This Fresh Italian Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant and refreshing pasta dish loaded with colorful veggies, zesty Italian dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or summer gatherings, this cold pasta salad bursts with Mediterranean flavors in every bite. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress your guests!
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Anyone who loves light and flavorful pasta dishes.
- Home cooks looking for a quick and easy side dish for BBQs or family dinners.
- People who enjoy make-ahead meals that taste even better the next day.
- Vegetarians or anyone looking to add more fresh vegetables to their diet.
Why It’s Great
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday kitchen staples.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chills beautifully in the fridge and develops richer flavor over time.
- Healthy & Colorful: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and olive oil-based dressing.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at summer picnics, potlucks, or parties.
Ingredients
- 400–500 g spaghetti
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 bottle Italian dressing
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp celery seed
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Colander
- Two large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap or airtight container
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all the diced vegetables — cherry tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and black olives.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Add the cooled spaghetti to the bowl of veggies. Pour the dressing mixture on top and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing. Avoid freezing, as the vegetables may lose their crisp texture.
FAQ
Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
A: Yes! Rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta work beautifully with this recipe.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Absolutely! Just omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Q: How can I make it more filling?
A: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Q: Can I prepare it a day ahead?
A: Yes, it actually tastes better the next day after chilling overnight!
Conclusion
This Italian Spaghetti Salad is the perfect combination of freshness, flavor, and ease. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, outdoor picnics, or as a colorful addition to your dinner table. With its tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
👉 Try it once, and you’ll be making it all summer long!
