Tasty Veggie Spirelli Salad
A vibrant veggie spirelli salad featuring fresh tomatoes, olives, and eggs, coated in a tangy mayonnaise dressing—perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz veggie spirelli, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 4 1/2 tsp minced onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp vinegar ⓘ
- 1 c mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 3/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp paprika ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes, cut in wedges
- 1/2 c chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c pitted black olives, sliced ⓘ
- 3 hard-cooked eggs, sliced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp snipped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine minced onion and vinegar and let it stand a few minutes.
- Add mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and paprika to the onion-vinegar mixture and mix well.
- In a large salad bowl, combine cooked and drained veggie spirelli, tomatoes, chopped green pepper, and sliced black olives.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the salad ingredients and toss lightly to coat.
- Chill the salad for several hours before serving.
- Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs and snipped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you want to add some crunch, include shredded carrots or celery. To enhance the flavor, try incorporating a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the dressing. If you're short on time, pre-cooked spirelli or any pasta can serve as a quick substitute.
Serving Suggestions
This Tasty Veggie Spirelli Salad is perfect as a light lunch or side dish for summer barbecues. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Jamaican Corn Bread for a delightful twist. For a vegetarian option, it's a great addition to any potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more after chilling. If you wish to reheat, do so gently in the microwave; however, this salad is best enjoyed cold. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tasty Veggie Spirelli Salad contains roughly 307 calories, with 11g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), iron (79% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1387mg per serving (60% 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?
Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better after it has sat in the fridge for a few hours. Just be sure to keep the hard-boiled eggs and parsley separate until you're ready to serve, to maintain their freshness.
What can I substitute for the black olives?
If you're not a fan of black olives, consider using sliced green olives or even capers for a tangy flavor. You can also omit them entirely or add ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, use a plant-based mayonnaise and replace the hard-boiled eggs with avocado slices or chickpeas for added creaminess and protein. This way, you can still enjoy a deliciously satisfying dish.
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).