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Summer Italian Spaghetti Salad Recipe - Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Spaghetti: 12 ounces, broken in half
  • Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups, halved
  • Cucumber: 1 medium, chopped (English or Persian preferred)
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Red onion: 1/4 medium, thinly sliced
  • Kalamata or black olives: 3/4 cup, sliced
  • Salami (optional): 1/2 cup, chopped
  • Fresh mozzarella pearls: 1 cup (or diced block mozzarella)
  • Parmesan: 1/3 cup, finely grated
  • Fresh basil: 1/2 cup, roughly chopped
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 1/2 cup
  • Red wine vinegar: 1/4 cup
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (fresh)
  • Dijon mustard: 2 teaspoons
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
  • Honey or sugar: 1/2 teaspoon (balances acidity)
  • Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil so it doesn’t clump.
  2. Make the dressing: In a jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Prep the mix-ins: Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, salami (if using), and basil. Pat the mozzarella dry.
  4. Toss it all: In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, vegetables, olives, salami, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Pour over most of the dressing and toss gently to coat.
  5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes. The flavors blend as it chills. Before serving, toss again and add more dressing if needed.
  6. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acidity. Add a final sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve cold or at cool room temperature.