Simple and Refreshing Cold Spaghetti Salad Recipe
This cold spaghetti salad is one of those recipes that works for just about any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a picnic, or a refreshing addition to your BBQ spread, this salad is perfect. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and packs a nice balance of freshness from the veggies and richness from the olive oil and mustard dressing. The best part? It can be made ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about rushing at the last minute. Just pop it in the fridge and let it chill while you focus on other things.
What makes this salad stand out is how versatile it is. You can mix and match the ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen, or even adjust it to suit different tastes. The combination of cool, crunchy vegetables with the slightly tangy dressing really brings the dish to life. And with the option to add feta or skip it, it can easily cater to different dietary preferences. It’s a perfect go-to recipe for busy days, potlucks, or even just when you want something light and tasty without too much effort.
Simple and Refreshing Cold Spaghetti Salad Recipe
4-6
servings15
minutes10
minutes1,506
kcalA cold spaghetti salad offers a refreshing and flavorful option for any meal. Combining fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper with tender pasta, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and light. The tangy dressing brings everything together, making it the perfect side for picnics, BBQs, or a quick weeknight dinner. Simple to prepare and great for meal prep, this salad is versatile enough to pair with a variety of main courses. It’s a delightful choice that adds a burst of color and taste to your table.
Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup bell pepper (any color), diced
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well and set aside to cool completely.
- While the pasta is cooling, prepare your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the red onion, and dice the bell pepper. Slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese, if using. Chop the fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, chopped vegetables, olives, and feta cheese (if using). Gently toss everything together until evenly mixed.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preferences.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss again to coat everything evenly. Garnish with the chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy your simple and refreshing cold spaghetti salad!
Recipe Video
Notes
- For a vegan version, simply skip the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese option. The salad will still be delicious and full of flavor without it.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Adding ingredients like olives, avocado, or roasted red peppers can elevate the salad and make it your own.
Conclusion
Incorporating a cold spaghetti salad into your meal plan is an effortless way to enjoy a light and flavorful dish. With its fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow preparation, it’s the perfect recipe for busy days or gatherings. You can customize it to fit your tastes, making it a versatile side dish for a wide variety of meals. Whether you’re preparing it for a picnic, BBQ, or just a quick weeknight dinner, this salad will always be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
