Description
This vibrant and refreshing Spaghetti Salad is a perfect light meal or side dish, combining al dente pasta with fresh vegetables and a tangy homemade dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it features cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, and feta cheese, tossed in a zesty vinaigrette with garlic and oregano. Ideal for warm days or as a make-ahead salad, it’s easy to customize and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz (about 1/2 box) spaghetti pasta
Vegetables & Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Set them aside along with the sliced black olives and crumbled feta cheese if using.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup (if using), minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to get the perfect balance.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti pasta with the prepared vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated and well mixed.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This salad can be made a few hours in advance for convenience and enhanced taste.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good toss and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy this chilled spaghetti salad as a refreshing side or a light standalone meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing.
- Optional ingredients like black olives, feta cheese, and parsley can be adjusted or omitted based on preference or dietary needs.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this salad suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- This salad tastes even better when allowed to chill overnight, as the flavors continue to develop.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
