I am throwing a backyard BBQ party this summer. The menu? Juicy grilled meat, smoky shrimp skewers, and fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs! The grilled stuff is easy, but the sides? That’s trickier. While potato salad and leafy greens are classics, they wilt too fast in the summer heat. This spaghetti salad recipe, however, is the perfect addition- fresh, colorful, and stays crisp and flavorful even on the hottest days!
So, what makes this salad hold up under the sun and stay delicious throughout the party?
It’s all in the sturdy pasta and flavorful dressing! The pasta creates a solid base that doesn’t wilt like regular salad, keeping the dish structured and hearty. The Italian dressing acts as a flavor guard, coating every spaghetti noodle and veggie with its zesty, herby goodness. The veggies are chopped instead of shredded, so they stay firm and without any leafy greens to wilt, this salad stays fresh and crisp even in the simmering heat!
Does the freshness and crunch make it the perfect BBQ side?
You bet! But there’s more- the zesty dressing and crisp veggies complement the smoky, savory goodness of the grill and round out the summer BBQ spread beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti SaladvRecipe
- A colorful mix of veggies and perfectly cooked pasta.
- Tossed in a tangy, herb-filled homemade Italian dressing.
- Tastes rich and nutty thanks to the grated Parmesan.
- Light, yet versatile enough to serve as a side or main dish.
- Perfect for weight-loss goals with wholesome ingredients.
- Quick and simple to prepare- ideal for busy days.
Mix It Up: Fun Twists On Easy Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Not prepping for a BBQ? Don’t worry- spaghetti salad is so versatile, it can fit right into any menu! Here are some delicious variations you can whip up easily:
Picnic Perfect
Packing a picnic lunchbox? Go for bright and colorful ingredients like tri-color spaghetti, crunchy bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes! Prep the dressing ahead of time and give it a quick chill so it stays fresh and flavorful when it’s time to eat.
Kid-Friendly
This pasta salad recipe is already kid-friendly, but you can make it extra fun by swapping the Italian dressing for ranch or honey-mustard. Toss in sweet corn, carrots, and playful pasta shapes to keep it colorful, crunchy, and exciting for the little troublemakers!
Cheesy Switch-Up
Don’t like Parmesan? Try feta if you like a salty kick, mozzarella for a creamy touch, and cheddar for a rich and sharp flavor that makes the salad extra tasty!
Veggie Swap
Add variety to your salad by swapping out cucumbers and peppers for roasted zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, or even Brussels sprouts for a new flavor and texture.
Meaty Upgrade
Need this meal to be more filling? Add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, and salami for a hearty and satisfying twist.
Herb Explosion
Add herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley to give your salad a bright, aromatic boost.
Unlock The Secret To Irresistible Dressing!
The spaghetti and the veggies are ready, but the dressing’s still a bit ‘meh’? Don’t worry- here are some secrets to get it just right, even after mixing it in:
Flavor
If the dressing tastes a bit off or bland, you can top it up with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor, and you will find it instantly brighter.
Texture
For a thicker texture, add a bit of mustard oil or olive oil to the dressing. If you want it thinner instead, gradually add vinegar or lemon juice while whisking until it reaches the desired consistency.
Balance
Finding the dressing too salty? It happens! Just add a pinch of sugar to mellow down the saltiness. For a heavy or oily dressing, add a bit more lemon juice or vinegar to cut through the richness. If separation occurs, shake the bottle well before tossing the salad.
Tips For Making The Perfect Spaghetti Salad
Not sure if a salad can be this impressive? Follow these tips and you will be making a salad that’s fresh, hearty, and totally addictive:
- To maintain a crisp texture, rinse the pasta well under cold water and cool it down to room temperature.
- Chop the veggies into uniform sizes to maintain a balanced texture throughout the salad.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese over the salad just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Toss the salad carefully to avoid breaking the pasta and keep the veggies intact.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice in stages to get the perfect balance.
Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 225 grams / ½ lb Spaghetti
For Veggeies
- 1 cup / 150 g Cherry Tomato (cut in half)
- ¼ cup / 30 g Sliced Black Olives
- ½ medium-sized English Cucumber (diced)
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- ½ cup Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
- ½ cup Red Bell Pepper (chopped)
- ½ large-sized Red Onion
- ¾ cup / 175 ml Italian Dressing
- Italian dressing Recipe:
- ½ cup / 120 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp / 30 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3 tbsp / 45 ml White Wine Vinegar/ White Vinegar
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp / 2 g Dried Oregano
- ¼ tsp / 0.5 g Crushed Red Chili Flakes
- 1 tsp / 5 g Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp / 4 g Sugar or Honey (to balance the acidity)
- ½ tsp / 3 g Salt
- 1 tbsp / 4 g Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp / 2 g Fresh Basil (½ tsp Dried Basil)
- ½ tsp / 1 g Black Pepper
Instructions
Cook The Spaghetti Pasta
- Grab a large cooking pot and fill it with water.
- Bring the water to a boil, add the spaghetti to the boiling water, and then cook according to the package instructions.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and immediately rinse it with cool water. Drain it again and keep it aside.
Prepare The Italian Dressing
- In a small bowl, add olive oil, fresh lemon juice, white vinegar/white wine vinegar, and minced garlic.
- Sprinkle in dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes to add flavor.
- Mix in Dijon mustard, sugar, and salt for balance.
- Garnish the dressing with basil, fresh parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Whisk thoroughly until the dressing thickens and all the ingredients are well blended.
Combine Veggies and Spaghetti
- Add the drained and cooled pasta to the large mixing bowl.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, sliced cucumber, grated parmesan cheese, chopped red and green bell peppers, and sliced red onion.
- Give the salad a gentle toss to mix everything together.
Dress The Salad and Add Cheese
- Pour the prepared Italian dressing over the spaghetti salad.
- Toss everything gently so the dressing coats all the spaghetti and vegetables.
Cover, Chill, and Serve!
- Cover the salad bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give it a quick toss and adjust the seasoning if needed. Grab a fork and enjoy a bowl of delicious, fresh spaghetti salad that’s bursting with flavor and color!
Notes
- I use granlated sugar to enhance the flavors, but you can also use honey or any other sweetener available in your kitchen.
- Classic Italian Salad Dressing requires red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar, but you can also use plain white distilled vinegar as a substitute.
- You can use cheddar cheese, feta cheese, along with parmesan cheese.
Despite being a salad, you can actually enjoy this dish as a healthy lunch, as a side dish, or a quick snack anytime of the day. It’s often recommended for weight-loss programs because it’s loaded with nutrient-rich veggies that provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
I admit, the pasta is starchy, but if you keep the portion in check? It will actually fill you up without adding all the heavy fats!
The best part of this pasta salad is probably the homemade Italian dressing. The heart-healthy olive oil, fresh herbs, and a touch of vinegar and fresh lemon juice keep the pasta flavorful without excessive calories.
With pasta, zesty dressing, and crisp veggies all coming together, this salad is my number one choice for a light, flavorful, and satisfying summer meal!
Recipe FAQs
How Long Does The Spaghetti Salad Stay Fresh?
The spaghetti salad stays fresh for 2-3 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What Other Types Of Pasta Can I Use For This Dish?
You can use rotini, fusilli, penne, bow-tie, or macaroni instead of spaghetti for this dish.
Can I Add Fruits To This Spaghetti Salad?
Yes, you can enjoy this salad with seasonal fruits such as apples, grapes, pineapple chunks, and mandarins.
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