Description
This Italian Spaghetti Salad Sensation is a refreshing and flavorful pasta salad that’s perfect for a summer meal or as a side dish. Packed with cherry tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella, and a tangy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad:
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half and cooked al dente
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup cubed mozzarella or mini mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten-free.
- Add sliced salami or pepperoni for a meatier version, or chickpeas for added protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
