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Garden Spaghetti Salad with Fresh Vegetables and Tangy Italian Dressing Recipe

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3.9 from 46 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Garden Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant and refreshing cold pasta salad featuring al dente spaghetti tossed with crisp cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Finished with a tangy Italian-style dressing made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian seasoning, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, potlucks, and quick, healthy lunches.

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain and cool: Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
  3. Combine salad ingredients: Place the cooled spaghetti in a large mixing bowl, then add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, chopped fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
  5. Toss salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then gently toss the salad to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Serve: Before serving, toss the salad again and adjust the seasoning or add extra dressing if needed for added flavor.

Notes

  • For additional protein, add mozzarella pearls, crumbled feta, chickpeas, or grilled chicken.
  • Whole-wheat or gluten-free spaghetti can be used to accommodate dietary preferences.
  • This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
  • Fresh basil leaves can be added for an even more vibrant garden flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling, No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://sarasplate.com/garden-spaghetti-salad-with-fresh-vegetables-and-tangy-italian-dressing-recipe/