Oh, let me tell you about my Spaghetti Salad! It’s the ultimate refreshing dish that screams summer gatherings! Just imagine bright cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers mingling with tender spaghetti, all tossed in a zesty dressing—yum! I remember the first time I made this for a picnic with friends; we were sitting under a big shady tree, and as soon as I served it, everyone was raving about the flavors. It’s so easy to whip up, and it can chill in the fridge while you sip your lemonade. Seriously, this salad is not just a dish; it’s a way to bring people together and enjoy the sunny days ahead. You’ll love it, trust me!

Ingredients List

8 oz spaghetti
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olives, sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Instructions

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial for keeping it nice and firm!
While the spaghetti cools, grab a large bowl and toss in the 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced bell pepper, 1/2 thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup sliced olives, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Mix it up to get all those fresh flavors mingling!
Now, add the cooled spaghetti to your colorful veggie mixture. It’s starting to look delicious, right?
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is where the magic happens!
Pour the dressing over the spaghetti salad and toss everything together until it’s well coated. Don’t be shy; get in there and mix it up!
Finally, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors develop and makes it extra refreshing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s super quick to prepare—perfect for those last-minute summer gatherings!
Totally customizable! You can throw in any veggies you love or have on hand.
Flavor-packed with a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing.
Chilled and refreshing, it’s the ideal dish for hot days when you just want something light.
Perfect for meal prep—make it ahead of time and let the flavors marinate!
Great as a side or a main dish; it fits any occasion, from picnics to potlucks.

Tips for Success

Cook spaghetti just right: Make sure to follow the package instructions and cook until al dente. This way, the pasta will hold up better in the salad and not get mushy when mixed with the dressing.
Rinse it well: After draining, rinse your spaghetti under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps it nice and firm, which is super important for a salad!
Taste as you go: When you’re adding salt and pepper to the dressing, taste it! Adjust the seasoning to your liking; everyone has different preferences, and I like mine with a bit of a kick!
Add more crunch: If you want to amp up the texture, try adding some diced bell peppers or even a handful of nuts like walnuts or almonds for a delightful crunch.
Feta, feta, feta: Don’t skimp on the feta! It adds so much creaminess and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a flavored feta for an extra zing!
Let it chill: For the best flavor, make sure to chill your salad for at least 30 minutes. This really helps the ingredients marry together beautifully!
Experiment: Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies! Zucchini, shredded carrots, or even artichoke hearts can make a delightful addition to your spaghetti salad.

Variations

Veggie Delight: Swap out the veggies for whatever’s in season! Try adding roasted zucchini, grilled asparagus, or even some sweet corn for a burst of color and flavor.
Protein Boost: Want to make it a heartier meal? Toss in some cooked chicken, diced ham, or even canned tuna. Just make sure to adjust the dressing to balance the extra flavors!
Herb Heaven: Experiment with fresh herbs! Chopped basil, parsley, or dill can elevate your spaghetti salad to a whole new level of freshness.
Dressing Switch-Up: Change the dressing to match your mood! A creamy ranch or a tangy lemon vinaigrette can add a whole different vibe to the salad.
Cheese Variety: If feta isn’t your thing, try crumbled goat cheese or even mozzarella balls for a different texture and taste. You might just find a new favorite!
Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy twist.
Nuts for Crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for that extra crunch and nutty flavor. It’s a great way to add texture to your salad!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Spaghetti Salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-5 days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors for a little longer!

Now, if you find yourself with some extra salad that’s been hanging out in the fridge, don’t worry! You can enjoy it cold straight from the container. Just give it a little toss to refresh the dressing and ingredients. Trust me, it still tastes amazing!

But if you prefer it warm or if you’ve added protein like chicken or tuna, you can gently reheat it in the microwave. Just pop it in for about 30 seconds, stir, and check the temperature. Be careful not to overheat it, as we want to keep that lovely texture of the veggies intact!

So there you have it—simple storage and reheating tips to make your Spaghetti Salad last and stay delicious! Enjoy every bite, my friend!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my delicious Spaghetti Salad! Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But here’s the scoop:

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 7g

This refreshing salad is not only tasty but also a great option for a light meal or side dish. Enjoy it guilt-free, knowing you’re fueling your body with some wholesome ingredients!

FAQ Section

How long does Spaghetti Salad last in the fridge?
You can keep your Spaghetti Salad in the fridge for about 3-5 days in an airtight container. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep, so you can enjoy those delicious leftovers!

Can I make Spaghetti Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. The flavors really meld together beautifully when it has some time to chill in the fridge. Just be sure to toss it again before serving!

What can I serve with Spaghetti Salad?
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, like chicken or shrimp, or even a nice piece of fish. It also makes a great side for barbecues or picnics! You could also serve it alongside some crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal.

Is Spaghetti Salad suitable for a potluck?
Definitely! It’s super easy to transport and doesn’t require any reheating, making it ideal for potlucks. Just be sure to keep it chilled until serving time!

Can I customize the ingredients in Spaghetti Salad?
For sure! One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. Feel free to add your favorite veggies, proteins, or even different dressings to make it your own. Get creative—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!

Spaghetti Salad: 5 Refreshing Variations to Try Today

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Cold
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing spaghetti salad perfect for summer gatherings.

Instructions

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
Add the cooled spaghetti to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
This salad can be made a day in advance.
Adjust seasoning to your taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Spaghetti Salad, Pasta Salad, Cold Salad

Spread the love