If ever a dish could deliver the vibrant flavors of summer in one colorful bowl, it’s the iconic Spaghetti Salad Recipe. It’s everything you crave for a picnic or potluck: juicy tomatoes, crisp veggies, tangy Italian dressing, and tender spaghetti all tossed together with creamy cheese and a sprinkle of savory seasoning. This dish is refreshingly cool, impossibly easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a staple for busy weeknights, leisurely weekend gatherings, or any moment you want something fresh and fabulous on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those recipes where each classic, simple ingredient brings its own important magic: crunch from peppers, creaminess from the cheese, brininess from olives, and, of course, that signature tang from the Italian dressing. Here’s why each one matters:
- Spaghetti, broken in half: Cutting the spaghetti makes it much easier to toss and serve, so each bite is twirled with flavor and veggies.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: These bring juicy, sweet bursts of flavor and bold color that pop in every forkful.
- Cucumber, diced: The cool crunch of cucumber balances all the other bold ingredients and keeps things extra refreshing.
- Green bell pepper, chopped: Its crisp texture and grassy sweetness add a classic salad crunch and vibrant color.
- Red bell pepper, chopped: A touch of natural sweetness and more color, the red pepper stands out both in taste and looks.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Adds sharpness and a bit of zip that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Sliced black olives, drained: For a touch of salty, briny flavor that offsets the fresh, sweet veggies.
- Cheddar cheese, cubed: The creamy richness of cheddar is the perfect foil for the fresh vegetables and tangy dressing.
- Italian dressing (1 bottle): This is the real flavor driver—choose your favorite, and don’t be shy about it!
- Salad seasoning blend: Adds a signature pop of herby, zesty flavor that mingles with every ingredient.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: A dash of each brings all the flavors into perfect balance.
How to Make Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Step 1: Boil and Chill the Pasta
Start by cooking 1 pound of spaghetti according to package directions until it’s just al dente—firm, but not hard. Once it’s drained, rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them completely. This cooling step ensures your Spaghetti Salad Recipe won’t turn out gummy and helps the noodles stay springy and light. Transfer the pasta to a big bowl to get ready for all the tasty additions.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables and Cheese
While your pasta chills, take a few minutes to chop the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop both bell peppers, and thinly slice your red onion. Cube the cheddar cheese so you get nice, substantial pieces in every bite. These chunky cut vegetables and cheese catch the dressing and seasoning beautifully, creating amazing texture and flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Add all the veggies, black olives, and cubed cheddar to your chilled spaghetti. Pour the entire bottle of Italian dressing over everything, then sprinkle in the salad seasoning blend. Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure every strand and vegetable gets coated—this is the secret to infusing every bite of your Spaghetti Salad Recipe with maximum zing. Finish with salt and pepper, tasting as you go.
Step 4: Chill and Marinate
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a tight lid, then transfer it to the refrigerator for at least two hours. This “marinating” time lets the flavors mingle and marry, deepening the taste and making each bite even better. If you have time, letting the salad rest overnight is even more delicious as the flavors truly come alive.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Right before serving, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and seasonings. The veggies may have released a bit of juice, so stirring brings everything back together. Taste and add a pinch more salt and pepper if desired. Your vibrant, crowd-friendly Spaghetti Salad Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To take this salad up a notch, try sprinkling on some fresh chopped parsley or basil, a little extra salad seasoning, or even a generous grate of parmesan just before serving. These garnishes bring vivid color and a fresh, aromatic finish that’s almost irresistible. Lemon zest is also a fun way to brighten things up if you want a citrusy kick.
Side Dishes
Since this Spaghetti Salad Recipe is bursting with veggies and flavor, it pairs beautifully with so many classic sides: think buttery garlic bread, grilled chicken, or smoky sausages. It’s equally at home next to burgers at a cookout as it is beside simple grilled fish or even as a base for a lunch spread with deviled eggs and fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Spaghetti Salad Recipe in a large trifle bowl to show off all its brilliant layers, or portion it into individual mason jars for grab-and-go picnic perfection. You can even tuck it into lettuce cups for a fresh, summery appetizer. For bigger gatherings, piling it high onto a crisp bed of lettuce on a large platter always gets rave reviews.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Spaghetti Salad Recipe to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to four days, making it the perfect grab-and-go lunch or snack. Simply give it a gentle toss before enjoying to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe—the fresh veggies can become watery and lose their crunch after thawing. If you want to prepare some in advance, try chopping and storing just the vegetables separately in the fridge; then assemble and dress closer to serving time for best results.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Spaghetti Salad Recipe since it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If the salad feels a little dry after a day or two, just drizzle on a bit of extra Italian dressing and toss it gently to revive all that bright, zingy flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti Salad Recipe a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better after a night in the fridge. The dressing and seasonings have extra time to soak into the pasta and veggies, creating richer flavor and a more cohesive texture.
What if I don’t have Salad Supreme seasoning?
No worries—just sprinkle in a mix of dried Italian herbs, a pinch of paprika, and some grated parmesan to mimic that signature blend. It won’t be exactly the same, but your Spaghetti Salad Recipe will still be delicious!
Can I add protein to make it more filling?
Definitely! Grilled or shredded chicken, chopped salami, or even chickpeas are all popular add-ins. Just fold the protein in with the veggies and cheese for a heartier, meal-worthy salad.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Rinsing the spaghetti under cold water after cooking removes excess starch, which helps prevent sticking. Make sure to toss everything well with dressing, as the oils in the dressing also keep things nicely separated.
Are there gluten-free options?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free spaghetti for the traditional kind. There are some excellent rice and corn-based pasta options out there that work perfectly in this Spaghetti Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that encapsulates everything joyful about summertime gatherings, the Spaghetti Salad Recipe is it. It’s endlessly adaptable, a breeze to whip up, and guaranteed to leave everyone wanting just one more scoop. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a staple in your own kitchen!
Print
Spaghetti Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spaghetti Salad Recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal. Loaded with fresh veggies, cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at any picnic or potluck.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Salad:
- 1 pound spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1 bottle (16 oz) Italian dressing
- 1 tablespoon salad seasoning blend (like McCormick Salad Supreme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Prepare the salad: Transfer the pasta to a large bowl. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, green and red bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and cheddar cheese.
- Add dressing: Pour Italian dressing over the salad and sprinkle with the salad seasoning blend. Toss until well coated.
- Season and chill: Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day ahead for even better flavor.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat dressing and cheese.
- Experiment with adding veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or shredded carrots.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
