Description
This Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or as a make-ahead side. Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell peppers, and a zesty Italian dressing, it’s a balanced vegetarian salad that melds vibrant flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta completely.
- Combine vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, and chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss to mix evenly.
- Add dressing and season: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything thoroughly until the pasta is well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.
- Optional cheese topping: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- For added protein, include cooked chicken, salami slices, or mozzarella cheese cubes.
- Use a tangier vinaigrette in place of Italian dressing to vary the flavor profile.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator; the salad keeps well for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling/Cold Toss
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
