This delicious Spaghetti Pasta Salad recipe is made with a tasty homemade Italian dressing, crunchy vegetables, olives, parmesan cheese and of course spaghetti! It’s a vegetarian side dish that is sure to be a hit both at parties and at home!
Pasta salads are a great side dish for family gatherings and are a potluck favorite because people like it. They’re budget-friendly and filling too so, one large bowl goes a long way in feeding a crowd.
It’s the combination of a great homemade dressing, pasta, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, crunchy red bell peppers, and olives that are just irresistible!
Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe
This pasta salad recipe is much like my popular Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Salad that has a similar Italian dressing. Check out that recipe too.
Cold pasta salad is a perfect side dish in the hot summer months for pool parties and potlucks. A good easy pasta salad recipe always comes in handy.
Bringing a delicious pasta salad to a party is a great way to get on the good side of the hosts. Keep that in mind if you’re meeting them for the first time i.e. your new boyfriend’s parents.
But, this Spaghetti Pasta Salad isn’t just for parties, it’s a great side dish for dinner too. As I’ve mentioned above, it’s filling, budget friendly, and goes with nearly any main dish.
Disclosure: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links which means, if you make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission but, the price you pay is the same.
Ingredients
*The full, printable recipe is in the recipe card below.
- spaghetti or thin spaghetti noodles
- cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
- mini cucumbers or English cucumber
- grated parmesan cheese
- red bell peppers (or any color bell pepper you like)
- red onion
- Spanish olives
- fresh parsley
Italian Salad Dressing Ingredient List
- extra virgin olive oil
- red wine vinegar
- garlic powder
- salt
- black pepper
- Spanish olive brine (optional)
Summary Instructions
First, cook spaghetti according to package directions for firm or al dente, whichever is your preference. Meanwhile, make the Italian dressing and place in a big mixing bowl (This will save dirtying extra bowls.) Then, clean and cut up the vegetables and put it in the bowl with the dressing.
Last, add the grated parmesan cheese, olives, parsley and cooked and drained spaghetti. 
Stir it well, cover, and store it in your refrigerator until ready to serve. I suggest letting it sit for about an hour for the flavors to meld before serving.
Optional Ad ins
- mini pepperoni
- salami chunks
- black olives or Kalamata olives
- raw broccoli florets
Substitutions
- Use bucatini pasta or linguine if that’s what you have on hand.
- Use feta cheese instead of Parmesan cheese if that sounds appetizing.
- Although I suggesting making this homemade Italian dressing, if you don’t have olive oil and vinegar, use your favorite Italian dressing.
Storage
Store in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for up to three days for maximum freshness. You can make this pasta salad a day ahead but, add the dressing the same day you will serve it.
It’s a great make-ahead dish for potlucks that can be made the day before because it still tastes great the next day. Pack leftovers for lunch. It will last a few days in your refrigerator.
What to serve with Spaghetti Pasta Salad
Grilled Lemon Rosemary Chicken Breast
Easy Oven Baked Italian Sausage Recipe
This Spaghetti Pasta Salad recipe is full of fresh vegetables, a homemade dressing and perfectly cooked pasta! It goes with nearly any main dish and the best part is that everyone is sure to like it because who doesn’t like spaghetti?
Bring this delicious spaghetti pasta salad to summer potlucks or the next family cookout and watch it disappear. It’s the perfect summer side dish!
You may also like
Easy Parmesan Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Easy and Best Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Easy Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing and Shaved Parmesan
I took this recipe to Weekend Potluck.
Easy Parmesan Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup English cucumbers, chopped (or mini cucumbers)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, cut in half
- 1/2 cup red bell peppers, diced
- 1/3 cup Spanish olives or green olives
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Italian Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Spanish olive brine
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- First, cook spaghetti according to package directions for firm or al dente, whichever is your preference. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it.
- Meanwhile, to a large mixing bowl add ingredients for Italian dressing and stir. This will save on dirtying extra bowls.
- Then, clean and cut up the vegetables and put it in the bowl with the dressing.
- Last, add to the same mixing bowl: the grated parmesan cheese, olives, parsley and cooked and drained spaghetti. Stir, cover and refrigerate. Allow flavors to meld for an hour or so before serving.
Notes
Storage
Store in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for up to three days for maximum freshness. You can make this pasta salad a day ahead but, add the dressing the same day you will serve it.Did You Make This Recipe?
If you made this recipe don’t forget to leave a review!
Categories:
Brunch Recipes, Italian Recipes, Pasta, Pasta Salad (cold), Side dishes, Summer, Vegetarian,
I’m glad you like it and thanks for the 5-star rating!
This pasta salad is a favorite for family weekends
Hi Karen. Thanks so much for leaving a comment and letting me know. I’ve fixed the problem. You should be able to print now. Let me know if you still have trouble.
Hi Joanne,
This is the second time I have tried to find the printable version of your Spaghetti Pasta Salad. I see Share, Pin, Tweet but no place to PRINT it. I have the Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad. How do I get the Spaghetti Pasta Salad printable version. Thanks, Karen
Hi Beth. That sounds good. Thanks for leaving a comment.
I love spaghetti salad and my version is almost like yours except I use McCormick’s salad seasonings to give a bit more crunch.