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

Italian Spaghetti Salad – Zesty, Fresh & Easy Pasta Salad

Name: Italian Spaghetti Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 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

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