Pasta Salad Recipe Using Spaghetti Noodles
Pasta salads are a great way to enjoy a light and refreshing meal. With the summer season in full swing, it's the perfect time to whip up a delicious pasta salad using spaghetti noodles. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests at any summer gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Start by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti noodles, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Why use spaghetti noodles?
Spaghetti noodles work great in pasta salads because they are thin and can easily absorb the flavors of the dressing. They also hold up well in cold salads and won't become mushy like some other types of pasta.
Customize your pasta salad:
One of the great things about pasta salads is that they are very customizable. You can add or remove any ingredients you like to make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese or parmesan.
- Try adding some diced bell peppers or shredded carrots.
- Use a different type of pasta, like penne or bowtie.
- Add some protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Experiment with different dressings, like a lemon vinaigrette or a balsamic glaze.
Conclusion:
This pasta salad recipe using spaghetti noodles is a great way to enjoy a light and refreshing meal during the summer season. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or just looking for a quick and easy lunch, this pasta salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
