Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
broken in half
- 1 cup quartered and sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
halved
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
- 2/3 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/4 cups homemade or store bought Italian dressing
dressing recipe follows
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine or red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tablespoons finely minced red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced dried onion
or 1 teaspoon fresh minced onion
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- 1
Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously to combine. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- 2
Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water.
Spaghetti Salad
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 32 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Planning your next gathering and need a crowd-pleasing dish that's a refreshing change from traditional sides? This Spaghetti Salad delivers a unique and flavorful twist on pasta salad, perfect for entertaining! What sets this spaghetti salad apart is its vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers, combined with savory black olives and finely diced red onion. It’s all brought together by a zesty, bright homemade Italian dressing that you can easily whip up yourself, making every bite burst with fresh flavor. You'll discover a delightful contrast in textures with each forkful, from the tender yet firm spaghetti to the crisp snap of fresh vegetables. The tangy, herbaceous dressing, rich with olive oil, vinegar, and a medley of dried herbs, coats everything beautifully, complemented by salty bursts of parmesan cheese and olives. It's a remarkably refreshing and satisfying dish, making it an ideal choice for any potluck or barbecue spread. Tailoring this pasta salad to your taste is simple. Feel free to adjust the tang of the dressing by varying the white wine or red wine vinegar, or play with the herb ratios for a unique flavor profile. For a different touch, you can swap the fresh minced onion for dried in the dressing, or vice-versa, depending on what you have on hand. Don't hesitate to add more parmesan cheese for an extra savory kick. This Spaghetti Salad is specifically designed to feed a crowd, making it your go-to dish for any gathering, from backyard barbecues to holiday potlucks. Serve it chilled as a vibrant side alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch option for a refreshing meal.