What’s a hit at my house? Italian Spaghetti Salad! Is it like a picnic in tupperware, bursting with fresh veggies and tangy dressing? What is spaghetti we all grew up with? Is it easier than making a full-blown pasta bake? What are some of those things I make when I want to impress but don’t really want it to be.? I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Think of it like pasta salad’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin… Is the hotel clean, but still family friendly? What is an Italian Spaghetti Salad?
What is Italian Spaghetti Salad?
What is Italian spaghetti salad? What is a pasta salad with an Italian twist? Think of it as a deconstructed antipasto platter, all tossed together with perfectly cooked. What are some of your favorite veggies? Bell peppers, cucumbers and red onion? – salty salami, tangy olives, and a bright, zesty Italian dressing that ties it all together. What are some of the best pasta salads? What keeps people coming back for more? What are some good side dishes to serve on a hot summer day? What is the best meal on its own?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love Italian Spaghetti Salad? First, the flavor is just amazing. You get the sweetness of bell peppers, the crunch of cucumber, and the saltiness of salami. What are some examples? What do you like about Italian dressing? It’s a party in your mouth, seriously! But it’ s not just the flavor. I’m talking throw-it-all-in-a-bowl-and-mix-easy. What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can totally customize it to your liking. Don’t like olives? Leave them out. Want to add some cheese? Go for it! Plus, it’s really cost-effective. What are the ingredients for a good meal? If you love pasta salads, you might also want to try my classic macaroni salad or my kale salad. What is a creamy tortel What are some of the best Italian Spaghetti Salad recipes? What are some of those recipes that I make for potlucks, barbecues and even just a simple weeknight meal? Is this a crowd pleaser?
How do I make Italian Spaghetti Salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make Italian Spaghetti Salad? What’s the best way to cook spaghetti, chopping up veggies and salami, and tossing it? All together with Italian dressing. What is the beauty of this recipe is that it’s so adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Is this one of those recipes that I can whip up in no time at all? How do I make the dressing for the spaghetti? What makes simplicity so special? What are some of the best ways to prepare a salad in 30 minutes?
Ingredients
For the Salad:
* 1 pound spaghetti
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1 green bell pepper, diced
* 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
* 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional – I sometimes skip this if I’m not in the mood for the flavor).
* 4 ounces salami, diced
* 1 (6-ounce) can black olives, sliced
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds a nice salty touch!)
For the Dressing:
* 1 cup bottled Italian dressing (I like a zesty one, but use your favorite!)
* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (This adds a nice tang)
* 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
What is the step-
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Don’t overcook it! What do you like about mushy spaghetti salad? Once cooked, drain it well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. How do you prevent a glue from sticking together? I always give it a shake to get rid of excess water.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While spaghetti is cooking, chop all your veggies. Make sure they’re all diced to about the same size so you get a nice, even distribution of flavors. If you’re not a fan of red onion, leave it out. If you love tomatoes, throw some in!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic and salt. Set aside. Powder, black pepper. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like it sweeter, add a teaspoon of sugar. If you like it tangy, add a little more red wine vinegar. I usually eyeball this step, but these measurements are a good starting point!
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, diced bell peppers, cucumber, red onion (if using), salt and pepper. Set aside. What are salami and olives? What’s the best dressing for a salad? What are some good ways to get spaghetti coated in that delicious dressing?
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. How do I make a salad to chill? I usually make this a few hours ahead of time, but even 30 minutes makes the difference. Before serving, give it another toss to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Add Parmesan (Optional)
Just before serving, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. I love the salty, cheesy flavor it adds, but it’s totally optional. Can you use different kinds of cheese like mozzarella or provolone?
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve cold and enjoy! What is a perfect Italian Spaghetti Salad for? Is this a crowd pleaser?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good recipes for Italian Spaghetti Salad? What’s a picnic without chips? For a barbecue, it pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs. What are some good side dishes for a weeknight dinner? Isn’t it delicious on its own? My family loves it with grilled sausages, especially in the summer. What is a good side dish for lasagna? What are some of the best side dishes that are easy to make and go with anything? My mom brought it to Thanksgiving, and it was a huge hit! So, don’t be afraid to get creative and serve it with whatever you’re in the mood for.
What are some of the best tips for making Italian Spaghetti Salad?
Okay, after making this Italian Spaghetti Salad countless times, I’ve learned a few things that can really take it to the next level. First, don’t overcook the spaghetti! It should be al dente, meaning it’s still a little firm to the bite. Overcooked spaghetti will get mushy in the salad, and nobody wants that. Also, make sure you rinse the spaghetti with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together. I’ve found that using a zesty Italian dressing makes a big difference in the overall flavor. You can also add a little extra red wine vinegar for an even tangier flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies! I’ve added cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and even roasted red peppers before, and they all tasted great. And finally, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to get nice and cold. If you’re making it ahead of time, you might want to add a little extra dressing before serving, as the spaghetti will absorb some of it. One time, I forgot to rinse the spaghetti, and it ended up being a big sticky mess. So, trust me, don’t skip that step! And if you’re really feeling adventurous, try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp to turn it into a main course. It’s seriously delicious!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This Italian Spaghetti Salad is great for making ahead of time, and it stores really well. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. What are some of the best flavors to try? I don’t recommend freezing spaghetti, as it will get mushy when it thaws. When storing, make sure the salad is well covered to prevent it from drying out. If you’re making it ahead of time for a party or potluck, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just give it a good toss before serving. If you find that the salad is dry after storing, you can add a little extra Italian seasoning to it. How do you moisten dressing? I reserve a little bit of dressing when I make it, so I can add it to my salad. One trick I use is to reserve some of the dressing before I serve it. Is there a way to get If you’re adding Parmesan cheese, it’s best to add it just before serving. Is dressing too long and it makes it a little soggy? Is this salad really easy to store and reheat? Can you keep it cold for a few days?
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for Italian Spaghetti Salad! It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. What I love most about it is how versatile it is. You can customize it to your liking, add different veggies, cheeses, or meats, and make it your own. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for a barbecue, a potluck, or just a simple weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit. And trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again! If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also want to check out my classic macaroni salad or my creamy tortellini salad. They’re both just as easy to make and just as delicious. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Italian Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Spaghetti
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 0.5 cup Red Onion thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup Black Olives sliced
- 1 tablespoon Italian Dressing
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, Italian dressing, and fresh basil.
- Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
