Looking for a bright, refreshing, and flavor-packed pasta salad that’s easy to make? This Italian Spaghetti Salad is the perfect dish for potlucks, BBQs, and summer gatherings. It’s loaded with al dente spaghetti, crisp veggies, savory salami, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
What makes this salad so special? It’s light yet satisfying, easy to customize, and even better when made ahead! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light main course, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Customizable – Adjust the ingredients to fit your taste.
Grab your fork—it’s time to make this Italian-inspired classic!
Table of Contents
Essential Ingredients & Easy Swaps
What makes Italian Spaghetti Salad so irresistible? A combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients and a bold, zesty dressing. Here’s what you’ll need and how you can tweak it to suit your taste.
Choosing the Right Pasta
A great pasta salad starts with the right noodles. Spaghetti is the classic choice, but here are some options:
- Spaghetti – Best when cooked al dente, so it holds up well in the dressing.
- Other options – Angel hair, rotini, or penne work just as well.
- Gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti, but rinse it well after cooking to keep it from sticking.
The Fresh & Colorful Mix-Ins
Crunchy, juicy, and packed with flavor, these veggies add the perfect texture balance:
- Cherry tomatoes – Sweet, juicy, and best when halved or quartered.
- Cucumber – Crisp and refreshing; Persian or English cucumbers are ideal.
- Red bell pepper – Adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
- Red onion – Sharp and slightly sweet; soak in water for a milder taste.
- Black olives – Briny and salty, bringing an Italian touch.
💡 Make it your own: Want a little tang? Swap in pepperoncini for a spicy kick. Prefer green olives over black? Go for it!
The Savory Add-Ins
A few bold, flavorful ingredients transform this salad into something special:
- Salami – Diced into bite-sized pieces for a rich, savory touch.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for the best taste.
- Mozzarella pearls – Soft and creamy, balancing the tangy dressing.
✨ Vegetarian option? Swap salami for chickpeas or skip it altogether!
The Zesty Homemade Dressing
Forget store-bought—this homemade Italian dressing is the secret to next-level flavor:
- Extra virgin olive oil – Smooth and rich, the base of the dressing.
- Red wine vinegar – Brings a bright, tangy kick.
- Dijon mustard – Helps emulsify the dressing while adding depth.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for a punch of flavor.
- Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Salt & pepper – Brings everything together.
⏳ Short on time? A good-quality bottled Italian dressing works in a pinch!
Pro Tips for the Best Italian Spaghetti Salad
A pasta salad might seem simple, but a few key details can take it from just okay to absolutely unforgettable. Here’s how to make every bite of this Italian Spaghetti Salad fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor.
Let’s Talk About Pasta—Al Dente or Bust
Spaghetti is the star, so cook it right. It should be al dente—firm yet tender—so it holds up to the dressing without turning mushy.
👉 Quick tip: After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop it from cooking further and to prevent sticking. This is one of the few times rinsing pasta is actually a good idea!
Dress It Like You Mean It
The secret to a truly flavorful pasta salad? Don’t hold back on the dressing. Toss the spaghetti while it’s still slightly warm so it absorbs all that garlicky, herby, tangy goodness from the vinaigrette.
💡 Pro tip: Making this ahead? Add a little extra olive oil just before serving to keep everything glossy and fresh.
Flavors Get Better with Time—Be Patient
If you can resist digging in right away, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld, making it even better.
🔹 Best practice: Give it a final toss before serving—ingredients settle, and you want every bite coated in that delicious dressing.
It’s All About the Texture
A great pasta salad isn’t just about taste—it’s about the right contrast in textures. You want:
✔ Crunch from cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions
✔ Creaminess from mozzarella pearls and parmesan
✔ Savory bites from salami and olives
✨ Try this: For extra crunch, toss in some crushed croutons or toasted pine nuts just before serving.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe? It’s endlessly customizable. A few easy swaps can change the whole flavor profile:
- Vegetarian option? Skip the salami and add marinated artichokes or roasted chickpeas.
