Best 2 Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in a refreshing and versatile culinary delight with our exquisite collection of spaghetti pasta salad recipes. From classic Italian flavors to innovative fusion creations, embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Discover the timeless charm of traditional Spaghetti Salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing, a symphony of flavors that blends perfectly with al dente spaghetti, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs. For a delightful twist, try our Mediterranean-inspired Spaghetti Salad, where sun-dried tomatoes, briny olives, and feta cheese dance harmoniously with succulent shrimp and a tangy lemon-herb dressing. If you're seeking a hearty and protein-packed option, our Chicken Caesar Spaghetti Salad is a must-try, featuring succulent grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing that will leave you feeling satisfied and invigorated. And for those who love a touch of spice, our Spicy Southwestern Spaghetti Salad is an explosion of flavors, combining zesty chili peppers, smoky roasted corn, and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing that will ignite your senses. With these diverse spaghetti pasta salad recipes at your fingertips, you'll have a culinary masterpiece for every occasion, whether it's a casual backyard barbecue, a summer picnic, or an elegant potluck gathering.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

RHONDA'S CONFETTI SPAGHETTI PASTA SALAD

Rhonda's Confetti Spaghetti Pasta Salad image

A healthy summer pasta salad.

Provided by LittleRedHen

Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Tuna Salad Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces
2 tomatoes, diced
1 red onion, diced
1 large cucumber, diced
4 stalks celery, diced
2 cups imitation crabmeat, diced
1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained
2 cups creamy salad dressing
1 teaspoon minced garlic, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 9 to 11 minutes. Drain and run under cold water.
Mix tomatoes, onion, cucumber, celery, crabmeat, and tuna in a bowl; add spaghetti. Stir in salad dressing and garlic; season with salt and black pepper. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for flavors to blend, at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 460.7 calories, Carbohydrate 59.8 g, Cholesterol 31.8 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 14.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 846.4 mg, Sugar 14.2 g

SPAGHETTI PASTA SALAD

Spaghetti Pasta Salad image

My family loves this salad as either a main meal or a side dish. We especially enjoy making it during the hot summer months, using fresh ingredients right out of our garden. It looks terrific with all the different colors!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 15-20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

12 ounces thin spaghetti
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup diced pepperoni
1/2 cup diced fully cooked ham
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup diced tomato
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
1 avocado, peeled and diced, optional
1 bottle (8 ounces) Italian salad dressing

Steps:

In a large saucepan, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile in a large salad bowl, add the cheese, pepperoni, ham, green pepper, tomato, onion, cucumber and olives. Add avocado if desired. , Rinse pasta with cold water; drain well. Place on top of salad ingredients. Drizzle with salad dressing: toss lightly to coat. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 147 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 342mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

Tips:

Choose the right pasta. Short pastas, like penne or rotini, are best for pasta salad because they hold the dressing well. Avoid long pastas, like spaghetti or linguine, as they can be difficult to eat in a salad.

Cook the pasta al dente. This means that the pasta should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and will not hold the dressing well.

Rinse the pasta with cold water. This will help to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from sticking together.

Use a variety of vegetables. A good pasta salad should have a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and carrots. You can also add other ingredients, such as cheese, olives, or nuts.

Make a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what brings all the flavors of the pasta salad together. Use a combination of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices to create a dressing that is both flavorful and light.

Chill the pasta salad before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and will make the salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will love. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give pasta salad a try.