This Easy Italian Spaghetti Salad is a perfect dish for warm summer days! It mixes cooked spaghetti with fresh veggies, zesty Italian dressing, and savory cheese, creating a colorful and tasty meal.
It’s so simple to whip up and great for picnics or backyard barbecues! I love making extra so I can munch on it for lunch the next day. Who doesn’t enjoy a cold pasta dish in the summer? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti is great, but you can try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. They all work well, just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose.
Cherry Tomatoes: If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, any diced tomatoes will work. Just consider draining canned tomatoes to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Olives: Black olives add a nice salty flavor. Kalamata olives can be a tasty alternative if you prefer something a bit more robust.
Bell Peppers: Use any color of bell pepper you like! If you want a different crunch, try cucumbers or even shredded zucchini.
Parmesan Cheese: This can easily be swapped with feta or a dairy-free cheese for a different taste or dietary needs.
How to Keep Your Spaghetti from Getting Mushy?
Cooking spaghetti al dente is key to a great salad. This means you want it to be firm when bitten. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Boil water in a large pot, adding salt once it’s hot.
- Cook spaghetti according to package time but start checking a minute or two early.
- When it’s close to done, taste it! If it’s firm with a slight bite, it’s perfect.
- Immediately drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps it from getting mushy.
Always remember to toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil after rinsing to prevent it from sticking together. Enjoy making this refreshing dish!
Easy Italian Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Italian spaghetti salad will take about 15 minutes of prep time. Plus, you’ll want to allow for at least 1 hour of refrigeration to let the flavors meld together beautifully. So, in a little over an hour, your delicious summer dish will be ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water and then cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the spaghetti and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, red and yellow bell peppers, shredded carrot, red onion, green bell pepper (if using), and chopped parsley. This colorful mix will make your salad eye-catching!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick). This zesty dressing will bring everything together beautifully!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, and gently toss everything together to ensure every ingredient is well coated with the dressing.
5. Add Cheese (optional):
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top of the salad and give it a light toss. The cheese adds a wonderful flavor.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows all the flavors to come together perfectly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, enjoy your salad chilled or at room temperature. Feel free to garnish with more parsley if you like! It’s the perfect dish for summer gatherings!
Enjoy your refreshing and colorful Italian spaghetti salad—perfect for summer gatherings!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Italian Spaghetti Salad
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be a great alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the best texture.
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
This salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to keep it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You’re welcome to get creative! Consider adding cucumbers, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts for additional flavor and texture. Just be sure to keep the overall balance in mind!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, enjoy it within the first couple of days for optimal freshness!
