This classic Summer Spaghetti Salad recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish, packed with an array of fresh vegetables, savory cheeses, and perfectly seasoned, then generously tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. It’s consistently a crowd-pleaser and the ultimate refreshing side for any summer gathering.
THE ULTIMATE SUMMER PASTA SALAD: A REFRESHING CLASSIC
Few dishes capture the essence of summer quite like a well-crafted pasta salad, and this Summer Spaghetti Salad stands out as a true timeless classic. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh produce, combined with the satisfying chew of spaghetti and a punchy, herby Italian dressing. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a casual picnic, or simply need an easy-to-make dish for a weeknight meal, this recipe delivers on flavor, convenience, and vibrant appeal.
The beauty of this spaghetti salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. The recipe I’m sharing today is one that has been passed down and perfected over time, becoming an instant hit from the very first bite. I initially discovered a similar version through my dear friend, Patricia (the same friend who shared the incredible Huli-Huli Chicken recipe!). Her mother’s rendition was legendary, and inspired me to create this delightful salad that has since become a staple in my own kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly from any potluck table, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SPAGHETTI SALAD
Absolutely not! While this recipe is traditionally made with spaghetti, any pasta shape you enjoy will work wonderfully. Rotini, fusilli, penne, or even bow-tie pasta are excellent alternatives that can hold the dressing and ingredients beautifully. The key is to cook your chosen pasta al dente to ensure it stands up well in the salad and doesn’t become mushy.
Choosing the right Italian dressing is a matter of personal preference, as it significantly impacts the salad’s overall flavor profile. I was initially taught this recipe using Wish-Bone’s Robusto Italian dressing, which offers a robust and tangy flavor at an affordable price. However, feel free to use your favorite store-bought Italian dressing, or for an even fresher taste, consider whipping up a simple homemade vinaigrette with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Experiment to find what you love most!
The cheese component adds a delightful creaminess and flavor dimension to the salad. While cheddar cheese is specified in the recipe, the possibilities are endless. Mozzarella, whether fresh pearls or diced, is always a perfect choice for its mild flavor and soft texture. For a gourmet touch, consider adding diced gouda, which pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. If you prefer a bit of a kick, pepper jack cheese would introduce a lovely spicy note. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!
McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning is a fantastic blend that adds a unique depth of flavor to this spaghetti salad. You’ll typically find it in one of two sections at your local grocery store. Check either the spice and seasoning aisle, usually near other blends and rubs, or the aisle dedicated to salad dressings and condiments. If you have trouble locating it in-store, it’s often readily available for purchase online. If it’s unavailable, a good substitute can be a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, celery seed, and a pinch of sugar.
To maintain its freshness and flavor, store any leftover spaghetti salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When properly stored, it will typically remain delicious for up to 3 days. In fact, many find that the flavors meld and deepen over time, making it even tastier on the second day! For best results, give it a quick toss before serving again.
Absolutely! This spaghetti salad is an ideal make-ahead dish, perfect for entertaining. Preparing it several hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to truly develop and meld together, enhancing the overall taste experience. Just ensure it’s kept chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If the pasta seems to absorb too much dressing, you can add a little extra before serving to bring back its vibrant moisture.
While delicious as is, this spaghetti salad is incredibly adaptable to various additions. For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding crispy bacon bits or toasted croutons just before serving. To transform it into a more substantial meal, incorporate cooked chicken (grilled, rotisserie, or shredded), canned tuna, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. These additions can turn a simple side into a hearty main course.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR PERFECT SUMMER SPAGHETTI SALAD
Crafting this delightful pasta salad begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll need to bring this amazing salad to life, along with some tips for selection and potential substitutions.
- Spaghetti: The star of the show! While classic spaghetti provides a unique texture, feel free to use your preferred pasta shape. Just ensure it’s cooked perfectly al dente.
- Green and Red Bell Peppers: These add a beautiful pop of color, a refreshing crunch, and a subtle sweetness. If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, you can omit them or substitute with other crisp vegetables like celery or snap peas.
- Red Onion: Essential for that sharp, tangy bite. I highly recommend soaking sliced red onions in ice water for a few minutes; this brilliant trick significantly reduces their pungent flavor, making them more palatable in raw applications.
- Cucumber: For a refreshing and cool element. English cucumbers are my go-to because their skin is thin and tender, eliminating the need for peeling. If using a standard cucumber, make sure to peel it and remove any large seeds for a better texture.
- Grape Tomatoes: These sweet and juicy tomatoes burst with flavor. Cherry tomatoes are an excellent alternative and often have a thinner skin, which some people prefer. Halving them allows their juices to mingle with the dressing.
- Sliced Olives: Black olives add a salty, briny depth that complements the other ingredients. This is a matter of personal taste; if olives aren’t your favorite, simply leave them out or consider a substitute like sliced banana peppers or pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick.
