Welcome to a delightful journey through the flavors of Italy with this Traditional Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a refreshing side, this dish combines classic ingredients with a zesty dressing to make any meal feel special.
Spaghetti forms the base of this salad, providing a chewy texture that pairs well with crisp veggies. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color, while cucumber contributes a refreshing crunch. Red bell pepper introduces a mild sweetness and vibrant hue. Red onion offers a sharp, tangy bite, beautifully complemented by the briny, savory notes of black olives. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese brings a nutty, rich flavor, tying the salad together. For the dressing, olive oil provides a smooth, fruity base, harmonized by the tang of red wine vinegar. Italian seasoning and garlic powder add depth and aroma, while salt and pepper fine-tune the flavors. Finally, fresh basil makes for a fragrant, green garnish.
This spaghetti pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it an ideal side for barbecues. Alternatively, serve it alongside a light soup for a satisfying lunch.
Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down, making it perfect for a salad.
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large bowl and combine your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and black olives. Make sure everything is chopped to a similar size for uniform bites.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. This will be your dressing, and it’s both simple and flavorful.
Add the cooled spaghetti to your bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top, and then toss everything together until well combined. This is where the flavors really start to mingle.
Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the salad and toss again lightly. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh aroma.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This rest period is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and develop, making the salad even more delicious.
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