If you’re searching for a potluck showstopper or a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish for your next cookout, look no further than this Spaghetti Salad! This playful twist on a classic pasta salad brings together vibrant veggies, bold Italian flavors, and the fun texture of spaghetti noodles, all tossed in a zesty, herbaceous dressing. It’s cool, colorful, and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds—yes, even the kids!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Spaghetti Salad recipe is all about keeping things easy, fresh, and irresistibly delicious. Each ingredient has been thoughtfully chosen to bring a pop of color, crunch, or savory depth that makes every bite exciting. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Spaghetti: The star! Broken in half for easier eating and maximum flavor coating.
Cherry tomatoes: These juicy gems provide colorful bursts of freshness with every forkful.
Cucumber: Adds cool crispiness and a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the noodles.
Red bell pepper: Invites a sweet, vibrant crunch and gorgeous color to the bowl.
Red onion: Finely chopped for a gentle zing that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
Black olives: Sliced olives bring a salty, briny depth that balances all the freshness.
Cheddar cheese: Cubed for creamy richness and a little sharpness in every bite.
Italian dressing: A bottle of your favorite kind makes preparation quick and flavor-packed.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky warmth to tie everything together.
Italian seasoning: An herby blend to boost all the classic Mediterranean notes.
Salt: Just enough to bring out every vibrant flavor without making things too salty.
Black pepper: For a light kick and perfect seasoning balance.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for that final flourish of green and freshness.

How to Make Spaghetti Salad

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and toss in your spaghetti, breaking the noodles in half first. This simple step means shorter strands that are much easier to eat in a salad. Cook the pasta just until al dente—firm but tender. Drain it well, then rinse it under cold water until it’s completely cool. This cool-down keeps the noodles from sticking together and stops the cooking, so your salad stays light and bouncy.

Step 2: Prep and Combine the Veggies

While the spaghetti cools, gather your large salad bowl and start adding the beautiful, fresh veggies: halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Next, sprinkle in those salty sliced black olives and the cubes of rich cheddar cheese. This vibrant veggie-and-cheese medley sets the stage for the flavor party that is Spaghetti Salad!

Step 3: Mix in Pasta and Seasonings

Add your cooled spaghetti noodles to the bowl, then pour the Italian dressing right over the top. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use tongs or two big spoons to toss everything together until all the noodles and veggies are glistening and evenly coated with that zesty dressing. It already looks tempting, but the secret is yet to come!

Step 4: Chill to Perfection

Cover the bowl and let your Spaghetti Salad rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you have time. This patient chilling allows the noodles to soak up all the lively flavors from the dressing, herbs, and veggies. Don’t skip this part—it’s absolutely worth it for maximum flavor!

Step 5: Toss and Garnish

Right before serving, give the Spaghetti Salad another good toss to ensure everything is evenly mixed and none of the dressing has settled at the bottom. Scatter a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley over top for a final touch of color and brightness. Your salad is ready to impress!

How to Serve Spaghetti Salad

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is traditional, but don’t be afraid to branch out! Try a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese or a handful of extra cracked black pepper for added zest. If you’re serving a heat-loving crowd, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes makes a bold and colorful finish on your Spaghetti Salad.

Side Dishes

Spaghetti Salad is the MVP of summer cookouts and potlucks because it pairs wonderfully with all kinds of mains, from grilled chicken and burgers to sandwiches and picnic classics. Add some garlic bread or corn on the cob for a complete meal that satisfies every craving.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in a big, clear glass bowl to show off its rainbow hues, or get playful and pile it into individual mason jars for handy party portions! For a family-style dinner, try heaping it onto a bed of leafy greens for extra crunch and beauty. However you choose, Spaghetti Salad always looks inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Spaghetti Salad stores like a dream! Pop the leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—and honestly, the flavors get even better as they mingle. Just give it a quick toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish, as the veggies and pasta can become soggy or lose their bite once thawed. Spaghetti Salad is best enjoyed fresh from the fridge, so whip up a batch to enjoy throughout the week without worrying about freezing.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Spaghetti Salad at all! It’s designed to be served cold, making it perfect for hot days and make-ahead entertaining. If you prefer it closer to room temperature, just let it sit out for a couple of minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish, Salad

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic and gives the salad its name and unique character, you can swap in rotini, penne, or any short pasta shape you love. Just keep in mind the texture will change a bit, but the flavors will still shine.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this Spaghetti Salad is vegetarian as written. It contains cheddar cheese for protein and richness, but feel free to leave it out or substitute with your favorite vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.

How can I make it more “main course worthy”?

To boost the protein and heartiness, toss in diced grilled chicken, cubes of salami, or slices of pepperoni. You could even add cooked chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian spin that’s extra filling.

How far in advance can I make Spaghetti Salad?

You can make Spaghetti Salad up to a full day in advance! In fact, allowing it to chill overnight gives the flavors even more time to blend and develop, making it even tastier.

What’s the best way to keep it from drying out in the fridge?

If your salad looks a little dry after sitting, simply stir in an extra splash of Italian dressing before serving. This freshens things right back up and brings back that irresistible, glossy coat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Spaghetti Salad—it’s bright, easygoing, and always a hit wherever it goes. If you haven’t tried it yet, grab these simple ingredients and treat yourself to a bowlful of summer flavor. One taste and you’ll be signing up to bring it to every gathering!

Spaghetti Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side for any meal. Loaded with fresh veggies, cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti Salad:

12 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup sliced black olives
1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1 bottle (16 ounces) Italian dressing
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and cheddar cheese.
Add dressing and seasonings: Pour Italian dressing over the salad and add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until well coated.
Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to blend. Before serving, toss again and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.