This Easy Italian Spaghetti Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, fresh veggies, and zesty Italian dressing. It’s cool, refreshing, and super tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Pasta: Traditional spaghetti works great, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs. I often find these alternatives add a nice twist while keeping the same fun texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and color. If you can’t find them, you can chop regular tomatoes or even use sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
Olives: Black olives are classic here, but green olives or kalamata olives can bring a different taste. If you’re not a fan of olives, simply skip them and add more veggies instead.
Peppers: Yellow and red bell peppers add crunch and sweetness, but feel free to mix in orange peppers or even zucchini if you have those on hand.
Italian Dressing: You can make your own by mixing olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs if you prefer a homemade touch. I like to add a pinch of sugar for a slight sweetness!
How Can I Make Sure My Spaghetti Salad is Perfectly Mixed?
Tossing all the ingredients together well is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large mixing bowl to give yourself space when stirring.
- Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing so it doesn’t make the veggies soggy.
- Start with the spaghetti, add the veggies gradually, and pour on the dressing as you go. This way, everything gets coated evenly.
- After mixing, cover the bowl and let it chill. This really helps the flavors to blend together nicely!
By taking these steps, you’ll have a beautifully mixed salad that’s flavorful and refreshing!
How to Make Easy Italian Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors mingle together. In total, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes before you’re ready to dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (this usually takes about 8-10 minutes). Once it’s done, drain the pasta and give it a good rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
2. Mix the Veggies:
Grab a large mixing bowl and add in your cooled spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, black olives, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, red onion, shredded carrots, and the freshly chopped parsley. It’s starting to look colorful and appetizing already!
3. Add Dressing and Toss:
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad mix. Use two large spoons or tossing tongs to gently combine everything, making sure that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
4. Season and Chill:
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Give it one last toss. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes—this helps all the flavors to come together!
5. Final Touches:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge. Toss it again just to remix everything. Add a little extra parsley on top for garnish if you like. And voilà, your salad is ready to enjoy!
Enjoy Your Meal!
This Easy Italian Spaghetti Salad is fresh, zesty, and perfect for gatherings or as a side. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Gluten-free pasta can also work perfectly for those with dietary restrictions. Just cook it according to the package instructions for best results.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Spaghetti Salad?
Leftover spaghetti salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often get better as it sits, but the vegetables might get a bit softer over time.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other veggies like cucumbers, zucchini, or even spinach. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces so they mix well with the pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Italian Dressing?
If you don’t have Italian dressing on hand, you can make a simple homemade version using olive oil, vinegar (like red wine or balsamic), and your choice of Italian herbs (oregano, basil, and thyme work great!). A touch of honey or mustard can also add a nice kick!
