The Best Cold Spaghetti Salad Ever
The Best Cold Spaghetti Salad Ever
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and refreshing dish for hot summer days or a family gathering? The Best Cold Spaghetti Salad Ever is a perfect choice! This colorful salad is not only easy to make, but it also tastes great and makes for a delightful side dish or a light meal. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this fabulous recipe!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make this cold spaghetti salad. First, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, not counting the time it spends in the fridge. Second, it is loaded with fresh vegetables and delicious flavors, making it a healthy option. Plus, you can customize it to fit your taste by adding or swapping ingredients. It’s a fuss-free dish that everyone will enjoy!
How to Make The Best Cold Spaghetti Salad Ever
Here’s how you can whip up this tasty salad that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- First, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain it and rinse it under cold water until it cools down. Set the spaghetti aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss everything gently to mix all the ingredients well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve the salad chilled, and enjoy the refreshing taste!
How to Serve The Best Cold Spaghetti Salad Ever
This salad is best served chilled. You can present it in a large bowl for family-style serving or portion it into individual bowls. It pairs nicely with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
How to Store The Best Cold Spaghetti Salad Ever
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier on the second day!
Tips to Make The Best Cold Spaghetti Salad Ever
- Make sure to rinse the spaghetti with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Feel free to add more veggies or proteins, like cooked chicken or shrimp, to make the salad more filling.
- If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can replace it with mozzarella or omit it altogether.
Variation (If Any)
You can customize this salad in many ways. Try adding avocado for creaminess or swap out the Italian dressing for a vinaigrette of your choice. You can also add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular pasta instead of spaghetti? Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as rotini or penne.
2. Is this salad good for meal prep? Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge and makes for a great grab-and-go lunch or snack.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! You can make it a day ahead, just keep it covered in the fridge. It will taste even better as the flavors blend together!
