If summer had a bowl, it would be this Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe — a colorful, crunchy, flavor-packed crowd-pleaser that captures everything fresh and fun about gathering around the table. All those vibrant veggies, zesty dressings, and pops of seasoning make it an irresistible side (or even a light main) everybody will reach for first at potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknights. If you’re ready to upgrade your classic pasta salad routine, this is the delicious twist you don’t want to miss!

Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish shines with straightforward pantry heroes and a rainbow of produce, each adding its own special something. The beauty of a Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe is how every ingredient matters—flavor, texture, color, and crunch all have a seat at the table!

Thin spaghetti noodles: Breaking them in half lets the pasta soak up more dressing and makes serving a breeze.
Salad Supreme seasoning: Brings a punchy, herby kick that instantly elevates the whole salad.
Cajun seasoning: Gives the salad a subtle heat and depth, perfect for balancing out creamy dressings.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of green and freshness in every bite.
Fresh dill weed: The secret herb for a light, aromatic flavor that absolutely belongs in a great pasta salad.
Italian Salad Dressing: Tangy and robust, it forms the backbone of the irresistible dressing that soaks into every strand.
Ranch Dressing: Creamy and cool, it mellows out the tang and ties everything together.
Cucumbers: Bring plenty of crunch and a refreshing snap in every forkful.
Sweet cherry tomatoes: Little bursts of juicy sweetness and color.
Red onions: Offer a sharp bite and lovely color—slice them fine so they blend right in.
Mixed bell peppers: Use a trio of colors for gorgeous presentation and plenty of natural sweetness.
Cheddar cheese: Cubed tiny, they offer creamy richness and a hint of saltiness throughout.
Hard pepperoni (optional): Adds a smoky, savory edge that makes this salad a meal in itself—turkey or classic both work!

How to Make Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Break your spaghetti noodles in half so they fit easily in the pot, then cook until they’re just al dente. Timing is key—overcooked noodles can turn mushy in the salad, so set a timer and trust your taste test for the perfect doneness.

Step 2: Rinse and Cool the Pasta

Once the spaghetti is cooked, immediately drain and rinse it with plenty of cold water. Not only does this stop the cooking process, but it also chills the pasta down, making it salad-ready and helping it hold up when tossed with all those crisp veggies and dressings.

Step 3: Season the Pasta

Transfer your drained, cool spaghetti to a large bowl or casserole dish. Sprinkle on the salad supreme, Cajun seasoning, chopped parsley, and dill. Give it a gentle toss—every strand should get a little love from that herby spice blend, setting the foundation for maximum flavor in the final Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe.

Step 4: Make the Creamy-Tangy Dressing

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the Italian dressing and ranch. This magic combo delivers both zip and creaminess—pour it over the seasoned pasta and toss until every strand is slick and shimmering.

Step 5: Load Up with Veggies and Cheese

This is where the fun happens! Add your diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, cheddar cheese, and pepperoni (if using). Don’t worry about being too precise—you can scale up or down on your favorites. Toss until everything is well-mingled and gloriously colorful.

Step 6: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover your bowl or dish tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour (longer if you have time!). This gives all those flavors a chance to meld together and makes the Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe extra refreshing. Before serving, give it another toss to distribute anything that might have settled at the bottom.

Step 7: Taste and Finish

Just before serving, taste your salad and adjust as needed—maybe a grind of coarse black pepper or another sprinkle of Salad Supreme. For an especially fresh finish, add a bit more chopped parsley and dill on top. Now, dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh chopped parsley and dill on top makes the Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe look instantly more inviting. For bonus points, add an extra sprinkle of cheese cubes or a quick crack of black pepper just before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad pairs beautifully with classic picnic sides—think grilled chicken, burgers, or fresh corn on the cob. It’s also fantastic next to garlicky breadsticks or served atop a bed of crisp lettuce for extra crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make a splash, try piling the salad high in a big glass trifle bowl so those vibrant layers shine through. For portable fun at gatherings, spoon single servings into mason jars or colorful cups, or lay out a “build-your-own” station with extra toppings on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so you might even find yourself sneaking a forkful straight from the fridge—it’s that good!

Freezing

While this Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, freezing isn’t recommended. The crisp veggies and creamy dressing tend to get watery and lose their charm once thawed.

Reheating

No reheating needed! This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you feel the noodles have absorbed a bit too much dressing after a day or two, just toss with a splash of Italian or ranch before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe?

Definitely! While thin spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to swap in linguine, rotini, or even bowties. The key is to choose a pasta shape that holds dressing and mingles well with the vibrant mix-ins.

Is the pepperoni absolutely necessary?

Not at all! The pepperoni is totally optional—great for adding a savory, meaty touch, but the salad is equally delicious and satisfying without it. You can substitute with vegetarian options or simply leave it out for a lighter version.

Can I make this Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe the day before?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to really meld and deepen. Just give it a quick toss before serving and adjust seasonings if needed, especially if it’s soaked up a lot of the dressing overnight.

How do I prevent my pasta salad from getting dry?

If your salad seems a bit dry after chilling, just add a small splash of Italian or ranch dressing to loosen things up. Toss well, and it will taste freshly made!

What’s the best way to transport this dish for a picnic or potluck?

Pack your Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe in a sturdy, lidded container and bring any last-minute garnishes on the side. It travels well and tastes fabulous even after several hours, making it a portable party favorite!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe enough—it’s gorgeously colorful, wonderfully flavorful, and always a hit with both family and friends. Give it a try at your next picnic or gathering, and don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for seconds!

Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and flavorful Spaghetti Pasta Salad recipe that combines al dente spaghetti noodles with a medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and zesty dressings. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal.

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and cool.
Season the Pasta: Toss spaghetti with seasonings and herbs.
Prepare Dressing: Combine Italian dressing and ranch dressing.
Coat Pasta: Pour dressing over pasta and mix well.

Add Ingredients: Mix in vegetables, cheese, and pepperoni.

Chill: Refrigerate the salad until serving time.
Final Touches: Before serving, toss the salad and adjust seasonings. Garnish with herbs.

Notes

You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Spaghetti Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad Recipe, Summer Salad, Picnic Food