Summer Spaghetti Salad is a cold pasta salad recipe made with spaghetti noodles, fresh vegetables, olives, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and Italian dressing. This easy pasta salad is perfect for summer meals, BBQ side dishes, potlucks, picnics, and meal prep. Packed with crisp bell peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion, it delivers a refreshing and flavorful combination that is quick to prepare and great for make-ahead serving. A simple cold spaghetti salad recipe ideal for gatherings and warm-weather menus.

Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti noodles
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 English cucumber, sliced
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 can (2.25 oz) sliced olives, drained
½ cup cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
16 oz bottle Italian dressing

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Stir occasionally while cooking. Drain well and let it cool slightly.

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the diced green pepper, red pepper, red onion, cucumber slices, grape tomatoes, olives, cheddar cheese cubes, and Parmesan cheese.

Add the cooked and cooled spaghetti on top of the vegetables and cheese.

Sprinkle with Salad Supreme seasoning and garlic powder. Toss gently to distribute evenly.

Pour Italian dressing over the mixture and mix carefully until everything is well coated.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cold pasta salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with crisp vegetables and bold flavor. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for warm weather meals, gatherings, and quick side dishes.

Tips

Rinse pasta lightly with cold water after draining to stop cooking and cool it faster.
Use a very large bowl to make mixing easier without breaking the pasta.
Chill the salad for several hours for best flavor.
Toss again before serving to redistribute dressing.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap spaghetti for rotini, penne, or bow tie pasta.
Replace cheddar with mozzarella or feta cheese.
Add pepperoni or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes.
Substitute Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

How long does it last in the fridge?
It keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, broccoli, carrots, or zucchini work well in this salad.

Do I need to rinse the pasta?
Rinsing is optional but helps cool the pasta and prevent sticking.

Serving

Serve chilled as a side dish for grilled meats, BBQ, picnics, or potlucks. It also works as a light lunch on its own.

Suggestions

Pair this spaghetti salad with grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or roasted vegetables. It’s also a great addition to summer buffet tables and outdoor gatherings.