Vibrant Spaghetti Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing

Ready in just 20 minutes, this colorful and zesty Spaghetti Salad is a crowd-pleasing cold pasta dish perfect for spring and summer gatherings! Packed with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, and creamy feta cheese, it’s tossed in a tangy homemade Italian dressing that brings everything together. Whether you’re preparing for a casual weeknight meal or a festive potluck, this recipe is always a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Salad

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfect for entertaining: A vibrant, shareable side dish for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, and parties.
• Flexible and customizable: Use your favorite pasta and whatever veggies you have on hand.
• Make-ahead friendly: Gets even better after chilling in the fridge.
• Naturally vegetarian: A hearty meatless option that can be enjoyed on its own or with added protein.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 8 oz pasta – Spaghetti, linguine, or short pasta like fusilli, bow-tie, or penne.
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (use two colors if possible for extra flair).
• 1 large cucumber or 2 medium ones, chopped.
• ½ cup pitted black olives, sliced.
• ½ cup pitted green olives, sliced.
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped.
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese – for a creamy, tangy bite.

For the Homemade Italian Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Dressing
   In a mason jar or small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Shake well or whisk until fully blended.
3. Marinate the Veggies
   In a large salad bowl, mix the halved tomatoes, chopped cucumber, red onion, and olives. Pour in the dressing and toss well. Let the mixture marinate while the pasta finishes cooling—this helps the tomatoes release their juices and enhances the flavor.
4. Assemble the Salad
   Add the cooled pasta and crumbled feta to the bowl of marinated veggies. Toss everything gently until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
5. Chill and Serve
   This salad can be served right away, but it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for 1–2 hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips & Variations

• Switch up the pasta: Try bucatini, rigatoni, or even orzo for a fun twist.
• Add protein: Toss in rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
• Add-ins to try: Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh basil.
• Dressing shortcut: Use your favorite store-bought Italian or Greek dressing for convenience.

This Spaghetti Salad is everything you want in a pasta salad—fresh, flavorful, and full of texture. Make it for your next get-together and watch it disappear fast!