Delicious Italian Spaghetti Salad Recipe – Fresh & Flavorful
If you are looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that brings together classic Italian flavors in a refreshing way, this Delicious Italian Spaghetti Salad Recipe is perfect for you.
Packed with crisp vegetables, zesty Italian dressing, and al dente spaghetti, this salad is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, picnics, or any weeknight dinner. You will love how easy it is to prepare and how well it pairs with your favorite Italian mains.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Spaghetti Salad
This Italian Spaghetti Salad is more than just a side dish. It is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors with the nutritious goodness of vegetables and the heartiness of pasta. Here’s why you should try it:
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead meals
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins
- Vegan-friendly (with minor tweaks)
- Bursting with authentic Italian flavors
Ingredients for Italian Spaghetti Salad
To make this Delicious Italian Spaghetti Salad Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Salad
- 12 oz spaghetti (regular or whole wheat)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese balls (bocconcini) or cubes
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni or salami (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Italian Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Italian Spaghetti Salad
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles quickly. This step is important for a cold pasta salad as it prevents the noodles from sticking together.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooling, prepare your vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the bell peppers, and thinly slice the red onion. Slice the black olives and cut the mozzarella into small cubes if not using mini balls. Chop the fresh basil.
Step 3: Make the Italian Dressing
In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake well until fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled spaghetti. Top with the prepared vegetables, olives, mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni or salami (if using), and grated parmesan. Pour the Italian dressing over the top.
Step 5: Toss and Chill
Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated and the vegetables are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling helps the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss. Add extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra color and flavor. Serve cold and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Italian Spaghetti Salad
- Use good-quality olive oil for the dressing to enhance the flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta. Al dente spaghetti holds up better in salads.
- Customize the vegetables. You can add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the pepperoni or salami.
- Add protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Let it chill well. Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge makes the flavors come together.
What to Serve with Italian Spaghetti Salad
This spaghetti pasta salad pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Italian subs or sandwiches
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Antipasto platter
- Roasted vegetables
It is also a wonderful stand-alone meal, especially for picnics or quick lunches.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Italian Spaghetti Salad is excellent for meal prep. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to store it longer, keep the dressing separate and toss before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid.
Variations of Italian Spaghetti Salad
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
- Vegan: Skip the cheese and meat, and add chickpeas or tofu.
- Extra Hearty: Add cooked and cooled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs.
- Cheesy: Mix in feta, provolone, or Asiago cheese for a different flavor.
Health Benefits
This Italian salad is rich in fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats from olive oil. The fresh vegetables provide antioxidants and nutrients, making it a balanced and satisfying dish.
FAQs
Can I make Italian Spaghetti Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad up to a day in advance. In fact, the flavors get better as it sits. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What kind of pasta works best for this salad?
Spaghetti is classic for this recipe, but you can also use linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like rotini or penne.
How long does Italian Spaghetti Salad last in the fridge?
This salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?
Yes, if you are short on time, you can use your favorite bottled Italian dressing. Homemade dressing is recommended for the best flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free as written, but you can easily swap in gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, or any vegetable you like.
Is Italian Spaghetti Salad served cold or warm?
It is typically served cold or at room temperature, making it a great option for summer meals.
Delicious Italian Spaghetti Salad
A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad packed with classic Italian flavors, crisp vegetables, zesty homemade dressing, and al dente spaghetti. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, picnics, or a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 oz spaghetti (regular or whole wheat)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese balls (bocconcini) or cubes
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni or salami (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Italian Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 313Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 440mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 9g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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