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Spaghetti Salad

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Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing, colorful, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and summer gatherings. Made with cooked spaghetti, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing, this chilled pasta salad is easy to prepare and always a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz spaghetti, cooked & cooled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Instructions

  1. Cook & Cool the Spaghetti:

    • Boil spaghetti according to package instructions.
    • Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Prepare the Dressing:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Mix the Salad:

    • In a large bowl, toss cooled spaghetti, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Add Dressing & Chill:

    • Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (for best flavor).
  5. Serve & Enjoy!

    • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

✔ Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein.
✔ Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Best eaten cold!
✔ Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti.
✔ More Flavor: Add feta cheese or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.