Name: Italian Spaghetti Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti (half a box), cooked and cooled; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional); 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, quartered (optional); 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded (optional); 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional for a sweeter dressing)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Spaghetti Salad is a light yet filling dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The al dente spaghetti provides a hearty base, while the vegetables add crunch and freshness. The tangy Italian dressing pulls everything together, giving the salad a savory, slightly tangy kick. It’s an easy dish to prepare in advance, and the flavors get even better after a few hours of chilling. Whether served as a side or as a main dish, this pasta salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad:

8 oz (half a box) of spaghetti, cooked and cooled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
1/2 cup pepperoni slices, quartered (optional)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded (optional)

For the dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional for a slightly sweeter dressing)

Directions

Cook the spaghetti:

Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.

Prepare the vegetables:

Chop the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and any other vegetables or toppings you’re using.

Make the dressing:

Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Assemble the salad:

Combine the pasta and vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti with the chopped vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, etc.). Add any additional toppings such as pepperoni or mozzarella cheese.
Add the dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables, and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Chill and serve:

Chill the salad: For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to soak into the pasta and vegetables. The flavors will continue to meld together as it sits in the fridge.
Serve: Serve the Italian spaghetti salad chilled. You can garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings as a side dish. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and chilling time is at least 30 minutes, so the total time is around 45 minutes.

Variations

Add protein: For a more filling meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for some plant-based protein.
Add cheese: Include cubed cheddar, feta, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and richness.
Spicy version: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the dressing for a bit of heat.
Vegan version: Skip the cheese and pepperoni to make the salad vegan-friendly, and substitute the honey for maple syrup or agave.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover Italian Spaghetti Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta salad is best served cold, and the flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, Italian Spaghetti Salad is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, the flavors get even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While spaghetti is classic, you can use other types of pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle (bow-tie pasta). Just make sure the pasta is small enough to pick up with a fork.

3. Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten-free, and be sure to check that any other ingredients (like pepperoni or cheese) are also gluten-free.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! This salad is highly customizable, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or roasted red peppers.

5. How do I make the dressing less tangy?

If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little extra honey or sugar to balance the tanginess of the vinegar. You can also use a milder vinegar, like apple cider vinegar, to reduce the sharpness.

6. Can I make this salad without the dressing?

You can make the salad without the dressing and just serve the pasta and vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. However, the dressing adds a lot of flavor, so it’s recommended for the best result.

7. Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, you can use store-bought Italian dressing if you’re short on time. Just be sure to choose a high-quality dressing or one that is low in sugar.

8. Can I serve this salad warm?

While this salad is typically served chilled, you can serve it at room temperature or slightly warm if you prefer. However, the dressing works best when it has time to meld with the pasta, so it’s ideal when served cold.

9. Can I freeze this salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad because the vegetables and pasta will become mushy when thawed. The salad is best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

10. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick that will elevate the flavors.

Conclusion

Italian Spaghetti Salad is a quick, versatile, and flavorful dish that can be made to suit any taste. With the tangy dressing, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta, it’s a perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or a light meal. Easy to customize and even easier to enjoy, this salad is bound to be a crowd favorite every time you make it