Description
A refreshing and colorful Spaghetti Salad that combines perfectly cooked pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, ideal for a quick lunch or a picnic side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked and cooled
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing and Cheese
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta, then set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell peppers, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Combine pasta and vegetables: Add the cooled spaghetti to the bowl with the vegetables and gently toss to mix evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Add dressing: Pour Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, then toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the salad, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss gently once more to distribute.
- Chill the salad: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and serve cold.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Italian herbs to the dressing.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead, but avoid adding the cheese until just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Substitute the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
