Easy Cold Spaghetti Salad With Zesty Italian Dressing

Author

CookinWithBabe

I started my food vlogging journey in 2024, when I decided it was time to share my love of cooking with folks near and far. I grew up learning the ins and outs of the kitchen from my grandparents and my mama — they taught me that a good meal can bring people together like nothing else. Now, I’m proud to carry on their passion and share those same comforting flavors with y’all.

A person pours cooked spaghetti from a green colander into a large glass bowl on a beige countertop.

This Easy Cold Spaghetti Salad With Zesty Italian Dressing is the perfect dish for any warm day when you want something light and refreshing. It’s got that delightful mix of flavors and textures that just screams summer. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for potlucks or backyard barbecues.

More recipes from CookinWithBabe that you'll love

Watch How to Make It

What I love most about this salad is how versatile it is. You can load it up with your favorite veggies or even throw in some protein like grilled chicken or salami. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears faster than a cold beer in July!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a dish that you can make ahead of time and just pull out of the fridge when it’s time to eat? This spaghetti salad is all about convenience, flavor, and that zesty kick from the Italian dressing. It’s like a party in your mouth with every bite – bright, tangy, and satisfying.

The best part is the crunch from the fresh veggies. With crisp cucumbers, juicy grape tomatoes, and crunchy bell peppers, you’ve got a rainbow of colors and flavors that make the dish not just tasty but also visually appealing. It's a simple yet delicious way to get your veggies in, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

To get started, you’ll need 16 ounces of spaghetti noodles, which is the heart of this dish. Make sure they’re cooked and drained properly so they don’t get mushy. Then, we’ll add in 10 ounces of halved grape tomatoes, a diced red onion, a chopped green bell pepper, and a peeled and chopped cucumber.

A glass bowl filled with cooked spaghetti, chopped green bell peppers, grape tomatoes, and diced red onions on a countertop.

Oh, and don’t forget the star of the show – 16 ounces of zesty Italian dressing and a sprinkle of McCormick's Salad Supreme to tie it all together.

You’ll also need a large mixing bowl for combining everything and some cling wrap to cover it while it chills in the fridge. That’s pretty much all you’ll need to create this delicious salad. It’s straightforward, and you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.

How To Make It

Here’s where the fun begins! Making this spaghetti salad is as easy as tossing everything together and letting it chill. You’ll want to start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping your veggies.

This is the best time to get creative, so feel free to add any other ingredients you love.

A glass bowl filled with uncooked spaghetti noodles, diced cucumbers, chopped green peppers, tomatoes, and onions sits on a countertop. A hand lifts a metal lid off the bowl.

Preparation

First things first, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, which means it should have a little bite to it. Once it’s cooked, drain it and let it cool in the colander while you chop up your veggies.

You want those grape tomatoes halved, the red onion and green bell pepper diced, and the cucumber chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Once everything is ready, grab that large mixing bowl and toss all the ingredients together. It’s like a colorful confetti party in there! Add in the spaghetti, veggies, and pour that zesty Italian dressing over the top.

Sprinkle in about a quarter of the McCormick's Salad Supreme for that extra flavor. Give it a good mix until everything is well coated.

A person pours Italian dressing onto a salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and pasta in a glass bowl on a countertop.

Cooking

Now, this might sound like a weird step, but there’s no actual cooking involved here! The magic happens when you let this salad chill in the fridge. Cover your bowl with cling wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour.

For the best flavor, I recommend letting it sit overnight. This allows all those yummy flavors to meld together.

When you’re ready to serve, just give it another quick stir. You’ll notice that the dressing has soaked into the spaghetti and veggies, making every bite burst with flavor. If it seems a bit dry, feel free to splash in a little more dressing.

Serving & Variations

This salad is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, like chicken or burgers. If you want to spice things up, consider adding black olives, cubed cheese, or even some pepperoni slices. A common consensus among home cooks is that adding a touch of fresh basil or parsley right before serving brings an extra pop of freshness.

A person holds a spice bottle above a glass bowl filled with chopped cucumbers, vegetables, and dressing. The person is wearing a gray apron with a cartoon image and food illustrations on it.

A hand adds chopped red onions from a small bowl into a larger glass bowl filled with cooked spaghetti noodles on a countertop.

As for storage, this salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, but honestly, it’s usually gone long before then! If you’re making it for a gathering, I suggest doubling the recipe – trust me, it’s that good.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients do I need for Cold Spaghetti Salad?

You will need cooked spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, feta cheese, and a dressing of your choice.

How long can Cold Spaghetti Salad be stored in the refrigerator?

Cold Spaghetti Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Can I customize the ingredients in Cold Spaghetti Salad?

Yes, you can customize the ingredients by adding or removing vegetables, using different types of cheese, or adding proteins like chicken or shrimp.

Is Cold Spaghetti Salad served hot or cold?

Cold Spaghetti Salad is served cold, which makes it a perfect dish for picnics and summer gatherings.

How do I make the dressing for Cold Spaghetti Salad?

You can make a simple dressing by mixing olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper, or use a store-bought vinaigrette.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, an Easy Cold Spaghetti Salad With Zesty Italian Dressing that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t regret it.

A glass bowl filled with cooked spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onions sits on a beige countertop.

Recipe created by CookinWithBabe for Trust Me Try It.

Even more from CookinWithBabe