Zesty Spaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe

There’s something incredibly delightful about a bowl of spaghetti salad with Italian dressing. Picture this: colorful veggies mingling with al dente pasta, all drenched in a zesty dressing that makes your taste buds dance. You might even hear them doing the cha-cha! This dish is perfect for summer picnics or potlucks, and it’ll have your friends asking for the recipe faster than you can say “mamma mia.”

I remember the first time I made this salad for my family’s annual barbecue. My cousin, who usually only eats hot dogs and potato chips, took one bite and exclaimed, “Is this magic?” The entire bowl disappeared before I could even grab a second helping! It was a moment filled with laughter and joy, and that’s exactly what this spaghetti salad brings to the table.

I once served this dish at a family reunion where it stole the show, leaving everyone clamoring for more!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti: Use regular or whole wheat spaghetti; cook until al dente for the best texture.

• Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet gems add color and freshness; halving them releases their juicy goodness.

• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing; opt for English cucumbers for fewer seeds and more crunch.

• Bell Peppers: Choose a mix of red, yellow, and green for visual appeal; they also add sweetness.

• Red Onion: A little goes a long way; soak in cold water to mellow its sharpness if desired.

• Italian Dressing: Store-bought or homemade; either works wonders to tie all the flavors together.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tangy flavor; feel free to skip if you prefer dairy-free.

• Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley adds freshness; chop them up right before serving for maximum flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prep the Veggies: While the pasta cools, chop cherry tomatoes in half, dice cucumber into bite-sized pieces, slice bell peppers into strips, and finely chop red onion.

Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled spaghetti with prepared veggies. Drizzle on Italian dressing generously; toss well to coat every noodle.

Add Feta and Herbs: Crumble feta cheese over the salad along with fresh herbs. Gently fold everything together so you don’t break up too much of the cheese.

Chill Before Serving: For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld beautifully.

Now you’re ready to dig into your delightful spaghetti salad with Italian dressing! It’s colorful, refreshing, and bound to impress anyone at your next gathering or simply when you crave something light yet satisfying. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create your spaghetti salad with Italian dressing efficiently, cook the pasta first. While it’s boiling, chop your veggies and prepare the dressing to save time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your spaghetti salad! Add grilled chicken for protein, swap out veggies based on seasonality, or toss in olives for an extra kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store your spaghetti salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature—no reheating necessary!

Cooking this spaghetti salad always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would bring their own twist to the table. The laughter and delicious bites made every bite worth savoring.

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this spaghetti salad with Italian dressing.

How long does the spaghetti salad last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for about three days if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, preparing it a day ahead enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully overnight.

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Spaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing

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Enjoy a refreshing bowl of spaghetti salad with Italian dressing, perfect for summer picnics and family gatherings. This vibrant dish combines al dente pasta with colorful veggies and tangy dressing, creating a delightful medley of flavors that will impress your guests. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a go-to recipe for any occasion.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

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• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled spaghetti with chopped veggies.
4. Drizzle Italian dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
5. Add crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs; gently fold to combine.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Author: James
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg