How to Create Perfect Italian Spaghetti Salad

Perfect Pasta Preparation

Cooking spaghetti to ideal al dente texture and properly cooling it to maintain integrity in the salad.

Vegetable Cutting Technique

Dicing vegetables into appropriately sized pieces that complement the spaghetti strands.

Dressing Emulsion

Creating a perfectly balanced Italian dressing that clings to the pasta and vegetables.

Marination Method

Allowing proper time for flavors to meld while maintaining the freshness of all ingredients.

Baking Tips

Breaking the spaghetti into smaller pieces before cooking makes the salad easier to serve and eat.

For best flavor, make this salad at least 2 hours ahead of time or the day before serving.

If preparing in advance, reserve some dressing to add just before serving to refresh the salad.

Use a variety of colorful vegetables for visual appeal and nutritional variety.

For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian cured meats.

Al dente pasta works best, as it will absorb some of the dressing without becoming mushy.

Italian Spaghetti Salad

Name: Italian Spaghetti Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the salad:; 1 pound spaghetti, broken into thirds; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced; 1/2 red onion, finely diced; 1 cup black olives, sliced; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls or diced; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; For the Italian dressing:; 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey or sugar; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Optional add-ins:; Pepperoncini peppers, sliced; Artichoke hearts, quartered; Salami or pepperoni, diced; Roasted red peppers, chopped

Italian Spaghetti Salad combines tender pasta with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty Italian dressing for a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad. This vibrant, chilled dish is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a make-ahead side dish that gets better as flavors meld together.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

10 Minutes

Total Time

2H30 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the salad:

1 pound spaghetti, broken into thirds

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1/2 red onion, finely diced

1 cup black olives, sliced

8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls or diced

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Italian dressing:

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey or sugar

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional add-ins:

Pepperoncini peppers, sliced

Artichoke hearts, quartered

Salami or pepperoni, diced

Roasted red peppers, chopped

Instructions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions, until al dente. Do not overcook as pasta will continue to absorb dressing.

Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

Toss cooled pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and transfer to a large serving bowl.

Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, mozzarella pearls, basil, and parsley to the pasta. Toss gently to combine.

For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, honey, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Reserve a small amount of dressing if you plan to refrigerate the salad for a long time.

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and gently toss again.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.

Before serving, toss again and adjust seasoning if needed. If the pasta has absorbed too much dressing, add the reserved dressing or a splash of olive oil to refresh.

Garnish with additional fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Italian Spaghetti Salad

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Create Perfect Italian Spaghetti Salad

Italian Spaghetti Salad

Ingredients

Instructions