Sherry D'S Spaghetti Salad
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring fresh vegetables, Italian dressing, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings with a tangy, savory profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti, then drain while still warm and add half of the dressing.
- Chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, green pepper, onion, and celery.
- Add the chopped vegetables and the dry Italian seasoning to the spaghetti and stir well.
- Pour the remaining bottle of Italian dressing over the mixture and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use al dente spaghetti to maintain texture. Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables with your favorites, like bell peppers or olives, for a personalized touch. To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. If you’d like a heartier salad, mix in some cooked chicken or shrimp. This salad pairs beautifully with Fried Italian Potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant Spaghetti Salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It’s an excellent pairing with grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread. Consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Potato Salad(Italy) for a delicious meal. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor before presenting it to your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after chilling, add a splash of Italian dressing before serving. To refresh the flavors, toss the salad gently before enjoying it again. Avoid freezing, as the vegetables will lose their crispness when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sherry D'S Spaghetti Salad contains roughly 343 calories, with 8g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 691mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, you can prepare this spaghetti salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the pasta and vegetables fresh and prevent sogginess.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable to vegan diets. Simply use a vegan Italian dressing and omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative to maintain flavor.
What can I do if I don't have Italian dressing?
If you don't have Italian dressing, you can create a quick substitute using olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs. Mix 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to achieve a similar flavor profile.
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).