Colo Spaghetti Salad
Colorful and refreshing, Colo Spaghetti Salad combines tender pasta with crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and vibrant green peppers. Tossed in a flavorful Italian dressing and seasoned with Salad Supreme, this salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick, satisfying meal suitable for gatherings or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti and rinse under cold water. Refrigerate.
- Peel, deseed, and chop cucumber.
- Chop green peppers and green onions.
- Deseed and chop tomatoes.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with chopped vegetables.
- Add Italian dressing and Salad Supreme seasoning.
- Toss to combine and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta. Consider adding diced bell peppers for extra crunch or using cherry tomatoes for a sweeter flavor. If you prefer a creamier dressing, try mixing in some Greek yogurt with the Italian dressing. Additionally, letting the salad sit for a couple of hours before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Colo Spaghetti Salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks and pairs beautifully with American recipes like grilled chicken or burgers. Serve it alongside a light dessert, such as Mary Imus' Favorite Cake, for a well-rounded meal. For a vegetarian option, complement the salad with a side of garlic bread or a fresh fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become a bit soggy as it sits, so it's best to enjoy it fresh. If you want to reheat the spaghetti, do so gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, but keep in mind that the vegetables are best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Colo Spaghetti Salad contains roughly 163 calories, with 7g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is ideal for making ahead as the flavors develop over time. Just prepare it up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Toss it again before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables. Sliced olives, grated carrots, or even artichoke hearts would be great additions. The versatility of this salad makes it easy to adapt to your taste preferences.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this salad can easily be made vegan by ensuring the Italian dressing is dairy-free and using a vegan-friendly Salad Supreme seasoning. This makes it a great option for gatherings where guests may have dietary restrictions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).