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+ servings

Italian Spaghetti Salad with Fresh Summer Vegetables

A light and refreshing spaghetti salad featuring cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella, and a zesty herb dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts or quick meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Pasta, Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

  • 10 ounces spaghetti
  • 7 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cucumber diced
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1 small red onion finely diced
  • 5 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into cubes
  • 3 ounces pitted olives halved or sliced
  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 4 tablespoons California olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let cool completely.
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Chop the bell pepper into small squares.
  3. Finely dice the red onion. Cut the mozzarella into small cubes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti with the prepared tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella, and olives.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  6. Pour the dressing over the spaghetti mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Fold in the chopped fresh basil.
  8. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar before serving. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 14gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g

Notes

For best flavor, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; overnight is even better. If you like a creamy twist, add diced California avocado just before serving. Substitute fresh oregano or parsley for the basil if preferred. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp. Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

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