Ah, spaghetti salad! I remember the first time I made it for a summer gathering; the colors and fresh flavors were an instant hit! There’s just something about that combination of cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty dressing that brightens up any table. This spaghetti salad is not only a feast for the eyes, but it’s also incredibly refreshing—perfect for those warm days when you want something light and tasty. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe when they take their first bite! Let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful dish!
Ingredients List
- 200g spaghetti – The star of the show! Use your favorite brand or even whole wheat for a healthier twist.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – These sweet little gems add vibrant color and a burst of flavor.
- 1 cucumber, diced – Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers bring that satisfying crunch.
- 1 bell pepper, diced – Any color works here! I usually go for red or yellow for that extra pop.
- 1/2 red onion, chopped – Adds a nice bite; feel free to adjust based on your taste!
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced – Black or green, these add a delightful brininess to the mix.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled – Creamy and tangy, feta takes this salad to the next level.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Gives everything a lovely richness and helps blend the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – A splash of freshness that brightens the entire salad.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing all those lovely flavors.
How to Prepare Spaghetti Salad
Making this spaghetti salad is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how quickly it comes together! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a vibrant, delicious dish ready to impress your friends and family.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes to become perfectly al dente. Once it’s done, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help cool it down and keep it from getting sticky!
- While the spaghetti is cooling, grab a large bowl and toss in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Give everything a gentle stir to mix those colorful veggies together.
- Next, add the cooled spaghetti to the bowl with the veggies. It’s best to do this once the pasta has cooled completely, so it doesn’t wilt the fresh ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing is key to bringing all those flavors to life!
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. Make sure every noodle and veggie gets that lovely flavor!
- Finally, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite even more delightful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings!
- Made with fresh, colorful ingredients that not only taste amazing but also look gorgeous on your table.
- Super versatile! You can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit any taste.
- Best served chilled, making it an ideal dish for hot summer days or picnics.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to everyone, whether they’re vegetarians or meat lovers!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my best tips to ensure your spaghetti salad turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t hesitate to swap out the veggies; if you have zucchini, carrots, or even artichokes on hand, toss them in! You can also switch the feta for mozzarella or goat cheese if you prefer something creamier. Want a kick? Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing! And remember, letting the salad chill in the fridge longer than 30 minutes only enhances the flavor, so feel free to make it a day ahead. Trust me, it gets even better!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful spaghetti salad. Remember, these values are estimates:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 2g
It’s a wholesome option that won’t weigh you down—perfect for summer gatherings!
FAQ Section
Got questions about spaghetti salad? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries to help you out:
How should I store leftovers? If you have any salad left, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to three days. Just give it a good toss before serving again!
Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! This salad is super adaptable. Feel free to use whatever veggies you love or have on hand—zucchini, spinach, or even roasted veggies work beautifully!
Is this spaghetti salad good for meal prep? Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead, and the flavors will only get better as it sits in the fridge.
What can I serve with this salad? Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some crusty bread for a complete meal! It also makes a fantastic side dish for barbecues.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover spaghetti salad is super simple! Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about three days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors again! When you’re ready to serve it, give it a good toss to mix everything up, as the dressing might settle. Now, if you’re wondering about reheating, there’s really no need for that! This salad is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, so just serve it chilled and let those fresh flavors shine. Trust me, it’s perfect as is!
Serving Suggestions
This spaghetti salad is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic side for a variety of dishes! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a light yet satisfying meal. It also pairs beautifully with some crusty garlic bread or a fresh baguette, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing. If you’re planning a barbecue, this salad is an ideal complement to burgers or hot dogs, adding a refreshing touch to the spread. And don’t forget, it’s also great on its own as a light lunch or picnic dish! Enjoy the vibrant flavors and colors at your next gathering!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this easy spaghetti recipe or this creamy garlic pasta for a delightful twist!
Print
Spaghetti Salad: 5 Refreshing Reasons to Make It Today
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful spaghetti salad perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Add the cooled spaghetti to the vegetable mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- This salad can be made a day ahead.
- Adjust the dressing to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: spaghetti salad, cold pasta salad, summer salad
