If you’re looking for a vibrant, refreshing pasta dish to brighten your table, look no further than this Italian Spaghetti Salad. It’s a colorful medley of tender spaghetti, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing that ties it all together. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a light family meal, this salad is as tasty as it is easy to make.
Don’t miss our Summer Corn Salad with Avocado for another seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Thin spaghetti | 16 oz, halved |
| Tomatoes (diced) | 3 medium |
| Zucchini (diced) | 3 small |
| Cucumber (halved & diced) | 1 large |
| Green bell pepper (diced) | 1 medium |
| Red bell pepper (diced) | 1 medium |
| Italian salad dressing | 8 oz |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame seeds | 1½ teaspoons |
| Poppy seeds | 1½ teaspoons |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Celery seed | ¼ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ⅛ teaspoon |
Substitutions:
- Use angel hair pasta or regular spaghetti if needed.
- Swap zucchini for yellow squash.
- Replace standard cucumber with English cucumber.
- Switch up peppers with poblano or Anaheim for milder flavor.
- For dressing variety, try Greek or balsamic vinaigrette.
How to Make Italian Spaghetti Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta
Boil thin spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. - Prep the Veggies
Dice tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, green, and red bell peppers. - Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, Parmesan, sesame and poppy seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder. - Combine Everything
In a large bowl, toss the pasta and chopped vegetables with the dressing until well coated. - Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors meld together for maximum taste. - Garnish and Serve
Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is incredibly versatile. You can:
- Serve it chilled at picnics or outdoor barbecues.
- Pair it with grilled meats like kabobs, chicken, or burgers.
Check out our Cilantro Lime Noodles for another perfect side! - Enjoy it as a light lunch or meal prep option during summer.
Recipe Tips & Make-Ahead Advice
- Make ahead: Prepare the night before to save time and boost flavor.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge. Best consumed within 2–3 days.
- Add-ins: Try olives, feta, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
Discover great ideas like Garlic Cheese Bombs if you’re serving this at your next gathering.