Italian spaghetti salad is the cool, refreshing twist on pasta you never knew you needed! It’s the perfect balance of tangy dressing, crunchy veggies, and satisfying pasta
This dish is like a party in a bowl. It’s cool, crisp, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It’s my new go-to for potlucks and summer gatherings.
It’s a breeze to whip up and even better when made ahead. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Spaghetti Salad
Perfect for Parties: This salad is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal dish for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. Its vibrant colors and appealing presentation will surely impress your guests.
Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal cooking required, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a dish in a hurry.
Versatile Dish: This salad can be served as a main course or a side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats and sandwiches or can be enjoyed on its own for a light and satisfying meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: The foundation of this zesty salad. Thin spaghetti, broken into thirds, provides the perfect bite-sized base.
- Italian Salad Dressing: This flavorful marinade infuses the spaghetti with bold Italian herbs and spices.
- Salad Supreme Seasoning: The secret ingredient elevates this salad to the next level. McCormick’s blend adds an extra kick of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan lends a nutty, savory depth to the salad, complementing the Italian dressing perfectly.
- Cucumbers: Cool, crisp, and refreshing, they add a delightful crunch to every bite.
- Red Bell Pepper: Vibrant and sweet, it adds a pop of color and a mild, fresh flavor.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a subtle, sharp bite that balances the salad’s flavors.
- Cherry Tomatoes: They burst with freshness and acidity, brightening up the dish.
- Mini Pepperoni: Savory and slightly spicy, mini pepperoni adds a delicious meaty flavor to the salad.
- Black Olives: Briny and rich, they contribute a Mediterranean flair and a pleasant saltiness.
How to Make Italian Spaghetti Salad
This salad is easy to make and even easier to devour!
1. Cook the pasta. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water seasoned with salt according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water until cool, and drain again.
2. Season the pasta. In a large bowl, toss the cooled spaghetti with the Italian dressing, Salad Supreme Seasoning, and Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
3. Add the vegetables. Add the cucumbers, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, mini pepperoni, and black olives to the spaghetti. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
4. Chill the salad. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled. Before serving, toss the salad again and season with additional Salad Supreme, salt, and pepper to taste if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips for the Best Italian Spaghetti Salad
Here are some of my best tips when making this salad.
- Give it a good rinse. Rinse the cooked spaghetti thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Go the homemade route. While store-bought Italian dressing works well, consider making your own homemade version. You’ll get a fresher taste and customizable flavor.
- Prep yourself. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure they mix well with the spaghetti and are easy to eat.
- Replace the pepperoni. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the pepperoni with sliced or diced salami, ham, or turkey. You can also omit the meat altogether.
- Toss in fun add-ins. Consider adding other ingredients like marinated artichokes, fresh mozzarella balls, or sliced salami for extra flavor and texture.
- Select your seasoning level. Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional Salad Supreme, salt, and pepper if needed.
- Serve it up right. Serve as a main course for a light lunch or dinner. You can also serve as a side dish alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or at a potluck or barbecue.
How to Store
Follow these easy steps to store leftover salad.
To Store: Place in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dressing separate for the best flavor and texture and add it just before serving.
If already dressed, the salad may become slightly soggy but will still be safe to eat within the storage time frame.
Italian Spaghetti Salad
8
servings15
minutes10
minutes264
kcalThis Italian spaghetti salad is a refreshing dish for summer parties! Loaded with veggies, pepperoni, tomatoes, olives, and Parmesan cheese, it’s such a delight.
Ingredients
1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into thirds
1 cup Italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons McCormick’s Salad Supreme Seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cucumbers, quartered and sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
10 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces mini pepperoni
1 (4-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water seasoned with salt according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water until cool, and drain again.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled spaghetti with the Italian dressing, Salad Supreme Seasoning, and Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
- Add the cucumbers, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, mini pepperoni, and black olives to the spaghetti. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, toss the salad again and season with additional Salad Supreme, salt, and pepper to taste if needed. Serve chilled.
