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Easy Spaghetti Salad

  • Writer: Grace Giggles
    Grace Giggles
  • Mar 31
  • 2 min read

Fresh, zesty, and perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and busy weeknights


This is one of those recipes I keep coming back to—especially when the weather warms up or I need something quick that still feels homemade.


It’s light, flavorful, and packed with all those fresh ingredients that make you feel like you actually put in way more effort than you did.


And the best part?

It’s just as good (maybe even better) the next day, which makes it perfect for prepping ahead.


Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing a dish to share, this spaghetti salad always shows up right.



Ingredients


  • 1 lb spaghetti

  • 2 cups grape tomatoes — halved

  • 2 cups cucumbers — sliced and halved

  • 1 cup pepperoni slices — halved

  • 3/4 cup red onion — minced

  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese — grated

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley — chopped

  • Italian vinaigrette — about 1 1/4 cup


For the Dressing


  • 3/4 cup olive oil

  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tsp garlic — minced

  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp dried basil

  • 1/4 tsp pepper

  • 1 tsp salt



Instructions


Make the Dressing


  1. Add olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, onion powder, oregano, basil, pepper, and salt to a bowl or jar.

  2. Mix or shake until fully combined.


Make the Salad


  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and rinse.

  2. Add spaghetti, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and pepperoni to a large bowl.

  3. Drizzle dressing over and toss to combine.

  4. Sprinkle Parmesan and parsley on top.

  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate.



Tips & Real-Life Kitchen Wisdom


Rinse your pasta

For pasta salad, you want it cool and not sticky.


Let it sit if you can

Give it 30–60 minutes in the fridge so everything soaks up that dressing.


Taste before serving

Sometimes it needs a little extra splash of dressing after chilling.


Make it your own

You can easily add:


  • Black olives

  • Mozzarella cubes

  • Bell peppers



A Little Kitchen Moment


This is one of those dishes that feels simple—but brings everyone to the table.


It’s bright, fresh, and just familiar enough that people go back for seconds without even thinking about it.


And honestly?

That’s exactly the kind of recipe worth keeping.

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