There’s something truly special about a spaghetti salad recipe that combines the simplicity of pasta with the fresh flavors of veggies and a tangy zesty Italian dressing. I first tasted this dish at a family gathering, and ever since, it’s become a staple for spring and summer BBQs and holiday parties. The mix of ripe vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, and carrots brings out the natural sweetness and crunch, while the dressing adds a delicious burst of flavor. This is a great side dish for any meal prep, picnic, or special occasion—it’s easy to throw together and is always a hit!
What makes this dish so versatile is its ability to go with almost anything, from a grilled dinner to a backyard BBQ party. Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free and vegan option or just a crowd-pleasing side to share, this classic salad never disappoints. The combination of tender noodles, yummy cheese, and salad seasoning gives it an incredible oomph that leaves everyone asking for more. It’s truly the perfect balance of fresh, bright, and juicy flavors, and it’s simple to prepare in advance. So, if you’re planning your next cookout or family gathering, this spaghetti salad is a must-try!
Spaghetti Salad Recipe-The Short Answer
Ingredients
When making a delicious spaghetti salad, it’s important to select the right ingredients to bring the perfect balance of flavors. Below are the essential ingredients to create a refreshing and satisfying salad.
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles: This is the base of your salad. You can choose between regular spaghetti, thin spaghetti, or even whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier alternative.
- Rotini: If you prefer a different shape, rotini works great for adding texture and holding the dressing well.
Vegetables
- Green bell peppers, red bell peppers, yellow or orange bell peppers: Diced, these peppers add both color and crunch to your salad. They are a must for that fresh veggie vibe.
- 1 english cucumber: Sliced thinly, it gives a cool, crisp bite that balances the richness of the dressing.
- 2 large vine-ripe tomatoes, diced: These provide a juicy, flavorful base for your salad. You can swap them for roma tomatoes or even heirloom tomatoes depending on availability.
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor. If you’re not a fan of strong onion taste, soak the slices in cold water to mellow out the flavor.
Seasoning & Dressing
- McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning (4 tablespoons): This is the secret to adding bold, zesty flavor to your salad. It gives the salad that extra punch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth to the seasoning mix.
- Italian dressing: Use 15-16 oz bottled Italian dressing like Wishbone or Kraft Zesty Italian for convenience, or make your own if you prefer something fresh and homemade.
Protein & Cheese (Optional)
- Cubed ham and salami: These meats can be added for extra protein and savory flavor.
- Cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese: Cubes or crumbled, these cheeses add richness and a bit of spice. For a more delicate touch, use ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese.
- 2.25 ounce can sliced olives, drained: For a bit of salty tang, olives are the perfect addition to your salad.
Garnishes & Extras
- Fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano can give the salad a fragrant, earthy finish. You can also mix in any extra veggies you love, like 5-6 baby carrots, chopped into small pieces for added crunch and sweetness.
How to Make Spaghetti Salad
Making a spaghetti salad is easy and quick, with just a few steps to follow. Here’s how to get the perfect salad every time.
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
First, follow the package instructions to cook your pasta. Once your noodles are cooked to al dente, drain them in a colander and rinse them gently with cool water. This will help cool the spaghetti down quickly and stop it from cooking further. This is a key step to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft. If you’re using uncooked onions, soak them briefly in ice water to reduce any strong, overpowering flavor they might add to the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
While the pasta is cooling, you can prepare the veggies. Start by washing your bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumber. Chop the bell peppers and tomatoes and slice the cucumber into fours. Dice red onion to your preferred amount—use about ⅓ of a small red onion, or less if you prefer a milder taste. For extra flavor, feel free to add olives or cheeses to the mix.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Once your pasta is cool and the veggies are prepared, it’s time to mix everything. In a large bowl, add the cooled spaghetti, chopped veggies, and dressing. Start by pouring about ¾ cup of dressing over the mixture and add more until the pasta is nicely coated. Then, add your salad seasoning—I recommend McCormick Salad Supreme for an extra burst of flavor—and a little garlic powder. Toss the ingredients gently until everything is evenly mixed and coated.
Step 4: Let the Salad Marinate
Once your pasta salad is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 4-8 hours to let the flavors marinate. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together. If you’re in a hurry, you can refrigerate it for as little as 45 minutes, but it’s worth waiting the full time. When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a final stir to ensure everything is evenly combined and sprinkle some kosher salt on top for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
This spaghetti salad is a great dish to prepare ahead of time, especially when you need a quick, fresh meal for a gathering. The combination of pasta, fresh veggies, and flavorful dressing makes it a hit every time. Once prepared, you can enjoy this salad as a side dish or even a light main course.
Notes & Nutrition
Storage and Pro Tips
When preparing your spaghetti salad recipe, the first step is to choose the right pasta. You can use anywhere between 12 oz. and 1 lb. of spaghetti pasta. If you’re feeling adventurous, try rotini, which is also a great option for this salad. You can even use any dry pasta you prefer, and the recipe will still work beautifully. After cooking the pasta, let it marinate in the salad seasoning mix, then place it in the fridge to refrigerate for at least a few hours. I’ve found that the salad tastes even better after being left to sit for 4 days, so don’t rush it. If you have any leftovers, just store them in a covered container and keep them refrigerated. The salad can last up to 4 days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or a make-ahead dish.
Nutritional Breakdown
This spaghetti salad recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also quite nutritious. For a serving, you’ll get around 245 kcal. In terms of macronutrients, it contains 34g of carbohydrates, 5g of protein, and 10g of fat. The salad also includes 427mg of sodium, 2g of fiber, and 8g of sugar. If you prefer a lighter version, consider tweaking the ingredients. For example, swapping in 125 kcal worth of lighter cheese options like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack can reduce the calorie count. The type of Italian dressing you use plays a huge role in the flavor, so feel free to pick your favorite dressing from the grocery store. Also, adding a dash of Salad Supreme Seasoning will enhance the overall taste, giving it a unique kick that complements the other ingredients.
Serving Size and Adjustments for Larger Groups
This recipe is incredibly versatile, especially when you’re cooking for more people. If you’re expecting a bigger crowd, simply double or triple the recipe to accommodate everyone. The salad can serve about 6 people as a main side dish or up to 8 if people are trying multiple sides. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a small gathering or a larger party, this dish will not disappoint. If you’re storing the salad for later, remember to toss it every now and then to keep the ingredients well-mixed. It’s easy to adjust for any occasion, and it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Variations You Can Try
As a food explorer, I am trying my best to tell you all homemade recipes that you can enjoy at minimum cost and in hygienic way. I am giving you my other recipes which are related to Pasta & Rice Hub. Some other recipes are giving below:
Unstuffed Peppers Recipe With a Twist You Must Try
Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta With a Secret Upgrade-Try It!
Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups: The Cheesiest Bite You’ll Ever Try
The Ground Turkey Spaghetti Recipe Your Family Will Beg For!
I hope you will visit all these recipes and enjoy my recipes because it will boosts your craze for homemade products. I also bet that when you try first time it will boost your taste and you will become addictive to these recipes. I will recommend you that instead of this category you will visit my other categories such as Chef’s Specials , Spice & Seasonings, Brew Boosts, Sweet Cravings. These recipes will also boosts your taste.
FAQ’s
Do I Have to Use Spaghetti?
No, you don’t have to use spaghetti! While spaghetti noodles are traditionally used in this recipe, you can swap them for any pasta noodle you prefer. Whether it’s penne, rotini, or any other type of pasta, it all depends on your personal taste.
What is the Best Italian Dressing to Use?
The best Italian dressing is really up to you. I personally love using Wish Bone Robusto—it’s a cheap option that adds great flavor. However, you can use any salad dressing you like, as it all depends on your flavor preferences.
What Other Cheese Can I Use in This?
Mozzarella is the classic choice for a spaghetti salad recipe, but gouda also works wonderfully. It adds a richer taste and creamy texture, complementing the Salad Supreme seasoning and other ingredients.
Where Do I Find the Salad Supreme Seasoning?
You can find Salad Supreme Seasoning at most grocery stores. It’s typically located either with the other seasonings or with the salad dressings and condiments. Look around, and you should spot it easily.
How Do You Store Leftover Spaghetti Salad?
To store leftovers, place the salad in a lidded container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it properly to maintain the flavors.
