Summer Spaghetti Salad

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Italian

A vibrant summer spaghetti salad featuring fresh vegetables, Italian dressing, and bold spices, perfect for picnics, cookouts, and gatherings craving a cool, flavorful side dish.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. spaghetti
  • Salad Supreme spice (McCormick)
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian salad dressing
  • 1 lb. garden vegetable mix
  • 1/2 lb. marinated mushrooms
  • garlic to taste
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the Italian salad dressing.
  3. Add the garden vegetable mix to the dressing.
  4. Stir in the marinated mushrooms.
  5. Add Salad Supreme spice, about half a jar, to the mixture.
  6. Add garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Mix everything well to combine.
  8. Let the salad sit for 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Garnish with sliced tomatoes before serving.
  10. Enjoy this refreshing summer spaghetti salad!

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti. You can also substitute the Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette for a fresher taste. Adding cherry tomatoes or olives can enhance the flavor and texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, try incorporating red pepper flakes. Adjust the Salad Supreme spice according to your preference for more or less seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

This Summer Spaghetti Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also makes a great side dish for BBQs or potlucks. Serve it alongside Italian Style Chopped Sirloin for a hearty dinner, or enjoy it on its own for a light lunch. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To retain the best texture, avoid reheating; this salad is best enjoyed cold. If necessary, you can add a splash of Italian dressing before serving to refresh the flavors if it seems dry.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Summer Spaghetti Salad contains roughly 296 calories, with 10g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 698mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

296 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.3g 21% DV
Total Fat 9.9g 13% DV
Carbs 40.8g 15% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 4.9g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 698.2mg 30% DV
Potassium 88.1mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1mcg
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 17.5mg 1% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, simply use a vegan Italian dressing and omit any dairy-based toppings. You can add more vegetables or even some chickpeas to ensure it’s filling and packed with flavor. This recipe easily adapts to fit vegan recipes!

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).

Italian recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →