Easy Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful

Look no more than spaghetti noodle salad for a meal that works well for any kind of event. It is the best choice for relaxed dinners, parties, and picnics because of its amazing adaptability, ease of preparation, and capacity to satisfy everyone.

This dish will become a favorite very quickly because it has fresh vegetables, a tasty sauce, and the filling feel of pasta. It can be a major food or a side dish, and everyone at your next party will enjoy it, no matter what their dietary needs have become.

 I Can’t Stop Making This Easy Spaghetti Salad

There are several reasons why this easy spaghetti salad is always in my kitchen! It’s very flexible, simple to make, and always a crowd favorite. This salad is always a hit if it’s for a lunch, a family get-together, or a BBQ.

The fresh veggies, thick pasta, and tangy Italian sauce make it taste great. It can also be changed to include any of your favorite foods, like olives, cheese, or protein, which makes it the perfect meal for any event. Once you try it, you’ll want to cook it again!

 Why Choose Spaghetti Pasta Salad?

A flexible and tasty recipe, spaghetti noodle salad blends the heartiness of pasta with beautiful veggies and powerful flavors. It’s great for potlucks, picnics, and relaxed family events. While the veggies provide crunch, color, and nutrition, the pasta noodles offer a full base.

Everything is brought together by the creamy or spicy sauce, which makes an absolutely balanced bite.

Also, you can easily change spaghetti noodle salad by adding your chosen protein, cheese, and sauces, making it perfect for a wide range of palates and dietary needs. This meal is great for busy plans or parties

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti noodles
  • Olive oil
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Salad Supreme seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Fresh dill
  • Fresh parsley
  • Italian salad dressing
  • Ranch dressing
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Cucumber
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Bell peppers
  • Sweet corn kernels
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Crumbled feta
  • Pepperoni
  • Grilled chicken
  • Fresh basil
  • Black olives
  • Crushed red pepper

Instructions

1. First, let’s cook the pasta. Use a pot of saltwater to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles as per the instructions on the box. Once they’re done, drain the water and clean the pasta with cold water.

This helps cool it down and stops the cooking process. To keep the noodles from getting together, drizzle a little olive oil over them and toss slowly.

2. Now, it’s time to season our spaghetti! Set up the cooled noodles in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in with Cajun flavor, Salad Supreme seasoning, garlic powder, fresh dill, and parsley. Mix everything carefully so that the spaghetti has been completely covered with all the flavors.

3. Next, let’s make the dressing. In a separate dish, add Italian dressing, Ranch dressing, and balsamic vinegar. This dressing will give a wonderful blend of acidic, creamy, and rich tastes to our pasta salad.

4. After that, we’ll add some bright and crisp veggies. Mix in chopped cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, red onions (soaked in cold water to make them milder), and sweet corn. Toss everything together lightly to spread the vegetables evenly.

5. Now, let’s add some cheese and protein! Sprinkle in shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta.

If you’d like some additional protein, you may stir in pepperoni or grilled chicken. But if you want a vegetarian choice, you can eliminate the protein and still have a great meal.

6. Once everything is in the bowl, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the dressing over the spaghetti and gently toss until everything is completely covered.

Then, cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad for at least one hour. This resting period allows all the tastes to blend together peacefully.

7. Finally, shortly before serving, add the final touches! Garnish your pasta salad with fresh basil, extra dill, and a small coating of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat. And there you have it—a wonderful and refreshing pasta salad ready to be enjoyed!

Why This Recipe Stands Out?

The salad has the ideal balance of acidic and creamy tastes because of its combination of balsamic vinegar and Italian and Ranch dressing. Fresh herbs offer a wonderful, fresh touch, while Salad Supreme and Cajun spice give it a great kick.

The salad is almost sweet and crisp thanks to the bright bell peppers and sweet corn. The combination of feta and mozzarella cheese gives the salad a rich, creamy flavor, and you can add chicken or pepperoni for more protein to make it more tasty and hearty.

Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Let’s use these easy methods to create your spaghetti noodle salad!

