We’ve been bringing spaghetti salad to Southern gatherings, cookouts, church functions, and family reunions for generations. Spaghetti salad looks simple, but it has a reputation for going bland or oily real fast. I’ve been developing pasta salads for years and this version fixes all the usual problems. The vegetables add crunch, the seasoning is intentional, and the Italian dressing actually sticks to the noodles instead of sliding off.
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This post was originally published in 2021. It has since been updated.
I love a great pasta salad! I also love to whip them up whenever I have leftover spaghetti. It's quick and convenient and helps with food waste.
My mom has made this recipe for years for most holidays! It's a great addition to any meal spread.
Spaghetti Salad Recipe Ingredients
- Pasta: You can use whatever you like. I use spaghetti. Something like penne or linguine will also work.
- Red Peppers
- Green Peppers
- Black Olives
- Onions
- Parmesan Cheese
- Italian Dressing
- Cucumbers
- Grape Tomatoes
- Cubed Ham (Optional, but I love it!)
How to Make Spaghetti Pasta Salad
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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- Cook the pasta in accordance with the instructions on the package.
- Drain and add the pasta to a bowl or serving dish.
- Add in red peppers, green peppers, black olives, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and ham. Stir.
- Chill.
Spaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta
- 1 cup Italian dressing See notes.
- 1 cup cubed and diced ham
- ½ cup chopped onion I used red onion.
- 1 cup chopped cucumbers
- ½ cup chopped green pepper
- ½ cup chopped red pepper
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup cherry/grape tomatoes Sliced in half
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in accordance with the package instructions.
- Rinse the spaghetti in cold water and pat dry.
- Add the spaghetti to your serving dish along with the remaining ingredients. Chill for a minimum of 1 hour. 2-3 hours is optimal.
Video
Notes
- I've always made this dish for a crowd. Feel free to cut the recipe in half. You can cut the recipe in half by using half of the ingredients noted.
- You can double the recipe by using double the ingredients.
- If you like a wet pasta salad, then serving immediately after chilling the dish will work best for you. You may find that you need additional dressing. Add additional dressing to suit your taste and texture needs.
- You can omit the ham to make the dish vegetarian.
- You can use whatever pasta you like. Anything will work, i.e. penne, linguine, etc.
- You can use any dressing you wish, Greek salad dressings work well and if you want a creamy pasta salad, go for ranch!
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Spaghetti Pasta Salad Variations and Toppings
- Chopped Dill Pickles
- Crumbled Bacon
- Carrots
- Jalapenos
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Shimp
- Chicken
- Pepperoni
Zesty Italian Dressing is classic! It’s tangy, has good seasoning, and coats the noodles well. I like to avoid "light" dressings because they tend to be watery and don’t stick to the pasta, which is how you end up with bland noodles sitting in oily puddles. A creamy Italian dressing works, too, just a different vibe.
Yes, simply omit the ham.
This is one that I recommend you plan to make ahead! I like to make this dish the night before because all of the flavor really sinks into the pasta. If you like a wet pasta, then serving immediately after chilling the dish will work best for you.
It will last up to 4 days tightly sealed and in the refrigerator.
You can, but I wouldn't. The pasta gets mushy after thawing because it reabsorbs water. The veggies lose all their crunch and turn soft or watery. The dressing separates and doesn’t re-emulsify the same way.
More Salad and Pasta Recipes
Southern Coleslaw
Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Southern Potato Salad
Southern Macaroni Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Southwest Salad Recipe
More Cookout and BBQ Recipes
Southern Baked Beans
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Air Fryer Ribs
Traeger Smoked Ribs (3-2-1 Method)
Homemade BBQ Seasoning
How to Make a Charcuterie Cheese Board
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
How to Grill the Best Burgers
Lobster Mac and Cheese
How to Grill Chicken Wings on a Gas Grill
Grilled Baby Back Ribs
Cassandra says
This pasta salad is so simple and quick to make. I halved the recipe because there was only 3 of us but I’m kicking myself that I didn’t make the whole recipe because I wanted leftovers! Delicious!
staysnatched says
It's addictive for sure!
Jennie says
This was such a quick and easy dish to make! Perfect for enjoying throughout the week. I used vegetable pasta to get an extra serving of veggie goodness! A must have for any kitchen.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Gay says
Suggestion:
I highly recommend using English cucumber instead of regular garden cucumber in this dish. It adds a wonderful flavor to the salad.
staysnatched says
Thanks for sharing!
P.J. Jones says
This is SO good! I tried this without black olives or onions and its a hit! Everyone loved it, i didn’t have ham so I added pepperoni and chicken and did the trick. This is so easy, and my new go-to dish I’m bringing to the cookout
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Kalera says
This was easy to make and so delicious! I had it for lunch for the entire week and never got sick of it.
staysnatched says
That's so good to hear!
Adairea Morris says
This is definitely a hit! I left out the black olives but everything else was used from the recipe! I made a bowl of it and I had for a few days after work during the week! This will definitely be a new go to for me! Thanks for the recipe
staysnatched says
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
TS says
Made this twice: with and without ham and love both versions. Definitely want to try with pepperoni next time! So easy.
staysnatched says
I’m glad you liked both versions!
Heather says
Just made a batch to have on hand for the 4th weekend. Yum! I added mozzarella pearls. I’ll grate fresh parm on and throw in some salami when we serve it. Thank you for sharing!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! That sounds great!
Karmi says
Tasty as well as pretty! Used bow tie pasta. Very simple.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Charlotte says
Love spaghetti salad with Italian dressing!! Some other things I sometimes use: basil pesto, prosciutto, artichoke hearts, pine nuts.
staysnatched says
I love those ideas!