaghetti salad can be served cold as a main dish or a side dish. It goes well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or on its own. You can serve it in a large bowl for everyone to share or in individual portions for easier serving.
How to Store Spaghetti Salad
To store leftover spaghetti salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as some of the dressing might settle.
Tips to Make Spaghetti Salad
- For added flavor, let the salad marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or herbs to customize the flavor.
- If you prefer a bit of crunch, sprinkle some crushed crackers or nuts on top just before serving.
Variation
You can easily adapt this salad by adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. A sprinkle of feta cheese can also bring an extra layer of taste that pairs nicely with the other ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a dairy-free dressing and omit the parmesan cheese. You can replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Spaghetti salad is great to make in advance. Just keep it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, and it will be even more flavorful.
