Pasta Salad Italian Dressing Spaghetti Noodles
If you're looking for a delicious and filling meal that's perfect for any occasion, look no further than pasta salad with Italian dressing and spaghetti noodles. This classic dish is a favorite all around the world, and for good reason – it's easy to make, versatile, and packed full of flavor. In this article, we'll take a closer look at everything you need to know about making the perfect pasta salad with Italian dressing and spaghetti noodles.
What is Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing and Spaghetti Noodles?
Pasta salad with Italian dressing and spaghetti noodles is a cold pasta dish that's typically made with cooked spaghetti noodles, a variety of vegetables, and a tangy Italian dressing. Other common ingredients include cheese, meats, and spices. The dish is usually served chilled and is perfect for summer picnics or as a side dish for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Before we get started, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make the perfect pasta salad with Italian dressing and spaghetti noodles:
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1/4 cup chopped red pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped yellow pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped ham or salami (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start making your pasta salad with Italian dressing and spaghetti noodles. Here's how to do it:
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions, then drain and rinse them under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti noodles, Italian dressing, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, green onion, red pepper, yellow pepper, cucumber, black olives, and ham or salami (if using). Mix well until everything is coated in dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir and add any additional dressing or seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or basil, if desired.
Variations
One of the great things about pasta salad with Italian dressing and spaghetti noodles is that it's incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Substitute different types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella.
- Add in additional vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or shredded carrots.
- Use a different type of meat, such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Substitute the Italian dressing for a different type of dressing, such as ranch or balsamic vinaigrette.
- Make it a vegetarian dish by leaving out the meat and adding in more vegetables.
Conclusion
Pasta salad with Italian dressing and spaghetti noodles is a classic dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its tangy dressing, flavorful veggies, and filling spaghetti noodles, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you're serving it up at a summer picnic or as a side dish for a hearty meal, this pasta salad is sure to satisfy. So why not give it a try today?