Best 2 Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipes

From quick and easy to creamy and flavorful, there are endless ways to make spaghetti pasta salad. This versatile dish can be customized to suit any taste, and it's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners. In this article, you'll find a variety of spaghetti pasta salad recipes that are sure to please everyone at your table.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

RHONDA'S CONFETTI SPAGHETTI PASTA SALAD

Rhonda's Confetti Spaghetti Pasta Salad image

A healthy summer pasta salad.

Provided by LittleRedHen

Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Tuna Salad Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces
2 tomatoes, diced
1 red onion, diced
1 large cucumber, diced
4 stalks celery, diced
2 cups imitation crabmeat, diced
1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained
2 cups creamy salad dressing
1 teaspoon minced garlic, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 9 to 11 minutes. Drain and run under cold water.
Mix tomatoes, onion, cucumber, celery, crabmeat, and tuna in a bowl; add spaghetti. Stir in salad dressing and garlic; season with salt and black pepper. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for flavors to blend, at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 460.7 calories, Carbohydrate 59.8 g, Cholesterol 31.8 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 14.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 846.4 mg, Sugar 14.2 g

SPAGHETTI PASTA SALAD

Spaghetti Pasta Salad image

My family loves this salad as either a main meal or a side dish. We especially enjoy making it during the hot summer months, using fresh ingredients right out of our garden. It looks terrific with all the different colors!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 15-20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

12 ounces thin spaghetti
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup diced pepperoni
1/2 cup diced fully cooked ham
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup diced tomato
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
1 avocado, peeled and diced, optional
1 bottle (8 ounces) Italian salad dressing

Steps:

In a large saucepan, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile in a large salad bowl, add the cheese, pepperoni, ham, green pepper, tomato, onion, cucumber and olives. Add avocado if desired. , Rinse pasta with cold water; drain well. Place on top of salad ingredients. Drizzle with salad dressing: toss lightly to coat. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 147 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 342mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

Tips:

Choose the right pasta: Short pastas like penne, rotini, and macaroni are ideal for pasta salad as they hold the dressing and toppings well. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente (slightly firm to the bite) to maintain its shape and texture in the salad.
Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is key to a delicious pasta salad. Experiment with different dressings, such as vinaigrette, pesto, or creamy dressings made with mayonnaise or yogurt. For a tangy twist, add citrus juice or vinegar. Season the dressing well with herbs, spices, and salt and pepper.
Load it up with veggies: Vegetables add color, crunch, and nutrients to pasta salad. Use a variety of chopped or julienned vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and broccoli. For a Mediterranean twist, add sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and olives.
Don't forget the protein: Protein adds substance and flavor to pasta salad. Some popular protein options include grilled or roasted chicken, shrimp, or tofu. For a vegetarian option, use beans or lentils.
Add some cheese: Cheese adds a creamy and savory element to pasta salad. Grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or cubed mozzarella are all great choices.
Chill before serving: Pasta salad is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld and develop. Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to ensure it's cold and refreshing.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a versatile and customizable dish that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch or dinner. Experiment with different ingredients and dressings to create a pasta salad that suits your taste. With its vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and refreshing appeal, pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that's sure to be a hit at any gathering. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and create a tantalizing pasta salad that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!