Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & Flavorful : Combines crisp veggies, chewy pasta, and zesty dressing for a satisfying bite.
- Customizable : Add your favorite proteins or toppings to make it your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
- Versatile : Perfect as a side dish, lunch, or light dinner.
- Crowd-Pleasing : Always a hit at gatherings, BBQs, or family meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 6–8
For the Salad:
- 1 lb spaghetti (or fusilli, penne, or your favorite pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes , halved
- 1 cucumber , diced
- 1 red bell pepper , diced
- ½ red onion , finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup black olives , sliced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley , chopped
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
- While the pasta cooks, chop all the veggies and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, carrots, black olives, and parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and garnish with shredded mozzarella cheese if desired.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors : The tangy dressing complements the sweetness of the veggies and richness of the cheese.
- Chilled Perfection : Served cold, it’s refreshing and perfect for warm weather.
- Versatile Base : Easily customizable with your favorite add-ins like grilled chicken, avocado, or artichoke hearts.
