Spaghetti Pasta Salad

This Spaghetti Pasta Salad is sure to be a showstopper at your next potluck or barbecue. It's a great make-ahead, easy side dish that's full of flavor! Customize to your liking with different veggies, proteins, cheeses, and dressing.

Summer is here, and that means it's time for light, refreshing meals that can be enjoyed in the sunshine. Spaghetti Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to bring to your next barbecue, picnic, or to family gatherings. It combines the heartiness of tender spaghetti noodles with the crispness of fresh veggies and the tangy kick of Greek dressing and cheeses!

Despite its impressive appearance and flavor, this spaghetti salad recipe is incredibly easy to make. Simple ingredients and straightforward prep means you can whip up this salad in no time. Bonus, you can customize with all your favorite pasta salad flavors.

Along with my viral Macaroni Salad and epic Pasta Salad, this side dish tops the charts for side dishes to bring to all of your summer potlucks!

Why You'll Like Spaghetti Salad

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Cold spaghetti salad is a great side dish for barbecues, a light lunch, or a potluck favorite. It's always a crowd pleaser.
• Burst of Flavors: The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy Greek dressing, and savory cheeses makes each bite perfection.
• Easy Recipe: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps means you can whip up this easy spaghetti pasta salad recipe in no time.

Laura Ashley's Tip: Be sure to rinse your spaghetti under cold water after cooking, this will keep the pasta al dente with nice texture and also help the dressing to coat better.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card Below

• Spaghetti: The base of the salad, provides a hearty texture and absorbs the flavors of the dressing.
• Bell Peppers: Red bell pepper, yellow and/or green pepper adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
• Red Onion: Offers a sharp, tangy taste, and color.
• Cucumber: Brings a refreshing, crispiness.
• Grape Tomatoes or Cherry Tomatoes: Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
• Olives: Provides a salty, briny flavor that balances the sweetness of the vegetables. Kalamata, green, or black olives all work great!
• Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Add a tangy, savory depth to the salad.
• Greek Dressing: Brings a boost of flavor and ties all the ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Feta Cheese: Brings a creamy, tangy element that complements the vegetables and dressing.

Tools You'll Need

• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Tongs
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Large Stockpot

How to Make this Spaghetti Pasta Salad

1. Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water per package directions, drain, and cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine cooked and cooled spaghetti, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, olives, artichokes, and onion.

3. Pour the dressing on top, and toss until coated well. 
4. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle parmesan and feta on top. Chill until ready to serve.

Expert Tips and Substitutions

• Customize to Taste: This easy spaghetti salad is highly customizable. Besides the ingredients I used, here are some more fresh ingredients you could incorporate:
  • Blanched Asparagus
  • Blanched or Raw Broccoli
  • Blanched or Raw Cauliflower
  • Sundried Tomatoes
  • Mini Pepperoni
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Fresh Basil
  • Fresh Parsley
  • Mozzarella Cheese
  • Green Onions
  • Chickpeas
  • Zucchini
  • Squash
  • Radishes
  • Sugar Snap Peas
  • Fresh Corn
  • Edamame Beans
  • Beans
• Prep in Advance: Have all of your salad ingredients sliced and measured first for quicker assembly and a lesser chance of error.
• Make it a Meal: You can make this pasta salad a meal by simply pairing it with a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, ham, tofu or steak.
• Dressing Options: Vinegar-based dressing varieties like a zesty Italian dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, ranch dressing, Caesar dressing, or a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing all work great. For a creamier dressing, mix some Greek yogurt with the Greek dressing.

Making the Perfect Pasta for Pasta Salad

The key to making pasta for a cold noodle salad is to cook it al dente and then quickly cool it down to stop the cooking process. Here's all of our secret tips to the best method:

• Pasta Options: Use your favorite pasta for this dish! Whole wheat spaghetti, rotini, fusilli, penne, and farfalle are all excellent choices for this salad as well.
• Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water to season the pasta as it cooks.
• Cook Al Dente: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it's cooked through but still firm to the bite. It's important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to absorb moisture from the dressing in the salad, and you don't want mushy pasta.
• Rinse Under Cold Water: Once the pasta is cooked, immediately drain it in a colander and rinse it under cool water. Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process and helps cool it down quickly, preventing it from becoming mushy and sticky.
• Drain Well: Make sure to drain the pasta well to remove any excess water.

Storage & Make Ahead Instructions

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 to 4 days. The pasta tends to soak up the dressing the longer it’s stored. If needed, toss with additional dressing. This is not a freeze and thaw friendly dish.

Make this pasta salad up to a few hours in advance to store in the fridge. Trust us when we say it's even more delicious this way!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Side Dish Recipes

• Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad
• Cornbread Chicken Salad
• Mediterranean Tomato and Cucumber Salad
• Green Jello Salad
• Garlic Bread Caprese Salad