Supreme Spaghetti Pasta Salad: A Delightful Italian-Inspired Dish

Introduction

Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal dish for picnics, potlucks, or light dinners. This recipe combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with crisp vegetables, savory meats, and a flavorful dressing, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal that your family and friends will love. It’s not just food; it’s an experience with every forkful!

Nutritional Overview

Servings

  • Total Servings: 10

Weight Watchers Points

  • Points: Approximately 4 points per serving (varies based on specific ingredients used).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 153 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 4mg
  • Sodium: 388mg
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Protein: 5g

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Spaghetti Pasta Salad, gather the following ingredients:

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 16 ounces spaghetti noodles: Break them into pieces for easier mixing.
  • 1 cucumber: Diced for freshness.
  • 1 red bell pepper: Diced for color and sweetness.
  • 1 green bell pepper: Diced for crunch.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved for juiciness.
  • 1/2 red onion: Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness.
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives: For a briny flavor.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley: Chopped for freshness.

Flavor Boosters

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory depth.
  • 2 tablespoons Salad Supreme seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances flavor.
  • 3/4 cup Italian dressing: Adjust according to taste for the perfect tang.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all flavors.

Equipment Needed

Before you start cooking, ensure you have the following kitchen tools:

  • Large Pot: For boiling pasta.
  • Colander: For draining the cooked pasta.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: To combine all ingredients.
  • Tongs or Wooden Spoon: For mixing the salad.
  • Plastic Wrap or Lid: For covering the salad while it chills.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil Water:
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
  1. Cook Spaghetti:
  • Add the broken spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Typically, this takes about 8-10 minutes.
  1. Drain and Rinse:
  • Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Chop the Vegetables:
  • While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.
  1. Combine Vegetables:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and chopped parsley.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Vegetables

  1. Add Cooked Pasta:
  • Once the spaghetti is cooled, add it to the bowl of vegetables. Toss gently to combine.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

  1. Mix in Seasoning:
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Salad Supreme seasoning, and Italian dressing to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  1. Toss to Combine:
  • Using tongs or a wooden spoon, toss the salad gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Chill the Salad

  1. Refrigerate:
  • Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serve the Salad

  1. Stir Before Serving:
    • Just before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and seasonings.
  2. Present the Salad:
    • Serve the Spaghetti Pasta Salad as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

  • Pasta Options: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, bowtie, or penne. Each shape holds dressing differently, providing a unique texture.
  • Protein Additions: For added protein, consider incorporating diced grilled chicken, cubed salami, or chickpeas into the salad. This enhances the dish’s heartiness and makes it more filling.
  • Cheese Variations: If you want to change things up, feta cheese or mozzarella balls can be great alternatives to Parmesan. Mix them in at the end for a creamy texture.
  • Fresh Herbs: Adding a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice right before serving can provide a zesty twist to the salad, brightening all the flavors.
  • Storage: This pasta salad can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

This Supreme Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a colorful, flavorful dish that brings together the best of both worlds: pasta and salad. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or a light lunch. The combination of fresh vegetables, savory cheeses, and a tangy dressing creates a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the joy of sharing this delightful dish with loved ones!