Description
A refreshing and flavorful spaghetti salad made with fresh vegetables, cheese, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a light meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups Italian dressing (see recipe below or use store-bought)
- Homemade Italian Dressing:
- 1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pasta and toss to prevent sticking. Refrigerate until cool.
- In a large bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced green and red bell peppers, drained olives, finely chopped red onion, and cubed cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat well.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and gently stir again.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- To save time, store-bought Italian dressing can be used instead of homemade dressing.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables or toppings like fresh herbs, croutons, or shredded carrots as per your taste.
- Chill the salad for at least 2 hours for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 592
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
