Description
Mediterranean cold spaghetti pasta salad brings zesty flavors dancing across your plate with crisp vegetables and tangy dressing. Summer’s refreshing lunch awaits you, promising a delightful blend of herbs, olives, and fresh ingredients that transport senses to coastal charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) spaghetti, cooked and cooled
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 cup zucchini, diced
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta by boiling in salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente, then immediately drain and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool quickly.
- Finely dice cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini into uniform small pieces, ensuring consistent size for even distribution throughout the salad.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half and thinly cut olives, creating bite-sized components that enhance the overall texture and flavor profile.
- Create a vibrant dressing by whisking together Italian dressing, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, dried oregano, fresh basil, cracked black pepper, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer cooled pasta to a spacious mixing bowl and gently fold in all chopped vegetables and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over the pasta mixture, carefully tossing to coat every ingredient with the aromatic seasoning.
- Seal the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before serving chilled.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is thoroughly chilled to prevent clumping and maintain a refreshing texture.
- Opt for extra-virgin olive oil to enhance the dressing’s depth and provide a richer flavor profile.
- Customize the salad by adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
- Swap out traditional pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate dietary preferences and boost nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 276 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg