Spaghetti Pasta Salad
Ready in under 30-minutes, this chilled Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a fresh twist on classic pasta salad. Perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, meal prep, and more.
A Fun Twist On a Classic
There is something wonderfully nostalgic about pasta salad. It brings back memories of summer picnics, backyard barbecues, and family gatherings. When you give it a twist with spaghetti instead of the usual rotini or penne, it suddenly feels both familiar and fresh.
Spaghetti pasta salad takes everything you love about the classic dish-crisp veggies, tangy dressing, and chilled noodles, and gives it a fun, unexpected upgrade. It's comfort food with a little flair, perfect for those warm days when you want something light, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
Why You'll Love Spaghetti Pasta Salad
Quick and Easy - Ready in about 30-minutes.
Great for Meal Prep - It actually tastes better the next day.
Crowd Pleaser - A hit at potlucks, parties, and cookouts.
Customizable - Add whatever veggies or proteins you like.
Ingredients For Pasta Salad
Remember, you can customize with veggies, cheese, and proteins you enjoy. These are items my family really likes in pasta salad.
- Spaghetti noodles- or use your favorite medium shape pasta.
- Veggies- broccoli, zucchini, celery, carrots, red onion.
- Black olives- We love to use whole black olives and slice them in half.
- Pepperoni- Turkey pepperoni is less greasy and offers a smoky salty taste.
- Cheese- Colby Jack was our choice for this pasta salad. Feel free to use your favorite cheese.
- Tomatoes- Cherry tomatoes are the perfect size for pasta salad.
- Dressing- To keep this salad and prep super simple we use a bottle of our favorite store-brand Italian dressing.
Easy To Make
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions for al dente. Rinse and drain well, then use kitchen shears to cut into smaller pieces.
Prep the veggies while the pasta cooks.
Toss it all together in a large bowl with the Italian dressing. Don't be shy, this pasta soaks it up. We use a whole bottle for this recipe.
Chill for at least 30-minutes before serving. This allows the flavors really develop.
Tips For The Best Pasta Salad
- Be mindful not to overcook the pasta. Since the salad is served cold and tossed with dressing, overcooked noodles can turn mushy and fall apart.
- Use plenty of dressing. It may seem like a whole bottle is too much but the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing as it sits.
Spaghetti Pasta Salad
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb uncooked spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small zucchini, sliced thin
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 (6) ounce can black olives, halved
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- ½ cup celery, sliced
- ½ cup red onion slices
- ¾ cup pepperoni slices, roughly chopped we use turkey pepperoni
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheddar cubes
- 1 (16) ounce bottle Italian dressing we use Ken's steakhouse Italian light
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti noodles according to the package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water in a colander.
- Prepare the rest of the ingredients while the pasta cooks.
- Place drained pasta in a large bowl, then use clean kitchen shears to roughly cut the pasta so it's easier to eat.
- Add prepared veggies, pepperoni, tomatoes, parsley, and cheese. Pour the entire bottle of Italian dressing over the salad and use tongs to toss well. Place in the refrigerator for 30-minutes, covered, so the dressing has time to infuse flavor into the pasta and veggies.
Notes
Nutrition
5 More Pasta Salads You'll Love
Loving pasta salads? Here are five more pasta salad recipes to mix up your meal prep or picnic menu. Try this Cobb Pasta Salad loaded with ham, eggs, and a delicious buttermilk dressing. Or go for a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad; it's everything you love about the classic Caesar, with pasta.
Craving crunch? Coleslaw Pasta Salad combines creamy slaw with noodles for the ultimate texture mashup. Bacon and Pea Pasta Salad is a retro favorite that's salty, sweet, and super satisfying. And for something bright and herby, my Green Goddess Chicken Pasta Salad is packed with fresh flavor and protein.
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