Spaghetti Salad Recipe

By
Morgan Baker
Morgan Walker
Morgan Baker
Morgan is a recipe developer and photographer. She is also a gardener and exceptional hugger.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/17/22
Tested by
Carrie Parente
Carrie Parente
Tested by Carrie Parente
Carrie is a freelance food stylist and culinary producer who loves having a table full of guests.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Spaghetti Salad Recipe

The Spruce Eats / Morgan Baker
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Chill: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 32 mins
Servings: 8 to 10 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
217 Calories
14g Fat
18g Carbs
5g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 to 10
Amount per serving
Calories 217
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 463mg 20%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 7%
Dietary Fiber 2g 5%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 28mg 141%
Calcium 45mg 3%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 208mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This Greek spaghetti salad is tough to beat. Fresh and simple, this dish comes together easily and is customizable to your taste. Try using small sweet peppers instead of bell peppers, or adding parmesan and Italian dressing instead of the feta and Greek dressing called for. For maximum flavor, make sure you salt the pasta water heavily. This will ensure that both the vegetables and the pasta are well-seasoned.

If your salad feels a bit too dry, just add a squeeze of lemon, some brine from the pepperoncini's, or more dressing. A touch of olive oil will help, too. If you’re gluten-free you can try using lentil or chickpea pasta.

Bring even more freshness to this dish by adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. Mince the herbs together and sprinkle them on top of the dish before serving along with the juice from half a lemon.

Our favorite thing to do is prepare this on Sunday evening for lunch during the week. Keep this dish covered in your refrigerator for up to three days. The flavor only improves with time. You may find yourself eating it cold straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.

“This is a great spin on a cold pasta salad. The Greek-inspired flavors work well together. Put your water on to boil and then start prepping your veggies. This salad is the perfect light lunch or BBQ side dish. ” —Carrie Parente

Spaghetti Salad Recipe / Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • Salt, as needed

  • 1 pound spaghetti

  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced

  • 1/2 medium English cucumber, quartered lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved

  • 1/2 cup quartered pepperoni slices, or mini pepperoni slices

  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced pepperoncini peppers

  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese, more for garnish, if desired

  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced pitted Kalamata olives

  • 1 cup store-bought or homemade Greek dressing

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.

  3. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

  4. In a large bowl add the spaghetti, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, pepperoni, pepperoncini, feta, and olives. Toss with just enough dressing to coat.

  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to overnight. Adjust the seasoning, toss, and garnish with more feta, if desired. Serve with the remaining dressing on the side.

Tips

Don’t forget to rinse your pasta under cold water until it is no longer warm, otherwise, you run the risk of your pasta continuing to cook and becoming sticky and overdone. 

Recipe Variations

  • If you’d rather use penne, bucatini, or other kinds of pasta that is totally fine too.
  • Sprinkle on some minced basil or thyme as a garnish.
  • Add some chopped fresh kale or swiss chard to up your greens intake.
  • Use sweet peppers in place of the bell peppers.
  • Add parmesan and Italian dressing instead of feta and Greek dressing.

How to Store

This spaghetti salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can eat it cold or reheat, whichever way you prefer.

Make Your Own Dressing

If you’d prefer to make your own dressing, do so by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, a few minced garlic cloves, dried oregano, a touch of stone ground mustard, and plenty of flaky salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Whisk well in a bowl or add all the ingredients to a jar with a tight lid and shake well.

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