Spaghetti Salad Recipe
This Ultimate Spaghetti Salad Recipe is the perfect, quick side dish for any potluck, picnic, or weeknight dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes, it combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables and a zesty Italian dressing for a refreshing and satisfying meal. For more delicious pasta ideas, try this Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe or this Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta Recipe.
PrintSpaghetti Salad
Easy party-favorite Spaghetti Salad that is ready in 20 minutes! This crowd-pleasing cold spaghetti salad features fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, and feta cheese tossed with Italian dressing made from pantry staples. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or weeknight sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Method: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 16 oz spaghetti
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes, red and yellow, sliced in half
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
- ⅓ cup red onion, chopped
- ⅓ cup black olives, sliced
- ⅓ cup green olives, sliced
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon honey
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook 16 oz spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together ¼ cup lemon juice, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and sliced green olives to the bowl with the dressing. Mix thoroughly and let marinate while pasta cooks; tomatoes will release juices.
- Add drained spaghetti and 4 oz crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. Toss everything to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper or lemon juice if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
For best flavor, prepare ahead and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. Use thin spaghetti for quicker cooking and better salad texture. Substitute feta with another cheese if preferred.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spaghetti salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead is a great idea. The flavors of The Best Spaghetti Salad in 20 minutes meld and improve when chilled for a few hours. For the best texture, add any fresh herbs just before serving.
What are the best substitutions for Italian dressing?
You can use a zesty Greek vinaigrette or a simple homemade mix of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs. The key is to use a flavorful, oil-based dressing to coat the pasta and vegetables in this quick salad.
How long does leftover spaghetti salad keep in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The Best Spaghetti Salad in 20 minutes holds up well, though the pasta may soften slightly. Give it a stir before serving again.
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