Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a Southern staple that takes a comforting pasta base and transforms it into a cool, crisp dish perfect for hot summer days. This recipe uses thin spaghetti as the base, dressed in a bold Italian vinaigrette and tossed with colorful, crunchy veggies. The addition of McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning brings just the right amount of zest, turning simple ingredients into a mouthwatering crowd-pleaser.

This salad is not only visually vibrant, but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a cookout, taking it to a potluck, or prepping meals for the week, this dish keeps well and gets better as it sits. It’s a fresh take on pasta salad that everyone will request again and again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb thin spaghetti, broken into thirds

• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 red onion, finely diced

• 1 (2.25 oz) can sliced black olives, drained

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 (16 oz) bottle Italian dressing

• 1 tablespoon McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning

• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Transfer the spaghetti to a large mixing bowl.

3. Add in the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and shredded carrots.

4. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables.

5. Sprinkle in the Salad Supreme seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Toss everything together until well coated.

7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to let the flavors meld.

8. Toss again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

A Southern Classic: Spaghetti Pasta Salad Bursting with Fresh Flavor

There’s something timeless and nostalgic about a cold pasta salad, especially when it’s made Southern style with spaghetti noodles, crisp vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing. Spaghetti Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish. It’s a flavorful, refreshing, and versatile recipe that has earned its spot at every cookout, potluck, and family reunion table across the South and beyond.

What makes this dish so special is its simplicity combined with layers of flavor and texture. It transforms humble ingredients like spaghetti, cucumber, and tomatoes into something vibrant and crave-worthy. And while there are many pasta salad variations out there, this one stands out because it uses spaghetti noodles instead of the traditional rotini or penne, giving it a unique mouthfeel and an elegant twist.

Let’s dive deeper into the beautiful world of Spaghetti Pasta Salad, where it came from, how to make it your own, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your seasonal recipe rotation.

A Bit of History: How Did Pasta Salad Evolve?

Pasta salad has been around for decades, with roots tracing back to both Italian and American cuisine. Traditionally, cold pasta dishes with olive oil, vegetables, and herbs were staples in Italian kitchens. These recipes were simple and used whatever fresh produce was on hand, tossed with pasta and enjoyed cold.

In the United States, pasta salad as we know it gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Mayonnaise-based versions became common in delis and picnics, but eventually, the vinaigrette-style salads (like this one) took over as people looked for lighter, fresher options. The Southern version of pasta salad gave it a twist by using thin spaghetti noodles and amping up the flavor with a bottled Italian dressing and seasoning blends like McCormick’s Salad Supreme, a signature touch in many family recipes.

This dish became a staple for summer gatherings, not just because of its bright flavors but because it could be made ahead, served cold, and transported easily.

Why Use Spaghetti Instead of Traditional Pasta Shapes?

At first glance, using spaghetti in a cold pasta salad might seem odd, isn’t spaghetti for warm, saucy dishes? But don’t knock it until you try it!

The long, thin strands of spaghetti do a fantastic job of soaking up the bold flavors of Italian dressing. When broken into thirds before cooking, the noodles are the perfect size for scooping up bits of diced veggies, making every bite a flavorful mouthful. The spaghetti also gives the dish a smooth texture that’s slightly different from the chunkier bite of rotini or penne.

Using spaghetti also makes this salad visually distinct. The way the noodles tangle with fresh ingredients gives the dish a rustic, homemade feel that’s incredibly inviting.

Ingredient Breakdown: Why Each One Matters

Spaghetti: The star of the show. Thin spaghetti holds flavor well and provides a soft yet structured base for the rest of the salad.

Cucumber: Adds a fresh, cooling crunch. Make sure to peel it for a smoother texture.

Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness balances the tart dressing. Halve them to release some juices into the mix, boosting flavor.

Green Bell Pepper: Adds color, crunch, and a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Red Onion: Brings a sharp, tangy bite that brightens the overall dish. Dice it finely so the flavor doesn’t overpower.

Black Olives: These briny bites give depth and saltiness. You can swap with Kalamata olives for a stronger Mediterranean flavor.

Shredded Carrots: Subtle sweetness and beautiful color. Carrots also bring a satisfying crunch.

Italian Dressing: Choose a robust bottled version or make your own if you want full control over flavor. This is the main flavor component of the dish, so don’t skimp!

Salad Supreme Seasoning: This seasoning blend is magic. Paprika, poppy seeds, Romano cheese, and other spices come together to add complexity without effort.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for finishing touches and balancing all the ingredients.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This Spaghetti Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a main dish for a light lunch or as a standout side at your next cookout. It pairs especially well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or Southern staples like fried chicken, baked beans, or cornbread.

For more elevated pairings, serve alongside:

• Grilled lemon herb chicken thighs

• BBQ pulled pork sliders

• Roasted veggie skewers

• A crisp glass of white wine or homemade lemonade

Because the dish is served cold, it’s ideal for meal prepping. Make a big batch, portion it out, and enjoy it over the next few days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Variations You Can Try

The base recipe is delicious, but it’s also super flexible. Here are a few fun ways to switch it up:

1. Add Cheese: Cubed mozzarella, shredded parmesan, or even crumbled feta would blend beautifully into the mix.

2. Make It Spicy: Add chopped banana peppers, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

3. Go Mediterranean: Swap Italian dressing for a lemon-oregano vinaigrette, add chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.

4. Add Protein: Toss in diced grilled chicken, pepperoni slices, or shrimp to turn this into a heartier meal.

5. Fresh Herbs: Basil, parsley, or dill can all enhance the freshness of the dish.

6. Make It Vegan: Ensure your dressing and seasoning are dairy-free (some Salad Supreme blends contain cheese) or make a simple olive oil + vinegar dressing at home.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Spaghetti Pasta Salad stores wonderfully in the fridge for 3–5 days. It’s best after it has chilled for a few hours, as the flavors need time to blend. Store it in an airtight container and give it a good toss before serving again. If it seems a little dry, just add a splash more dressing and seasoning.

Avoid freezing this salad, the fresh vegetables don’t thaw well and will become mushy.

When preparing for a party or event, make the salad the night before. That way, it’s ready to serve right out of the fridge and you’ve got one less thing to worry about.

Why Everyone Loves This Dish

Let’s be honest: Pasta salad is one of those dishes that brings people together. It’s simple, colorful, easy to customize, and always hits the spot. This spaghetti version is especially beloved because it offers something just a little different, it’s not your everyday rotini salad.

It’s a dish that feels homemade and comforting but also bright and modern. With its balance of sweet, tangy, crunchy, and savory flavors, it appeals to both kids and adults. Plus, it just looks beautiful on a plate, a tangle of noodles surrounded by fresh, vibrant vegetables.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, attending a potluck, or just looking for a make-ahead meal that stays delicious in the fridge, this Spaghetti Pasta Salad is your answer. It brings together convenience, nutrition, and unbeatable flavor.

Best of all, it’s a blank canvas. You can stick with the classic or get creative with whatever’s in your fridge. Either way, you’ll end up with a bowl of something fresh, tangy, and utterly satisfying.

So, the next time you’re looking for a cold dish that everyone will rave about, remember this one. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and Southern charm, that’s what makes this spaghetti salad a keeper.