What is in spaghetti salad?

The basic lineup for any good spaghetti salad recipe includes cooked spaghetti (obviously), Italian dressing, vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers, plus whatever extras make your heart happy. I always include that Good Seasons packet – it's like the secret handshake of pasta salad world.

What is the secret to a good pasta salad?

Honestly? Don't overcook the pasta , and don't be stingy with the seasoning. Also, letting it sit overnight is like magic. Oh, and that Good Seasons Italian dressing mix I keep harping about? Yeah, that's basically the cheat code.

What are the five mistakes to avoid pasta salad?

Okay, from someone who's made literally every mistake possible: Overcooking the pasta (mushy = bad) Not rinsing the pasta after cooking (sticky = also bad) Under-seasoning (boring = the worst) Adding dressing to hot pasta (it just disappears) Not letting it rest (patience, young grasshopper)

What is the best dressing for a pasta salad?

For this particular spaghetti salad recipe, I swear by Italian dressing mixed with that Good Seasons packet. But honestly, I've seen people use everything from ranch to balsamic vinaigrette, and if it makes you happy, go for it. The key is finding what works best for your spaghetti salad recipe!

How to make a nice pasta salad?

Start with good ingredients, don't overcook anything, season generously, and let time do its thing . Also, make it look pretty – people eat with their eyes first, and colorful vegetables make everything more appealing.

Should you put dressing on pasta salad the night before?

YES. A thousand times yes. This is not the time to be a procrastinator. The overnight rest is what transforms this from "some pasta with vegetables" to "the dish everyone's going to ask you to bring to every gathering for the rest of your natural life."

The Spaghetti Salad Recipe That'll Make You the Potluck Hero

Description

This crowd-pleasing spaghetti salad recipe combines perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles with fresh vegetables, savory olives, and the secret weapon – Good Seasons Italian dressing mix! It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, barbecues, and summer gatherings. The flavors develop beautifully overnight, making this cold pasta salad even better the next day.

Ingredients

Ingredients

the non-negotiables:

1 pound spaghetti

1 bottle (16 oz) Italian salad dressing

1 packet Good Seasons Italian dressing mix

2 medium cucumbers, diced

3 medium tomatoes, chopped

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 medium red onion, finely chopped

1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained

The “If you’re feeling fancy” add-ins:

8 oz cubed cheddar cheese

Pepperoni slices

Cherry tomatoes (can substitute for regular tomatoes)

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Instructions

Step By Step Instructions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water. Let cool completely.
While pasta cools, dice cucumbers, chop tomatoes (removing seeds), dice both bell peppers, and finely chop red onion.
In a large bowl, combine cooled spaghetti, all prepared vegetables, and drained black olives.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the entire bottle of Italian dressing with the Good Seasons Italian dressing mix packet until well combined.
Pour dressing mixture over pasta and vegetables, tossing thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
If using fancy add-ins, fold in cubed cheddar cheese and pepperoni slices.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Before serving, give it a good stir and add more dressing if needed.

Notes

The Good Seasons Italian dressing mix is the secret ingredient that makes this recipe special

Cook pasta just to al dente as it will continue to soften in the dressing

For best results, chill overnight before serving to allow flavors to meld

Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 4 days

Reserve some dressing to refresh the salad before serving if needed

Remove seeds from tomatoes to prevent excess water in the salad

Add cheese and pepperoni just before serving to maintain texture

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Mediterranean Salad Recipes
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: Mediterranean,

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately
Calories: 295 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 12 mg