- Want more protein? Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs make it a heartier dish.
- Like a little heat? Stir in some red pepper flakes or sliced pepperoncini.
“The best pasta salads don’t just taste good—they tell a story of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the perfect balance of texture.”
Italian Spaghetti Salad – Printable Recipe Card
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Italian Spaghetti Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Italian Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing, flavor-packed dish featuring al dente spaghetti, crisp veggies, savory salami, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or meal prep, it’s an easy make-ahead salad that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup black olives, sliced
½ cup salami, diced
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup mozzarella pearls
For the Dressing:
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion.
Slice the olives and dice the salami.
Grate the parmesan cheese and set aside the mozzarella pearls.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spaghetti, vegetables, salami, and cheeses.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Let It Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Toss once more before serving. If needed, add a drizzle of olive oil or an extra splash of vinegar for brightness.
Notes
Best flavor tip: Letting the salad rest for at least 30 minutes allows the dressing to absorb fully.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the salami or swap it for chickpeas.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Italian Spaghetti Salad, cold spaghetti salad, Italian pasta salad
Variations & Related Recipes
One of the best things about Italian Spaghetti Salad is how effortlessly it can be customized. Whether you want to enhance the classic flavors or take it in a completely new direction, these creative variations offer something for everyone.
For a Mediterranean twist, swap the salami for feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and toss in artichoke hearts for a bold, briny upgrade. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of mayo or Greek yogurt to create a rich and velvety dressing.
Love a little heat? Add red pepper flakes, sliced pepperoncini, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the tangy Italian vinaigrette. And if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, try using spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of pasta for a fresh, light take on this dish.
More Recipes to Try
If you love this Italian Spaghetti Salad, here are more dishes to round out your meal or bring new flavors to the table:
🍛 How to Make Authentic Moroccan Couscous – Step-by-Step Guide – If you love bold, fresh flavors, this couscous dish is a must-try! Packed with aromatic spices and vibrant veggies, it’s the perfect side for any Mediterranean-inspired meal.
🥣 Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Spinach: The 5 Secrets – Need a cozy, comforting dish to serve alongside your pasta salad? This creamy, flavor-packed tortellini soup is the perfect warm contrast.
🌿 Chicken Apple Sausage Recipe – Sweet, Savory, and Easy to Make – Looking for a protein to pair with your salad? This homemade chicken apple sausage is packed with sweet and savory flavors that complement the tangy Italian dressing beautifully.
Italian Spaghetti Salad FAQs
Can I make Italian Spaghetti Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better when made in advance. The dressing soaks into the pasta, and the flavors blend beautifully. Just give it a good toss before serving and, if needed, add a drizzle of olive oil to freshen it up.
How long does spaghetti salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this pasta salad will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing, so you may need to add a little more before serving leftovers.
What’s the best pasta for cold spaghetti salad?
Traditional spaghetti works best, but you can swap it for angel hair, rotini, or even penne if you prefer shorter pasta. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente so it holds up in the salad.
Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?
Absolutely! While homemade Italian dressing gives you the freshest flavor, a good-quality bottled dressing works if you’re short on time. Look for one made with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs for the best taste.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Just swap the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Some brands can be a little softer than regular pasta, so be sure to cook it al dente and rinse it under cold water to prevent sticking.
Can I make this Italian Spaghetti Salad a complete meal?
Yes! To turn this salad into a full meal, try adding:
Grilled chicken for extra protein
Chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly option
Shrimp for a seafood twist
A Fresh & Flavorful Pasta Salad for Any Occasion
This Italian Spaghetti Salad is the perfect blend of bright, zesty flavors, fresh veggies, and satisfying textures. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, packing it for meal prep, or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is always a hit.
With its endless variations and easy make-ahead prep, this salad is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Want to make it your own? Try a new protein, switch up the veggies, or add a little spice—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
Now it’s your turn! Give this recipe a try, and let us know in the comments how you made it your own.
“The best dishes are the ones that bring people together—so grab a fork and dig in!”