Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian Spaghetti Salad is the perfect blend of vibrant vegetables, tender pasta, and a tangy Italian dressing that creates a refreshing and hearty dish. It’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a summer barbecue, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. The flavors intensify when chilled, making it an ideal make-ahead dish. With its balance of textures and fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
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16 oz thin spaghetti, halved
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3 medium tomatoes, diced
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3 small zucchinis, diced
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1 large cucumber, halved, seeded, and diced
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1 medium green bell pepper, diced
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1 medium red bell pepper, diced
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8 oz Italian salad dressing
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
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1½ teaspoons sesame seeds
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1½ teaspoons poppy seeds
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½ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon celery seed
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⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti with diced tomatoes, zucchinis, cucumber, and bell peppers.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder.
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Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and vegetables. Toss to coat evenly.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
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Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6–8
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Chill Time: 2 hours
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Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
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Add Protein: For a heartier salad, add cubed salami, pepperoni, or grilled chicken.
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Cheese Options: Swap out the Parmesan with fresh mozzarella or feta for a different flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced pepperoncini, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
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Additional Veggies: Include olives, carrots, or broccoli florets to boost flavor and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: This salad is best served cold and doesn’t need reheating.
FAQs
Can I use regular spaghetti instead of thin spaghetti?
Yes, you can use regular spaghetti, just make sure to cook it al dente and cut it into manageable pieces if needed.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Traditional spaghetti is not gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
Can I prepare this salad the night before?
Yes, it’s even better when prepared ahead of time. The flavors meld and develop after sitting overnight.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative, and make sure the Italian dressing is vegan-friendly.
Can I freeze this salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the vegetables and pasta may change when thawed.
What can I serve this salad with?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone light meal.
Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?
Yes, store-bought Italian dressing works perfectly for convenience.
How can I adjust the dressing to my taste?
Feel free to add more herbs, spices, or vinegar to suit your flavor preferences.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad holds up well and is great for meal prep. Just divide it into individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.
Can I add fruits to this salad?
While not traditional, adding fruits like diced apples or grapes can bring a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
Conclusion
Italian Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer party or preparing it as a make-ahead meal, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its mix of pasta, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing, it’s a delicious and versatile recipe that everyone will love.
Print
Italian Spaghetti Salad
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish featuring pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy Italian dressing. Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed cold, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
Ingredients
16 oz thin spaghetti, halved
3 medium tomatoes, diced
3 small zucchinis, diced
1 large cucumber, halved, seeded, and diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
8 oz Italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1½ teaspoons sesame seeds
1½ teaspoons poppy seeds
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon celery seed
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti with diced tomatoes, zucchinis, cucumber, and bell peppers.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and vegetables. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- Add Protein: Include cubed salami, pepperoni, or grilled chicken for a heartier salad.
- Cheese Options: Substitute Parmesan with mozzarella balls or feta for a different flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced pepperoncini or a dash of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Additional Veggies: Try adding olives, carrots, or broccoli florets for more texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Salad, Pasta Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
