Spaghetti Salad With Cucumbers And Tomatoes
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light and refreshing meals that are easy to make and bursting with flavor. One dish that fits this description perfectly is spaghetti salad with cucumbers and tomatoes. This salad is a great way to use up any leftover spaghetti, and it's also a fantastic option for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. In this article, we'll show you how to make this delicious salad step by step.
Ingredients
To make spaghetti salad with cucumbers and tomatoes, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to make the salad. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions. Once it's done, drain it and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the spaghetti to a large bowl.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the bowl with the spaghetti.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the spaghetti mixture and toss everything together until it's well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- When you're ready to serve, give the salad a quick toss and enjoy!
Variations
While this recipe is delicious as is, you can also customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Swap out the cherry tomatoes for sundried tomatoes.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta cheese.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for extra flavor.
- For a heartier salad, add some cooked chicken or shrimp.
Conclusion
Spaghetti salad with cucumbers and tomatoes is a delightful dish that's perfect for summer. With its fresh ingredients and simple preparation, it's sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy lunch or a side dish for your next barbecue, this salad is sure to please. Give it a try and see for yourself!