Description
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.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling, Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg