Description
A refreshing and hearty spaghetti salad featuring al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, savory salami, and a tangy Italian dressing. Perfect for a make-ahead side dish or light main course, this salad combines crisp cucumbers, sweet grape tomatoes, olives, and cheese with fresh herbs for a flavorful and colorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb spaghetti
Vegetables & Add-ins
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 large cucumbers, halved and sliced
- 1 cup salami slices, quartered
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans ripe olives (2-¼ ounces each), sliced and drained
Cheese & Herbs
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1 ½ cups Italian salad dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well until the pasta is very dry to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
- Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, halve the grape tomatoes, slice the cucumbers and red onion, dice the bell pepper, quarter the salami slices, and slice and drain the olives. Grate the parmesan cheese and chop the parsley and basil.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared vegetables, salami, herbs, and grated parmesan cheese. Add the cooled and drained spaghetti on top.
- Add Dressing and Toss: Pour the Italian salad dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, toss the salad again and adjust the seasoning if desired.
Notes
- Rinsing and draining the pasta thoroughly is key to preventing a watery salad.
- Feel free to replace salami with pepperoni or omit for a vegetarian option.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor and makes it more refreshing.
- Use high-quality Italian dressing or homemade for best taste.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
