Dinner

Summer Spaghetti Salad Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan March 15, 2026March 15, 2026

Introduction

This Summer Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for warm days. Packed with colorful veggies, cheeses, and a zesty Italian dressing, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please at any gathering.

The dish is a colorful pasta salad served in a white bowl. The bottom layer is light yellow spaghetti noodles tangled together, topped with bright green cucumber slices, small red cherry tomato halves, thin purple onion strips, black olive rings, and small orange cheese cubes. The ingredients are mixed evenly, with the vegetables and cheese pieces scattered on and around the noodles, creating a fresh and vibrant look against the noodles' light color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a hint of a red and white checkered cloth partially underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound box spaghetti noodles
1 green pepper, diced

1 red pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 English cucumber, sliced
1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half

1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced olives, drained
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
16 ounce bottle Italian dressing

Instructions

Step 1: Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Season the boiling water with one tablespoon of kosher salt before adding the noodles. Stir noodles often while cooking. Drain well once cooked al dente and allow to cool.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all diced vegetables, olives, and cheeses.
Step 3: Add the cooked and cooled spaghetti to the bowl. Sprinkle the McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning and garlic powder over the top, then gently toss everything together.

Step 4: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad.
Step 5: Stir the mixture carefully until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 6: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For extra protein, add cooked grilled chicken or chickpeas to make this salad more substantial.
Swap cheddar cheese for feta for a tangier flavor.
Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before mixing with dressing to prevent sogginess.

Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness and aroma.

Storage

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and can be a great make-ahead dish for picnics or potlucks.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a vibrant pasta salad consisting of three main layers: the bottom layer of pale yellow spaghetti noodles, the middle layer of thin, curved slices of green cucumber and halved red cherry tomatoes, and the top layer of thin, purple red onion strips, small black olive slices, and small orange cheese cubes scattered evenly. The bowl is set on a white marbled textured surface with a red and white checkered cloth nearby, some cheese cubes and cherry tomatoes spilled beside it, and a glass jar filled with iced tea in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bow ties. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

Does the salad need to be refrigerated before serving?

Yes, chilling the salad for at least two hours helps the flavors blend and keeps the noodles firm, creating the best texture and taste.

Mariam Harutyunyan