Ready to elevate your summer gatherings? This Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant medley of al dente pasta, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing that dances on your taste buds! Toss in some cherry tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and a sprinkle of feta for that creamy touch. The secret? A splash of lemon juice and a hint of garlic to brighten it all up! Perfect as a side or a light main dish, this salad is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love this refreshing twist on a classic!
- This one’s a game-changer for summer picnics and barbecues.
- It’s super easy to whip up, even on the busiest days.
- Packed with vibrant veggies, it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
- Perfect for meal prep—enjoy it all week long!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- Spaghetti – the base of the salad, choose whole wheat for added fiber.
- Cherry Tomatoes – adds a burst of sweetness and color.
- Cucumber – provides a refreshing crunch.
- Bell Peppers – adds vibrant color and a sweet flavor.
- Red Onion – gives a zesty kick; soak in water to mellow the flavor.
- Olive Oil – a healthy fat that brings all the flavors together.
- Lemon Juice – adds brightness and balances the flavors.
- Feta Cheese – crumbled for a creamy, tangy touch.
- Fresh Basil – enhances the salad with aromatic freshness.
- Salt and Pepper – essential for seasoning to taste.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to whip up a delightful Spaghetti Salad that will impress everyone at your summer gathering!
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
Chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cucumber, and slice 1 bell pepper. Toss them into a large mixing bowl for a colorful crunch!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. This zesty dressing will bring everything together!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooled spaghetti to the bowl with veggies. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well coated.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Herbs
Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. Give it another gentle toss for that extra flavor boost!
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to mingle. Serve cold and enjoy your refreshing Spaghetti Salad!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
•Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twist and added fiber.
•Chill your salad for at least an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
•Add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty kick that brightens the dish.
•Incorporate seasonal veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers for extra crunch.
•Experiment with different dressings, like a yogurt-based one, for a creamy alternative.
How to Serve
- Chill your spaghetti salad for a refreshing bite.
- Serve it in a large bowl for a family-style meal.
- Individual mason jars make for cute, portable servings.
- Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor.
- Add crumbled feta or mozzarella for a creamy touch.
- Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Serve alongside crusty bread or garlic knots for a complete meal.
- Offer a side of tangy vinaigrette for extra dressing options.
- Garnish with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
- Enjoy it as a light lunch or a vibrant picnic dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers properly ensures your spaghetti salad stays fresh and delicious.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the salad to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep dressing separate if possible to maintain texture.
Freezing
- Portion the salad into freezer-safe containers.
- Leave some space at the top for expansion.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Use a microwave or stovetop on low heat.
- Add a splash of olive oil or dressing for moisture.
- Stir gently to maintain texture.
FAQs
What ingredients can I use for a vegetarian spaghetti salad?
You can easily make a delicious vegetarian spaghetti salad by using fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and olives. For added protein, consider including chickpeas or black beans. Toss everything with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing taste!
How can I make my spaghetti salad more flavorful?
Add herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano to enhance the flavor of your spaghetti salad. A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar can also brighten up the dish. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
Can I prepare spaghetti salad in advance?
Absolutely! Spaghetti salad can be made a day ahead. Just keep it in the refrigerator and add any delicate ingredients, like avocados or fresh herbs, right before serving to maintain their freshness.
What dressing works best for spaghetti salad?
A light Italian dressing or a homemade vinaigrette works wonderfully for spaghetti salad. You can also try a creamy dressing made with yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for a different twist. Just ensure it complements the other ingredients!
Final Thoughts
SPAGHETTI SALAD
Equipment
- 1 Large pot For boiling spaghetti.
- 1 mixing bowl For combining ingredients.
- 1 small bowl For making dressing.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Spaghetti Choose whole wheat for added fiber.
Vegetables
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Adds a burst of sweetness and color.
- 1 medium Cucumber Provides a refreshing crunch.
- 1 medium Bell Pepper Adds vibrant color and a sweet flavor.
Onion
- 1 medium Red Onion Gives a zesty kick; soak in water to mellow the flavor.
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil A healthy fat that brings all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Adds brightness and balances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano For added flavor.
Cheese and Herbs
- 1/2 cup Feta Cheese Crumble for a creamy, tangy touch.
- 1 handful Fresh Basil Enhances the salad with aromatic freshness.
Seasoning
- to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
- to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
- Chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cucumber, and slice 1 bell pepper. Toss them into a large mixing bowl for a colorful crunch!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. This zesty dressing will bring everything together!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooled spaghetti to the bowl with veggies. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well coated.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Herbs
- Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. Give it another gentle toss for that extra flavor boost!
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to mingle. Serve cold and enjoy your refreshing Spaghetti Salad!
Notes
| Calories | Fat | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | 10g | 8g | 35g |
So there you have it—spaghetti salad, a delightful dish that’s as easy to whip up as it is to enjoy! Picture yourself savoring every bite on a sunny day, surrounded by friends and laughter. It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of summer to your table. Dive into this refreshing recipe, and let the flavors transport you back to carefree days. Happy cooking!
