Irresistible Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad With Parmesan Recipe

Bursting with Mediterranean charm, an Italian spaghetti pasta salad elevates ordinary ingredients into a culinary celebration.

Vibrant vegetables dance alongside tender noodles, creating a symphony of colors and textures.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through classic Italian-inspired flavors.

Crisp and refreshing, this dish bridges casual dining with gourmet sensibilities.

Cool and zesty, the creamy parmesan dressing elevates simple components into something extraordinary.

Summer gatherings and weekend picnics welcome this crowd-pleasing recipe that sparks conversation and satisfies hunger.

Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing

• Burst with Zesty Flavors: Dive into a tantalizing mix of Italian-inspired ingredients that dance on your taste buds, from the creamy Parmesan dressing to the punchy pepperoni and vibrant vegetables.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Whip up this versatile salad that's equally stunning as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying light meal, ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cooking effort.
• Nutrition-Packed Delight: Enjoy a balanced dish loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, delivering a wholesome meal that keeps you energized without feeling heavy.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients effortlessly to match your preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe a flexible go-to option for quick and delicious dining.

What You’ll Need for Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta that forms the foundation of the salad, best when cooked al dente for optimal texture.

• Pepperoni or Salami: Adds savory, spicy flavor and protein to the salad.
• Mozzarella: Soft Italian cheese that provides creamy, mild taste and extra richness.

• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp vegetable that adds a zesty bite and color to the salad.
• Artichoke Hearts: Tender, slightly tangy vegetable that brings Mediterranean flavor.
• Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy ingredient that provides bright acidity and vibrant color.
• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that adds refreshing crunch and light flavor.
• Olives: Briny, salty ingredient that enhances the Mediterranean profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that provides traditional Italian herbal notes.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that creates creamy texture for the dressing.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the vinegars tanginess.
• Vinegar: Adds bright, acidic element to the dressing.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that provides depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that thickens and enriches the dressing.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the salad.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy ingredient for extra kick.

Instructions for a Perfect Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing

Step 1: Whip Up The Creamy Dressing

• Olive oil
• Honey
• Vinegar
• Fresh garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese

Pulse everything until smooth and silky. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to match your taste. Pop the dressing in the refrigerator to chill.

Step 2: Cook Perfect Pasta

Boil spaghetti according to package directions until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Drain the pasta and drizzle olive oil to prevent clumping. Cool the pasta in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Chop And Prep Ingredients

• Red onion
• Artichoke hearts
• Ripe tomatoes
• Crisp cucumber
• Pepperoni or salami
• Creamy mozzarella
• Briny olives

Step 4: Combine And Dress The Salad

Toss all chopped ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Gradually pour the chilled dressing over the salad, mixing until every morsel is beautifully coated. Enhance with extra salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Plate the salad chilled or at room temperature. This vibrant dish works wonderfully as a refreshing appetizer or light main course for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Tips to Make Your Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing Shine

• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the dressing to marinate the ingredients and enhance overall taste.
• Cook Pasta Perfectly: Ensure spaghetti is al dente by tasting a strand during cooking and immediately removing from heat to prevent overcooking and mushy texture.
• Customize Your Protein: Swap pepperoni or salami with grilled chicken, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary preferences.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Make the dressing and chop vegetables a day in advance to save time and let flavors develop overnight.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch and elevate the salad's freshness.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer any remaining pasta salad into an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients when possible. This prevents the vegetables from becoming mushy and maintains the crisp texture of cucumber and tomatoes.
• Revive Before Serving: Before enjoying leftovers, gently stir the pasta salad to redistribute the dressing. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off and restore the vibrant flavors. Add a small splash of fresh olive oil if the salad seems dry, and toss thoroughly to refresh the overall taste and appearance.

What Goes Well with Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing

• Savor Wine Companions: Crisp pinot grigio or light-bodied sauvignon blanc perfectly complement the salad's tangy and rich flavors, cutting through the creamy Parmesan dressing while enhancing the pepperoni's spiciness.
• Match Protein Partners: Grilled chicken breast or seared shrimp create delightful protein additions that blend seamlessly with the salad's Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, adding extra substance and texture.
• Elevate Side Dish Selections: Crusty garlic bread or herbed focaccia make excellent accompaniments, providing a crunchy contrast to the salad's soft pasta and offering a way to soak up the delicious dressing.
• Boost Refreshing Beverage Options: Sparkling water with lemon or a light Italian spritz offer refreshing counterpoints to the salad's robust flavors, cleansing the palate between bites and adding a zesty touch.

Fun Variations for Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing

• Veggie Lovers' Remix: Swap pepperoni with grilled zucchini, roasted bell peppers, and crispy eggplant cubes for a vegetarian-friendly version packed with Mediterranean flavors.
• Protein Power Punch: Replace mozzarella with grilled chicken strips or canned tuna chunks to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free spaghetti instead of traditional pasta, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this refreshing salad.
• Greek-Inspired Spin: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh dill to transform the Italian-style salad into a Greek-inspired Mediterranean masterpiece.

Italian Spaghetti Pasta Salad With Parmesan Dressing Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty Italian spaghetti pasta salad brings Mediterranean flavors to your summer table. Crisp vegetables and tangy parmesan dressing create a refreshing dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) thick spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ cup chopped pepperoni or salami
• ¾ cup cubed mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ¾ cup chopped artichoke hearts
• ¾ cup diced plum tomatoes
• ¾ cup diced cucumber
• ¾ cup sliced black olives
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ teaspoon italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Dressing Ingredients:

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 to 3 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Coarse salt and black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant, emulsified dressing by blending extra virgin olive oil, wildflower honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, aromatic Italian herb blend, and finely grated Parmesan cheese until silky and uniform. Enhance with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator to let flavors meld.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti pasta until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly in a colander and rinse with cool water to halt cooking process. Toss gently with extra virgin olive oil to prevent pasta from clumping.
3. While pasta cools, prepare fresh ingredients. Finely dice red onion, slice artichoke hearts, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, chop pepperoni or salami into bite-sized pieces, cube fresh mozzarella, and slice Kalamata olives.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with prepared vegetables, cured meats, and cheese. Pour chilled dressing over the mixture, gently folding to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
5. Adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Allow salad to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor integration. Enjoy chilled or at ambient temperature as a refreshing appetizer or light main course.

Notes

• Dress up your pasta with a zesty, creamy Parmesan dressing that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Customize this versatile salad by swapping pepperoni for grilled chicken or adding roasted vegetables for extra depth and flavor.
• Chill ingredients thoroughly to enhance the salad’s refreshing taste and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
• Leftovers stay delicious for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Pro tip: Reserve some dressing on the side to refresh the salad if it absorbs too much liquid during storage.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling, Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 25mg