Print

Classic Spaghetti Salad

classic spaghetti salad recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A refreshing and tangy spaghetti salad perfect for summer gatherings, featuring crisp veggies, feta cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¾ cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, finely chop 1 small red bell pepper, and thinly slice ¼ cup red onion (if using). Slice ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives and chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup Italian dressing, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as you like.
  4. Place the drained spaghetti in a large bowl. While still slightly warm, pour in the dressing and toss gently to coat every strand. Add the chopped veggies, olives, and ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, then toss again gently to combine.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and sprinkle with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

Cook spaghetti al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent sogginess. Toss pasta with dressing while still slightly warm for better absorption. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Use gentle tossing to avoid breaking noodles. Add extra olive oil or dressing if pasta feels dry after refrigeration.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti salad, pasta salad, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, potluck recipe, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/classic-spaghetti-salad-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-summer-sides/