Hey there, salad lovers! If you’re like me and always on the lookout for quick and delicious meal ideas, then you’re going to adore this 20 minute spaghetti salad recipe. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver! Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even just a lazy afternoon, this salad comes together in no time flat. With fresh veggies, a zesty dressing, and that satisfying spaghetti base, you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so flavorful. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up whatever veggies you have in your fridge. Let’s dive into this delightful dish that’s as colorful as it is tasty!
Ingredients for the 20 Minute Spaghetti Salad Recipe
- 8 ounces spaghetti: This is the base of our salad, cooked to al dente perfection for that perfect bite!
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, they add a burst of flavor and color.
- 1 cucumber, diced: Crunchy and refreshing, it balances the richness of the dressing.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Use your favorite color for a pop of sweetness and crunch.
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped: Adds a zesty kick; you can soak it in water for a milder taste if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced: These bring a briny depth that complements the other ingredients.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: For a creamy, tangy finish that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: This is the heart of our dressing, rich and flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds a delightful tang that brightens the salad.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives it that classic Italian flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season; it makes all the difference!
How to Prepare the 20 Minute Spaghetti Salad Recipe
- Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. This is key for the perfect texture!
- Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Trust me, this step is a game changer for keeping your salad fresh!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese. Mix gently to combine without breaking the pasta.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, toss everything together to coat, and let it chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows all those flavors to mingle and develop!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days!
- Fresh Ingredients: With vibrant veggies and creamy feta, every bite is bursting with flavor and nutrients.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s even better the next day, so you can prep it in advance for stress-free meals.
- Light and Satisfying: This salad is filling yet refreshing, making it a great choice for any occasion!
Tips for Success with the 20 Minute Spaghetti Salad Recipe
To make sure your 20 minute spaghetti salad turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t overcook the spaghetti; al dente is key to prevent mushiness. And if you want to jazz it up, try adding diced avocado for creaminess or swap in grilled chicken for extra protein. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor. For a bit of crunch, consider adding some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds. Lastly, always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving—it makes a huge difference!
Nutritional Information for the 20 Minute Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this delicious 20 minute spaghetti salad recipe! Each serving is about 250 calories, making it a light yet satisfying choice. You’ll get around 15 grams of fat (with 3 grams being saturated), 25 grams of carbs, and 6 grams of protein. Plus, it has 3 grams of fiber to help keep you full! Keep in mind these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on any ingredient swaps you make. Enjoy the freshness without the guilt!
FAQ About the 20 Minute Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is fantastic, you can swap it out for any pasta you love, like penne or fusilli. Just follow the cooking times on the package for best results.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This 20 minute spaghetti salad recipe will stay fresh for about 3 days in an airtight container. Just keep in mind that the veggies may lose some crunch over time.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s great for meal prep. Just make it a day in advance, and the flavors will develop even more. Just remember to toss it again before serving!
What if I don’t like olives?
No problem! You can easily leave them out or replace them with something you enjoy, like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. It’s a delicious way to enjoy this salad without the gluten!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for the 20 Minute Spaghetti Salad Recipe
To keep your 20 minute spaghetti salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3 days, though I recommend enjoying it within 1-2 days for the best crunch and flavor. If you find the salad has absorbed some of the dressing after a day, just give it a gentle toss with a splash of olive oil or vinegar to revive it!
As for reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so I don’t recommend heating it up. Just grab a fork and dig in straight from the fridge for a refreshing bite!
Serving Suggestions for the 20 Minute Spaghetti Salad Recipe
This 20 minute spaghetti salad is so versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes! For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. It also makes a fantastic side dish to accompany a savory Italian main course like lasagna or stuffed peppers. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try it with a bowl of minestrone soup or a crisp green salad topped with a zesty vinaigrette. And don’t forget some crusty garlic bread for that perfect scoop of salad goodness!
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20 Minute Spaghetti Salad Recipe That Will Wow You
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy spaghetti salad perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine spaghetti, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- This salad can be made a day ahead.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: 20 minute spaghetti salad recipe