  • Do not overcook your spaghetti. Boil until al dente (firm but not hard). This prevents it from becoming mushy and allows it to soak up the dressing still keeping fresh.
  • After draining, rinse the pasta with cold water. This prevents the salad from cooking and improves its texture.
  • Use crisp, fresh veggies such as cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes. They have a terrific taste, crunch, and stay fresh when cold.
  • Do not forget the ingredients! A combination of garlic powder, Italian herbs, or Salad Supreme will elevate your salad to the next level. Adjust the spices to your liking.
  • To get the finest flavor, refrigerate your pasta salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows all of the tastes to come together perfectly.
  • To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, add the dressing immediately before serving. You may also keep little more dressing to use later if required.

Follow these steps to make your spaghetti pasta salad wonderful, fresh, and flavorful!

What to Do with Leftover Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Avoid throwing away any leftovers from your spaghetti pasta salad! Keep them in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. If the salad has dried out, mix it quickly and throw in a little more Italian dressing before serving again.

And you can be creative with leftovers by using them as a filling for lettuce wraps, adding texture to a green salad, or even serving them as a side dish with grilled fish or chicken.

You may eat the leftovers as a warm pasta meal by softly sautéing them in a skillet for a few minutes. With a little refreshment, leftovers may taste just as good! 😊🍝

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you may use any kind of pasta, including fusilli, rotini, and penne. For the greatest flavor in the salad, just make sure to cook it al dente.

2. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Of course! As the flavors combine, this pasta salad really tastes even better after cooling for a few hours. It may be made the day before your a meal or function.

3. How long will the pasta salad last in the fridge?

For up to three days, the pasta salad may be kept in the fridge in an airtight container. Before serving, just add a bit more dressing if it absorbs too much.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free spaghetti to make this pasta salad gluten-free. Make sure the sauces are gluten-free, as are the other components (such as the cheese and protein).

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Easy Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful

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This spaghetti pasta salad is a fresh, colorful, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion! It’s simple to make and can be used as either a side dish or the main course. It has crunchy vegetables, creamy cheese, and a sour sauce. It can be changed in many ways, which makes it a hit at parties, picnics, and family dinners.

  • Author: WssII
  • Prep Time: 25 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 Minutes & Rest Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish
  • Method: Chilled & Tossed
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 300g spaghetti noodles (or any pasta of choice)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (to coat the pasta)
  • Seasonings:
    • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
    • 1 tsp Salad Supreme seasoning
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tsp fresh dill (chopped)
    • 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Dressings:
    • 1 cup Italian salad dressing (try a robust variety like Wish Bone Robusto)
    • ½ cup Ranch dressing
    • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (to add richness and a slightly tangy twist)
  • Veggies:
    • 1 cup cucumber, diced
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • ½ cup red onion, finely diced (soaked in ice water for a milder taste)
    • 1 cup bell peppers (mix of green, red, yellow), diced
    • ½ cup sweet corn kernels (for a crunchy sweetness)
  • Cheese & Protein:
    • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for creaminess)
    • ½ cup crumbled feta (for a salty bite)
    • 1 cup pepperoni or cooked grilled chicken (for extra flavor, or optional for a vegetarian version)
  • Toppings:
    • Fresh basil and dill for garnish
    • A handful of black olives (optional)
    • Crushed red pepper (for a spicy kick, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Pasta

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, McCormick Salad Supreme, garlic powder, fresh dill, and chopped parsley. Toss well until the pasta is evenly coated with seasonings.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix together Italian dressing, Ranch dressing, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well until fully combined.

Step 4: Add the Veggies

To the seasoned pasta, add diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, red onions (soaked in ice water for 5 minutes and drained), and cup sweet corn kernels. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Mix in Cheese & Protein

Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled feta cheese, and your choice of protein—either grilled chicken or pepperoni slices. Toss everything gently to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 6: Final Toss & Chill

Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss carefully to coat everything evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend together.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Before serving, garnish with fresh basil and dill for extra flavor. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle with crushed red pepper. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least 2 hours before serving.
  • To keep the pasta from getting soggy, add the dressing just before serving.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure dressings are gluten-free.
  • Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a little extra dressing before serving if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx.)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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Categories: Spaghetti
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