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Spaghetti Salad is the perfect side dish for a party, potluck or when you’re feeding a crowd. Made with tender pasta, pepperoni, fresh veggies and tossed in a zesty dressing then topped with Parmesan cheese, this easy to make salad is ideal for “soup and salad” night!
Over the past few weeks, my house has been the place to be on Sunday evenings. I’ve always made it a point to have a big Sunday Supper that includes family and friends and it looks like things have not changed much. Lately, my youngest, who’s in college has invited some of his new friends to join in on our tradition. There are usually 6 to 8 folks around the table enjoying a homemade meal, laughing and sharing stories. I can tell you right now, it’s the highlight of my week!
When it comes time to make the menu for any gathering, I want recipes that are simple and uncomplimented. Casual entertaining is my mantra so that everyone is relaxed and happy including me. One of my go-to dinner ideas is to serve soup and salad. I like putting out a big salad, soup or chili, warm bread, and a dessert and let my guests serve themselves. Folks load up their plates and bowls, make their way to the table to dig in and start the fun. This is entertaining at it’s best!
Spaghetti Salad is so easy to make and great to serve any time of the year. This recipe is great to make ahead of when you want to serve it since the pasta will absorb all of the yummy, zesty dressing. Making the salad requires very little cooking. Just prepare the noodles, chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Slice the pepperoni, make the dressing, and toss it all together. That’s it!
What Goes In Spaghetti Salad
- Spaghetti pasta
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Pepperoni
- Red Onion
- Parmesan Cheese
- Parsley
- Homemade Vinaigrette Dressing
What Goes Well With Spaghetti Salad
- Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili
- Crock Pot Potato Soup
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Meatball Parmesan Subs
- Southern Style Chicken Stew
- Amazing Roasted Cabbage Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups grape tomatoes – halved
- 2 cups cucumbers – sliced and halved
- 1 cup pepperoni slices – halved
- ¾ cup red onion – minced
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese – grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – chopped
- Italian Vinaigrette Dressing – about 1 ¼ cup
Italian Vinaigrette Dressing
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic – minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse.
- To a large bowl add spaghetti, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and pepperoni. Drizzle over dressing and toss all ingredients together. Sprinkle on Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Serve immediately. **Can be made a day ahead of serving. Store in an airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days.
Italian Vinaigrette Dressing
- Add olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, pepper and salt to a small bowl or jar. Mix together or shake to incorporate all ingredients.
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I altered it, of course, because I hate onions and cucumbers lol And I forgot the parsley. I also forgot the cheese. But this dressing was so unbelievably delicious that I didn’t need cheese. I mean, it is that good! So yummy! I will be making it again very soon!
Hey there Cecilia!
Wow! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe! It’s always a good idea to really make the dish your own, and alter it to your own tastes, it sounds like you did just that and ended up with an amazing meal! The dressing for this pasta salad goes really well with all kinds of other pasta salads too, you can really play around with the ingredients to fit your own taste. Thank you so much for your kind words of support and your fantastic rating, if you ever have any questions about a recipe, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
~Donya
Made this for potluck dinner at work they still call me for recipe added chicken and schrimp was the bomb
Hey there Aleasia!
I am thrilled y’all enjoyed this one, good idea bringing it to work because it’s great for a crowd! Chicken and Shrimp sound like an amazing addition, I’ll have to try the Shrimp I’ve never done that. Thank you so much for your rating and your support!
~Donya
Hi made this for potluck at work they still ask for receipe I added chicken and shrimp
Thanks for a dressing with no sugar!!! Nearly impossible to find in the stores.
Hey Cat!
Absolutely, happy to help out! Thank you so much for my terrific rating and comment, glad you enjoyed the recipes!
~Donya
I made this for supper last night. The tomatoes and cucumbers are a great idea – they soak up the SCRUMPTIOUS dressing!! OMGosh, the dressing!! This is definitely going into my recipe box! I have 3 more recipes of yours to try this week! I made the full recipe, for 8. I gave a large serving to my sister, a larger serving to my son (not at home), and still have enough left for 2 small (for me HAHA) servings for either 2 lunches or another light supper for my and my husband. So very delicious!!
Hey there Diane!
I just want to say thank you for your tremendous support, and great comments and ratings! I am absolutely thrilled that you and your family are liking my recipes so far, they are definitely meant to feed a crowd but food is all about sharing after all. I really hope you enjoy everything, let me know how you like all the recipes as you try them!
~Donya