Spaghetti Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that brings together tender pasta with crisp vegetables, savory seasonings, and a tangy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. This colorful pasta salad transforms ordinary spaghetti into a refreshing cold dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, potluck dinners, and family gatherings. What makes this recipe special is its wonderful combination of textures and flavors – the soft pasta pairs perfectly with crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onions, while a zesty Italian-style dressing adds the perfect amount of tang. This versatile dish gets even better as it sits, making it an ideal make-ahead option for busy hosts.
Recipe Information
- Serves: 8-10 people
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Ingredients You Need
For the perfect Spaghetti Salad, gather these fresh ingredients:
- 1 pound thin spaghetti pasta
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1 cup Italian salad dressing
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like the ocean – this is how you get perfectly seasoned pasta. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package directions until it reaches the perfect texture. You want it to be tender but still have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to absorb flavors as it sits.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly in a colander. Immediately rinse the hot pasta under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Keep rinsing and stirring the pasta until it feels completely cool to the touch. This step is crucial for preventing the pasta from becoming mushy and ensures your salad will have the perfect texture.
Preparing the Fresh Vegetables
While your pasta is cooling, prepare all your fresh vegetables. Dice the red and green bell peppers into small, bite-sized pieces. The peppers add wonderful color and a sweet crunch to the salad. Cut the cucumber into small cubes, leaving the skin on for extra color and nutrition.
Dice the tomatoes and place them in a separate bowl for now – you’ll add these last to prevent them from making the salad watery. Finely dice the red onion, making sure the pieces are small so they distribute evenly throughout the salad. Slice the black olives and chop the fresh herbs.
Making the Perfect Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian salad dressing and mayonnaise. The mayonnaise helps the dressing cling to the pasta better and adds a creamy element. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed – you want a good balance of tangy, savory, and herby flavors.
Assembling Your Spaghetti Salad
Place the cooled spaghetti in a very large mixing bowl. Pour about three-quarters of your prepared dressing over the pasta and toss everything together using clean hands or large spoons. Make sure every strand of pasta gets coated with the dressing.
Add the diced bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, and sliced olives to the pasta. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly. The vegetables should be evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Add the chopped parsley and chives, which will add fresh flavor and beautiful green color to your salad.
Adding the Final Touches
Gently fold in the diced tomatoes and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Add the remaining dressing if the salad seems too dry – you want it to be well-coated but not swimming in dressing. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it chills, so it’s better to start with a little extra.
Taste your spaghetti salad and adjust the seasonings. You might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preferences. Remember that cold foods need more seasoning than hot foods, so don’t be afraid to add a little extra flavor.
Chilling and Serving
Cover your spaghetti salad tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time is essential – it allows all the flavors to blend together and the pasta to absorb the delicious dressing. The salad actually tastes even better after sitting overnight.
Before serving, give the salad a good stir and taste it again. You might need to add a splash more dressing or a pinch of salt, as the flavors can mellow as the salad chills. If the salad seems a bit dry, add a little more Italian dressing and toss gently.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This colorful Spaghetti Salad serves 8-10 people generously, making it perfect for large gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled meats, fried chicken, or sandwiches for a complete meal. It also makes an excellent vegetarian main dish when served with crusty bread.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it by adding other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, celery, or carrots. Some people love to add chunks of cheese, pepperoni, or even hard-boiled eggs. The key is to maintain the balance of pasta, vegetables, and dressing that makes this dish so satisfying and delicious.
