Light & Zesty Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe with Parmesan
Summers sizzle with this delightful Italian spaghetti pasta salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and crisp textures.
Fresh herbs and tangy parmesan dressing dance through every colorful bite.
Cool and refreshing, this dish brings Mediterranean sunshine right to your plate.
Crunchy vegetables add delightful contrast to tender pasta strands.
Perfectly balanced seasonings make each forkful a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients.
Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear, this pasta salad promises to be the star of any picnic or potluck.
Let’s find out a plate that promises pure, uncomplicated deliciousness.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 485 kcal
Servings: 9
What Goes in Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad with Creamy Parmesan
For Dressing Ingredients:
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base that emulsifies the dressing and adds luxurious Mediterranean flavor while helping blend other ingredients seamlessly.
Honey: Natural sweetener that balances tangy vinegar and rounds out the dressing's complex taste profile with gentle, smooth sweetness.
Wine Vinegar: Bright, acidic component that adds zesty tang and helps cut through rich ingredients, creating balanced flavor.
Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses intense, pungent notes and provides depth to the creamy dressing.
Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that introduces classic Mediterranean herbs, enhancing overall complexity and authenticity.
Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that creates creamy texture and delivers robust umami flavor to the dressing.
Coarse Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify and heighten the entire dressing's flavor profile.
For Pasta and Base Ingredients:
Thick Spaghetti, Olive Oil: Sturdy pasta base that holds dressing well and prevents sticking, with olive oil ensuring smooth, glossy texture.
For Texture and Flavor Boosters:
Red Onion, Artichoke Hearts, Plum Tomatoes, Cucumber: Fresh, crisp vegetables that add vibrant colors, crunchy textures, and bright, garden-fresh flavors.
Pepperoni, Salami: Spicy, savory cured meats that introduce rich, bold protein and traditional Italian charcuterie elements.
Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, mild cheese that provides creamy, mellow contrast to spicy meats.
Tools You’ll Need for Spaghetti Pasta Salad
Blender: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy dressing with perfect consistency.
Large Mixing Bowl: Needed to combine and toss all salad ingredients together.
Colander: Used for draining pasta after cooking.
Chef's Knife: Perfect for chopping vegetables and slicing ingredients.
Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Great for mixing and tossing salad ingredients.
Instructions to Make Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Salad
Flavor Foundation Blending the creamy dressing starts this culinary journey. Grab your blender and swirl together tangy olive oil, sweet honey, zesty vinegar, aromatic garlic, herbs, and rich Parmesan until silky smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to make the magic happen.
Pasta Magic Boil your spaghetti strands until they're perfectly tender yet firm. After draining, give them a light olive oil splash to keep them slippery and separate. Let them chill in the refrigerator and cool down.
Colorful Ingredient Celebration In a spacious mixing bowl, create a vibrant landscape of chopped red onions, tender artichoke hearts, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, savory pepperoni or salami, creamy mozzarella, and briny olives.
Delicious Fusion Gently pour your prepared dressing over the ingredients. Toss everything together so each morsel gets a delightful coating. Sprinkle some extra seasoning if you're craving an extra kick.
Serving Excitement Present this delectable salad either refreshingly cold or at a comfortable room temperature. It's perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a light and satisfying meal.
Flavor Ideas and Add-Ins for Pasta Salad
Learn how to elevate this Italian spaghetti salad with expert techniques and delicious twists.
Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining to help the dressing cling better, creating a silkier, more cohesive salad experience.
Replace artichoke hearts with roasted bell peppers, grilled zucchini, or marinated eggplant for a personalized Mediterranean flavor profile.
Prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Keep dressing and pasta separate until serving to maintain optimal crispness.
Experiment with different protein options like grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, salami, prosciutto, or plant-based alternatives to match your dietary preferences and create exciting flavor combinations.
Best Ways to Serve Spaghetti Parmesan Pasta Salad
Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Arrange the salad on a large wooden board with extra Parmesan shavings and fresh basil leaves scattered on top. Create stunning visual appeal that makes guests excited to dig in.
Picnic Perfect Presentation: Pack individual portions in mason jars for easy transportation. Layer ingredients strategically to keep dressing separate until serving time, ensuring crisp vegetables and perfect texture.
Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Pair the pasta salad with grilled Mediterranean-style pita bread, hummus, and marinated olives. Create a vibrant, colorful spread that celebrates Italian and Greek flavor profiles.
Summer Potluck Star: Serve alongside grilled chicken or as a standalone vegetarian option. Add extra protein by mixing in grilled shrimp or rotisserie chicken chunks for a more substantial meal.
Storage Tips for Spaghetti Pasta Salad Leftovers
Smart Meal Prep: Whip up this vibrant spaghetti salad ahead of time for busy weekdays, storing it in an airtight container for quick grab-and-go lunches or spontaneous picnic adventures.
Chill Factor: Refrigerate the salad for maximum flavor development, allowing ingredients to mingle and dressing to deeply infuse every delicious bite. Best enjoyed within 2-3 days of preparation.
Ingredient Swap Magic: Customize your salad by substituting proteins like grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or plant-based alternatives to match dietary preferences without losing the Italian-inspired charm.
Portion Power: Divide the salad into individual meal-prep containers for easy portion control, ensuring a balanced and satisfying meal that keeps well in the refrigerator and travels beautifully to work or school.
Refreshing spaghetti pasta salad celebrates Mediterranean flavors with zesty parmesan dressing. Crisp vegetables and tangy herbs complement pasta’s smooth texture, creating a perfect summer side dish you’ll enjoy at picnics and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (thick)
1 tbsp olive oil
¾ cup pepperoni or salami (chopped)
¾ cup mozzarella cheese (cubed)
¾ cup artichoke hearts (chopped)
¾ cup plum tomatoes (diced)
¾ cup cucumber (diced)
¾ cup black olives (sliced)
¼ cup red onion (diced)
1 clove garlic
½ tsp italian seasoning
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsps honey
2–3 tbsps wine vinegar (red or white)
⅓ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Coarse salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Dressing Preparation: Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, wildflower honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Italian herb blend, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Refrigerate to develop robust flavors.
Pasta Cooking: Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until perfectly al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water, then toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Allow pasta to cool completely.
Ingredient Assembly: Chop red onion, slice artichoke hearts, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, cut pepperoni into bite-sized pieces, cube fresh mozzarella, and slice Kalamata olives into elegant rounds.
Salad Composition: Combine cooled pasta with prepared vegetables, cured meats, and cheese in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle chilled dressing over the mixture, gently tossing to ensure complete flavor integration and even coating.
Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the salad rest for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a vibrant appetizer or light meal.
Notes
Pasta Perfection: Cook spaghetti exactly al dente to maintain ideal texture and prevent mushiness.
Dressing Magic: Blend dressing ingredients thoroughly for a smooth, well-integrated flavor profile that coats every ingredient.
Chill and Rest: Let salad sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify throughout the dish.
Temperature Tip: Serve either chilled or at room temperature for maximum taste and enjoyment of all ingredients.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.