Spaghetti Pasta Salad With Zesty Italian Dressing
Summer is the perfect time for light and refreshing meals, and what better way to enjoy the season than with a delicious spaghetti pasta salad with zesty Italian dressing? This dish is not only easy to make, but it is also packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your summer menu.
The Ingredients You Will Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients you will need:
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing, you will need:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The Recipe
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started with the recipe:
- Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the spaghetti salad and toss to coat.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Take the salad out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Garnish with extra parsley or feta cheese, if desired, and serve.
The Health Benefits of Spaghetti Pasta Salad With Zesty Italian Dressing
Not only is this spaghetti pasta salad delicious, but it is also full of nutrients that are beneficial for your health. Here are some of the health benefits of the ingredients:
- Spaghetti pasta is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote digestive health.
- Cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and promote skin health.
- Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them a great choice for weight loss and hydration.
- Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
- Red onions contain quercetin, a flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
- Black olives are high in healthy fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Feta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for bone health.
- Parsley is rich in vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health, as well as antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.
Conclusion
Spaghetti pasta salad with zesty Italian dressing is a perfect dish for summer gatherings or as a light and refreshing meal at home. With its delicious flavor and numerous health benefits, you can't go wrong with this dish. So, gather the ingredients and give it a try!
