Description
This vibrant Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish perfect for gatherings or a light meal. Combining al dente spaghetti with fresh vegetables, savory salami, ripe olives, and parmesan cheese, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, this salad delivers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Quick to prepare and served chilled, it’s an ideal make-ahead recipe for picnics, potlucks, or summer lunches.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb spaghetti
Vegetables & Add-ins
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 large cucumbers, halved and sliced
- 1 cup salami slices, quartered
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans ripe olives (2-¼ ounces each), sliced and drained
Cheese & Herbs
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1 ½ cups Italian salad dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti, and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop further cooking, then let it drain completely to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
- Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, halve the grape tomatoes, slice the cucumbers and red onion, dice the bell pepper, quarter the salami slices, and slice and drain the olives. Grate the parmesan cheese and finely chop the Italian parsley and fresh basil.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared vegetables, salami, herbs, and grated parmesan cheese. Add the cooled and drained spaghetti on top to the bowl.
- Add Dressing and Toss: Pour the Italian salad dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to ensure every component is well coated and mixed. Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Before serving, toss the salad again and adjust seasoning if needed for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Rinsing the pasta after cooking prevents it from sticking and stops the cooking process, maintaining perfect texture for the salad.
- Use high-quality Italian salad dressing or make your own for enhanced flavor.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days, making it great for meal prep or parties.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or substitute salami with pepperoni or ham as preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and increase the cheese and vegetables.
