Description
This refreshing Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a colorful medley of fresh veggies and pasta tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish to any summer meal!
Ingredients
Scale
-
For the Salad:
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 cup zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (or homemade vinaigrette)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook and cool pasta: Boil the spaghetti until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water. Let it cool completely.
- Chop the veggies: Dice the cucumber, bell peppers, onion, and zucchini. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the olives.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, basil, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with all the chopped veggies and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add more veggies like carrots or celery for extra crunch.
- You can use homemade vinaigrette instead of store-bought Italian dressing for a more personalized touch.
- This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg