A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad packed with crunchy vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and spaghetti as the base. This colorful dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side for summer dinners.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb spaghetti (cooked and drained)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced, use a mix of red, yellow, or green)
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets (optional, cut small)
For the Dressing:
- 1 1/2 cups Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
- Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and serving.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and broccoli florets (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss well to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss lightly to combine.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve cold, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley, if desired.
Tips:
- Add diced salami, pepperoni, or shredded chicken for a protein boost.
- Use tri-color rotini or bowtie pasta as an alternative for a fun twist.
- Adjust the vegetable mix based on personal preference—zucchini, carrots, or even artichoke hearts make great additions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Hashtags for Sharing
#CaliforniaSpaghettiSalad #SummerSalads #PastaPerfection #PicnicFavorites #PotluckRecipes #VibrantVeggies #EasySideDishes #FreshAndFlavorful