- Cheddar Cheese: Diced cheddar cheese provides a savory, creamy element. This is a fantastic ingredient to customize! Consider mozzarella for a milder taste, gouda for a nutty depth, or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning: This seasoning blend is a secret weapon for this salad, contributing a distinctive, savory, and slightly tangy flavor. You’ll typically find it in the spice aisle or near salad dressings. If you can’t find it (or want to make your own), a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, celery seed, and a pinch of sugar can be a good stand-in. You can often find it online if your local store is out of stock.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory notes and pairs beautifully with the Italian dressing and other seasonings.
- Italian Dressing: The binder that brings all these wonderful flavors together. My preferred choice is Wish-Bone Robusto Italian dressing for its zesty profile, but always feel free to use your favorite brand or even a homemade version for ultimate freshness.
CRAFTING YOUR PERFECT SUMMER SPAGHETTI SALAD: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Making this delightful spaghetti salad is straightforward, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the summer sun. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result:
- Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by cooking your spaghetti according to the package directions. For optimal flavor and texture, I always recommend seasoning the boiling water generously with one tablespoon of kosher salt before adding the noodles. Stir the noodles frequently as they cook to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Your goal is al dente – firm to the bite – as the pasta will soften slightly as it absorbs the dressing. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti thoroughly and rinse gently with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare Your Vegetables: While the spaghetti cooks and cools, it’s the perfect time to prep your fresh veggies. Dice the green and red bell peppers, slice the cucumber, and halve the grape tomatoes. For the red onion, thinly slice it and then, here’s a useful tip: soak the sliced red onions in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. This simple trick dramatically reduces their pungent, sharp flavor, making them much milder and more enjoyable when raw in a salad. Drain them well before adding to the salad.
- Combine the Fresh Ingredients: In a very large mixing bowl – and I truly mean a generously sized bowl to allow for easy tossing – add all your diced vegetables, sliced olives, and cubed cheeses. Ensure there’s enough space to add the pasta without making a mess.
- Add Pasta and Seasonings: Once the spaghetti has completely cooled, add it to the large bowl with the vegetables and cheeses. Sprinkle the McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning and garlic powder evenly over all the ingredients. Gently toss everything together to distribute the seasonings.
- Dress the Salad: Pour your chosen Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Be generous, as the spaghetti will absorb a good amount of the dressing as it chills.
- Toss and Chill: Stir the mixture carefully but thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. This chilling time is crucial, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the pasta to absorb the zesty dressing, making the salad even more delicious as it cools.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS & CUSTOMIZATION
This Summer Spaghetti Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. It’s a fantastic standalone light lunch, a perfect side dish for grilled meats, burgers, or hot dogs at a barbecue, or an excellent addition to any potluck or picnic spread. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Feel free to get creative with your additions! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Consider adding:
- Crisp bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein, turning it into a complete meal.
- Different types of vegetables like corn, peas, or broccoli florets.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Fresh herbs like dill or basil for an aromatic boost.
The beauty of homemade salads is the freedom to make them your own. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your perfect combination!
EXPLORE MORE DELICIOUS SALAD RECIPES!
- BLT Pasta Salad: All the flavors of a classic BLT in a satisfying pasta salad format.
- Broccoli Salad: A crunchy, creamy, and irresistible side dish that’s always a hit.
- Marinated Tomato Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing salad bursting with fresh garden flavors.
- Ramen Asian Slaw: A unique and crunchy salad with an Asian-inspired dressing.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: Simple, cool, and wonderfully refreshing.
- Caprese Pasta Salad: A delightful pasta salad featuring the classic Caprese combination.
- Chicken Macaroni Salad: A hearty and flavorful macaroni salad perfect for lunch or a side.
- Tuna Macaroni Salad: A classic, comforting, and easy-to-make dish.
- Pickled Red Onions: A tangy condiment that adds a bright flavor to any dish.
Originally published: May 2016
Updated photos and republished: June 2021
Summer Spaghetti Salad
This summer Spaghetti Salad recipe is a classic, packed with colorful veggies, savory cheese, and tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. It’s always a hit!
25 minutes
25 minutes (plus chilling time)
10
Brandie Skibinski
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound box spaghetti noodles
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced (and soaked in ice water)
- 1 English cucumber, sliced (or standard cucumber, peeled)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- 2.25 ounce can sliced olives, drained
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 16 ounce bottle Italian dressing
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Season the boiling water with one tablespoon of kosher salt before adding the noodles. Stir noodles often while cooking. Drain well after cooking until al dente, then rinse with cool water and cool completely.
- In a large bowl, add all your diced veggies (green pepper, red pepper, cucumber, grape tomatoes), along with the drained sliced olives, and cubed cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses.
- Once the spaghetti is cool, add it to the large bowl with the vegetables and cheeses. Season the salad with McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning and garlic powder. Give it all a gentle toss to combine.
- Pour the entire bottle of Italian dressing over the noodles and vegetables.
- Stir the mixture carefully but thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully as it chills!
Video
Notes
- Refer to the FAQ section and detailed ingredient list above for substitution ideas and answers to common questions.
- While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, cooked al dente.
- Use your favorite brand of Italian dressing; the specific one mentioned is a recommendation, not a requirement.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for varying flavors.
- McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning can typically be found in the spice aisle or near salad dressings and condiments.
Salad, Side Dish
American
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 125 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 79mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.