Cold Spaghetti Salad With Tomato Sauce
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy refreshing and light dishes that won't weigh you down in the heat. Cold spaghetti salad with tomato sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a summer favorite. It's a great way to use leftover spaghetti, and it's versatile enough to be served as a side dish or a main course.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the spaghetti salad and toss to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
This cold spaghetti salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch or dinner. The tomato sauce adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish, while the Kalamata olives and feta cheese provide a salty and tangy contrast. The parsley and basil give it a fresh and herbaceous note, making it a perfect summer dish.
Variations
Cold spaghetti salad with tomato sauce is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations to try:
- Substitute the cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense tomato flavor.
- Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Swap the feta cheese for goat cheese or Parmesan cheese.
- Add some chopped cucumber or bell pepper for extra crunch.
- Use different herbs such as thyme, oregano, or mint.
- Make it spicy by adding some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your perfect cold spaghetti salad with tomato sauce.
Conclusion
Cold spaghetti salad with tomato sauce is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for summer. It's a great way to use leftover spaghetti and can be customized to your liking. The tomato sauce adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish, while the Kalamata olives and feta cheese provide a salty and tangy contrast. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this cold spaghetti salad is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.
