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Gather these simple ingredients to create your vibrant spaghetti salad. Each one adds flavor and color. - 8 oz spaghetti - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced into bites - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/2 red onion, finely minced - 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste Using fresh ingredients makes this dish pop. The cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, while the cucumber adds crunch. The bell pepper and red onion bring a nice zing. Feta cheese gives a creamy touch. Fresh basil gives it a lovely aroma. You can find the full recipe above, which shows you how to mix these ingredients into a delightful salad. Remember, the balance of flavors is key. Don't shy away from tasting as you go! To start, we need to cook the spaghetti. First, boil a pot of salted water. This step helps the pasta absorb flavor while it cooks. Once the water is bubbling, add the spaghetti. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, or firm to the bite. After the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Rinse the spaghetti under cold water. This cools it down and stops the cooking process. Set the spaghetti aside while you prepare the veggies. Now, let's get colorful with our salad. Take a large mixing bowl. Chop the salad vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 1 diced bell pepper. You can choose red or yellow, depending on what you like. Next, finely mince half a red onion. Add this to the bowl along with a quarter cup of sliced black olives. Give everything a good stir to mix the flavors. Once the spaghetti is cool, it's time to mix it. Add the spaghetti to the large bowl with your fresh vegetables. Gently fold the spaghetti into the mix. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. This is your dressing! Drizzle it over the spaghetti and vegetables. Toss everything gently to coat. Now, sprinkle a quarter cup of crumbled feta cheese and a quarter cup of roughly chopped basil leaves on top. Lightly toss again to spread the cheese and basil evenly. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy this vibrant spaghetti salad with friends or family. You can find the full recipe above. To achieve al dente pasta, boil water with salt. Once it’s boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook it for 8 to 10 minutes until tender yet firm. This gives your salad the right texture. Rinsing pasta is key. After draining, run it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta. Rinsing also removes extra starch. This keeps the noodles from sticking together. Adjusting seasoning can change your dish. If you like more spice, add red pepper flakes. For a zesty kick, try lemon juice. Taste as you go and find your perfect balance. Pair fresh herbs to boost flavor. Basil is great, but you can also use parsley or dill. Each herb adds a unique taste. Experiment to find what you love most. Serve your salad in a large bowl for family-style meals. For individual servings, use small plates. This makes each dish look special and inviting. Garnish your salad with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of feta. This adds color and a fresh touch. A beautiful presentation makes your meal more enjoyable, so take the time to make it shine. For the full recipe, please refer to the earlier section. {{image_4}} You can easily make this salad vegetarian. Swap out vegetables based on the season. Use fresh corn in the summer or roasted squash in the fall. This keeps the salad lively and tasty. For a vegan option, try plant-based cheeses. They add creaminess without dairy. Look for options like almond-based feta or cashew cheese. Want to make your salad more filling? Add protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix them in. If you prefer plants, beans are perfect. Black beans or chickpeas add protein and texture. They also make the dish heartier. Don’t be afraid to play with dressings! Try different vinegars, like apple cider or red wine. Each brings a new flavor twist. You can also add spicy elements for a kick. A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can wake up your salad. Mix and match to find your favorite dressing! For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. To store leftover spaghetti salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure the salad is cool before sealing it up. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, give it a little stir. The flavors will mix again and taste great. Yes, you can freeze spaghetti salad! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It can last for about a month in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to eat. If it seems dry, drizzle a little olive oil before you dig in. Enjoy your quick and delicious spaghetti salad from the Full Recipe! You can prepare spaghetti salad in advance with ease. First, cook the spaghetti and let it cool completely. This helps it not stick together. Chop your veggies and store them separately. Combine the spaghetti and veggies just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy. You can also make the dressing ahead. Just store it in a jar in the fridge. This way, it’s ready when you are. Aside from the recipe’s dressing, you can try Italian dressing for a zesty twist. A simple lemon vinaigrette adds a bright flavor. Ranch dressing also works if you prefer a creamier taste. If you want a kick, a spicy vinaigrette could be fun. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your favorite. Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta for this recipe. It cooks just like regular pasta. Just follow the package instructions for the best results. The flavors in the salad will still shine through. It’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy your meal without worry. This post shared a quick and tasty recipe for spaghetti salad. You learned how to cook the pasta, prepare fresh veggies, and mix them with a flavorful dressing. Remember, you can vary ingredients to suit your taste and season. Storage tips will help keep your leftovers fresh. Overall, this dish is simple, customizable, and perfect for any meal. Enjoy your cooking and sharing this delightful salad!

Quick & Delicious Spaghetti Salad

Elevate your meal experience with this vibrant spaghetti salad delight! Perfect for a summer gathering or a quick weeknight dinner, this refreshing dish is loaded with colorful veggies and topped with creamy feta. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a pasta salad that's bursting with flavor and nutrition. Click to explore the full recipe and learn how to create this tasty treat that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced into bites

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1/2 red onion, finely minced

1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente—typically about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

    In a large mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely minced red onion, and sliced black olives. Stir the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.

      Once the spaghetti is cool, add it to the bowl with the fresh vegetables, gently folding it into the mix to incorporate.

        In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be your dressing.

          Drizzle the prepared dressing over the spaghetti and vegetable mixture, tossing everything gently yet thoroughly to ensure that each bite is coated with flavor.

            Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and roughly chopped basil leaves over the top of the salad. Give it a light toss again to distribute the cheese and basil evenly throughout.

              Take a moment to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary, allowing the flavors to shine through.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, serve the salad chilled in a large bowl or on individual plates. Garnish each serving with additional fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of feta cheese on top for added visual appeal and a burst of flavor. Enjoy your colorful and refreshing spaghetti salad!