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Delicious Italian Spaghetti Salad – Fresh, Flavorful & Easy

This Italian Spaghetti Salad is a fresh, colorful, and flavorful pasta salad that’s perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight dinners! 🍝🥗 Packed with crisp vegetables, zesty Italian dressing, and tender spaghetti, it’s an easy and crowd-pleasing side dish or light meal. Serve chilled for the ultimate refreshing Italian-inspired salad that everyone will love!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course or light main, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Strainer/colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk for dressing
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Optional: measuring cups/spoons, tongs for tossing

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:

  • 12 oz spaghetti or thin pasta noodles
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 cup mozzarella cubes or diced protein (salami, pepperoni, chickpeas)
  • Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup sliced olives, roasted red peppers, pine nuts, or artichoke hearts

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Italian dried herbs (or 2 tsp fresh herbs)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

  • Freshly grated Parmesan
  • Chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, oregano)

Instructions
 

  • Cook Pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside.
  • Prepare Veggies & Protein: Dice bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion. Halve cherry tomatoes. Cube mozzarella or other protein.
  • Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Combine Salad: In a large bowl, mix pasta, vegetables, and protein. Pour dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
  • Optional Add-Ins & Garnish: Stir in optional ingredients (olives, roasted peppers, pine nuts). Top with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
  • Serve: Serve immediately, slightly warm, or chilled. Resting 10–15 minutes allows flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy salad.
  • Toss salad while pasta is slightly warm for better dressing absorption.
  • Make ahead: Prepare pasta and dressing separately; combine before serving.
  • Customize protein and vegetables based on preference.
Keyword Italian spaghetti salad, make-ahead salad, pasta salad, potluck recipe, summer salad, veggie pasta salad