Name: Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti, cooked and cooled; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/2 cup broccoli, chopped; 1/2 cup zucchini, diced; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional); 1/2 cup Italian dressing (or homemade vinaigrette); 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing meals that are easy to make and even easier to devour. This Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad is just that – the ultimate make-ahead dish for picnics, barbecues, or any casual get-together. Imagine tender spaghetti noodles coated in a tangy dressing, mixed with colorful vegetables, and seasoned to perfection. It’s like a bowl of sunshine in every bite, and it’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!) every time. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation, and you’ll love how simple it is to put together. Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad

This isn’t your average pasta salad, and here’s why:

Easy & Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a picnic, having a BBQ, or just prepping some lunches for the week. It’s so simple to make and can be customized with your favorite veggies and proteins.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tangy dressing pairs beautifully with the creamy, crisp veggies, and the spaghetti noodles give it a unique twist.
Make-Ahead: It’s a great dish to make ahead of time. In fact, it gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors have time to meld together.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s the type of dish that everyone loves—kids, adults, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike will all happily scoop up a serving (or two).

Ingredients

This pasta salad is a simple, no-fuss dish that uses a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Spaghetti: The base of the salad. While traditional pasta salads use elbow macaroni or rotini, spaghetti adds a fun twist and a slightly different texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add a burst of color and flavor.
Cucumber: Fresh, crisp, and hydrating—perfect for a summer salad.
Red Onion: Adds a slight zing and depth to the salad.
Bell Pepper: Colorful and crunchy—choose your favorite color (red, yellow, or orange).
Olives: Optional, but they bring a lovely briny flavor that complements the other veggies perfectly.
Cheese (Feta or Mozzarella): Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy richness, while mozzarella brings a creamy bite.
Dressing (Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Garlic, Dijon Mustard, Oregano, Salt, and Pepper): The dressing brings it all together—tangy, garlicky, and just the right amount of kick.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to toss everything together? Let’s dive in:

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool down completely.

Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cools, chop your veggies. Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. If you’re using olives, slice them up as well.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, veggies, and cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated.

Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad nice and cold. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir and garnish with extra herbs or cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 210

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chill time)

How to Serve Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is the perfect side dish or even a light main course. Here are some ideas for serving:

Pair with Grilled Meat: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a complete meal.
Add Protein: If you want to make this salad more filling, you can toss in some grilled chicken, bacon bits, or even chickpeas.
Perfect for Picnics: This salad is a hit at outdoor gatherings. It’s portable and won’t wilt like leafy salads.
Serve as a Snack: If you’re looking for a quick bite, this pasta salad is an easy snack that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your pasta salad even more delicious:

Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or swap out any veggies you love. Zucchini, carrots, or even corn would be great additions.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti if you’re catering to dietary restrictions.
Add Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or even thyme would be a great finishing touch to add some fresh, aromatic flavor.
Make it Creamy: If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the mix.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can! This salad actually gets better as it sits, so feel free to make it a day ahead and let the flavors meld in the fridge.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Absolutely! While spaghetti is great, you can swap it for any pasta you like, such as rotini, farfalle, or penne.

Q3: How long will this pasta salad last?
A3: It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a stir before serving!

Q4: Can I add meat to this salad?
A4: Yes, grilled chicken, bacon, or even pepperoni are all great options to make this salad more hearty.

Q5: Can I make this pasta salad spicy?
A5: Of course! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss in some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6: Yes! Mozzarella, Parmesan, or even cheddar would work well in this salad. Just choose a cheese that complements the other ingredients.

Q7: Can I make this salad without dressing?
A7: Sure! You could simply drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice for a lighter option, or serve it with a store-bought dressing if you prefer.

Q8: Can I use frozen veggies instead of fresh?
A8: I wouldn’t recommend frozen veggies, as they tend to become mushy when thawed. Stick with fresh for the best texture.

Q9: Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
A9: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written. However, you can add meat if you prefer.

Q10: Can I freeze this pasta salad?
A10: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad, as the pasta and veggies can become soggy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Conclusion

This Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad is the perfect summer side dish—refreshing, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or serving it at your next picnic, this pasta salad will definitely become a crowd favorite. So, grab your ingredients, toss everything together, and get ready to dig into a bowl of sunshine! Enjoy!