Turkey 'N' Spaghetti Summer Salad
A vibrant summer salad combining tender spaghetti, fresh vegetables, turkey, and a tangy Italian dressing that’s perfect for light, satisfying outdoor meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 medium zucchini ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked turkey ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can cut green beans ⓘ
- 2 medium green onions ⓘ
- 1/3 c. sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 18 cherry tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. white wine vinegar
- 2/3 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 1 (.6 oz.) packet Italian salad dressing mix ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water.
- Meanwhile, cook zucchini in a small amount of water just until tender.
- Rinse zucchini in cold water; drain.
- In a large bowl, combine spaghetti, zucchini, cooked turkey, green beans, green onions, olives, cherry tomatoes, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
- In a small bowl, beat together white wine vinegar, olive oil, water, and Italian salad dressing mix.
- Pour the dressing over the spaghetti mixture and toss lightly to combine.
- Refrigerate several hours or overnight to allow flavors to blend.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting the turkey with grilled chicken or a plant-based protein. You can also replace the spaghetti with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Adding diced bell peppers or cucumbers can enhance the freshness of the salad. For a more robust flavor, use balsamic vinegar instead of white wine vinegar.
Serving Suggestions
This Turkey 'N' Spaghetti Summer Salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or Italian Sausage Roll for a complete meal. Serve alongside garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded dining experience. For a refreshing drink, consider a chilled white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the salad becomes too dry, add a splash of olive oil or vinegar when serving. This dish is best enjoyed cold, so no need to reheat; simply toss it again before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey 'N' Spaghetti Summer Salad contains roughly 306 calories, with 14g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (201% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1670mg per serving (73% 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, this salad tastes even better when made ahead of time, as the flavors have a chance to meld together. Prepare it a few hours or the night before serving, and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Is it possible to use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots. The versatility of this salad allows for customization based on your preferences or seasonal ingredients.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes, adding cheese can enhance the flavor! Consider mixing in some feta or mozzarella for a creamy texture. Just remember to adjust the salt accordingly, as these cheeses can add additional saltiness to the 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).