Pasta Salad With Leftover Spaghetti Noodles
If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to use up leftover spaghetti noodles, consider making a pasta salad! This versatile dish can be served as a side dish or a main dish, and it's perfect for warm summer days when you don't want to heat up the kitchen. In this article, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make pasta salad with leftover spaghetti noodles.
Ingredients
First, let's gather the ingredients you'll need:
- Leftover spaghetti noodles
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to substitute or add any other vegetables or herbs that you have on hand. You can also add protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make this dish more filling.
Instructions
Now, let's get started on making the pasta salad:
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool them down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti noodles, bell pepper, onion, cherry tomatoes, black olives, parsley, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
That's it! Your pasta salad with leftover spaghetti noodles is ready to enjoy.
Tips
Here are a few tips to make your pasta salad with leftover spaghetti noodles even more delicious:
- Use a high-quality olive oil and red wine vinegar for the dressing.
- Don't overcook the spaghetti noodles, as they will continue to soften as they sit in the dressing.
- For a creamier pasta salad, add a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing.
- Make a double batch of the pasta salad and store it in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.
Conclusion
Pasta salad with leftover spaghetti noodles is a tasty and easy way to use up leftovers and create a delicious meal. By following these simple instructions and tips, you'll have a refreshing dish that's perfect for any summer gathering or weekday lunch. Enjoy!