Summer Italian Spaghetti Salad 🍝☀️

This refreshing and colorful Summer Italian Spaghetti Salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any summertime gathering. It's packed with vibrant vegetables, savory Italian flavors, and a light dressing that enhances the taste of fresh ingredients. You can serve it chilled, making it a great make-ahead option that gets even better as the flavors meld together!

Ingredients

For the salad

• 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls (or diced mozzarella)
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

Instructions

• Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

🥄 Rinsing the pasta not only stops the cooking process but also helps remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy in the salad.

• In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella, red onion, and fresh basil.

• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper (and red pepper flakes if using) until well combined.

🥗 Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to your taste! Add more vinegar for tanginess or more olive oil for a richer flavor.

• Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.

• Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

🥒 The longer you let the salad sit, the more flavor it will develop!

Variations

• Veggie-packed: Add more vegetables like artichoke hearts, grated carrots, or spinach for added nutrition and color! 🌈
• Protein boost: Toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a heartier meal.
• Gluten-free: Substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or use zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter option.
• Herbaceous: Try adding fresh parsley or oregano for an extra punch of flavor.

This Summer Italian Spaghetti Salad is a hit for any warm-weather gathering. Enjoy the fresh flavors and bright colors of summer all on one plate! 🌞🍽️