Cold Spaghetti Salad

Cold Spaghetti Salad Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cold spaghetti salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for hot summer days or as a side dish for a barbecue. This dish combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with a tangy Italian dressing and a variety of vegetables and herbs.

History

Cold spaghetti salad has been a popular dish in Italian cuisine for many years. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences. The combination of cold spaghetti with a zesty dressing and fresh vegetables makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of spaghetti
1 can (15 oz (425 g)) of tomato sauce with bits
1 bottle (8 oz (227 g)) of italian salad dressing
1 small red onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
1 can (4 oz (113 g)) of sliced button mushrooms, drained
1 can (4 oz (113 g)) of sliced ripe olives, drained
0.25 cup of chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
Drain the spaghetti and rinse it with cold water.
In a large bowl, mix the remaining ingredients well.
Add the spaghetti to the bowl and toss it to combine.
Chill the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes.

Variations

Add grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus, to the salad for added flavor and texture.
Substitute the Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette or pesto sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the cooked spaghetti with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or cucumbers.

- For added protein, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad.

- Make sure to chill the salad for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cold spaghetti salad as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.

- This salad can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the spaghetti al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing and vegetables.

- Toss the spaghetti gently with the dressing and vegetables to ensure that it is evenly coated.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti in place of traditional spaghetti.

- Substitute the canned vegetables with fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or cucumbers.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cold spaghetti salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cold spaghetti salad with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a decorative touch. - Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the cold spaghetti salad with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, for a refreshing and complementary pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cold spaghetti salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, gently warm the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 8g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 15% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (spaghetti) and may contain soy (Italian dressing).

Summary

This cold spaghetti salad is a balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Cold spaghetti salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and refreshing meal. With a combination of spaghetti, Italian dressing, and a variety of vegetables and herbs, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Cold Spaghetti Salad. It was a hot summer day, and I was looking for something light and refreshing to make for dinner. As I rummaged through my old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded, stained card with the handwritten title "Cold Spaghetti Salad" at the top.

I must admit, I had never heard of such a dish before. Cold spaghetti? In a salad? It sounded intriguing, and I knew I had to give it a try. The recipe listed simple ingredients like cooked spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a homemade vinaigrette dressing. It seemed like the perfect dish to satisfy my craving for something cool and flavorful.

I decided to make the Cold Spaghetti Salad for dinner that evening. I boiled a pot of water and cooked the spaghetti until it was al dente. While the pasta cooled, I chopped up the cherry tomatoes and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. The vibrant colors of the vegetables against the pale spaghetti created a beautiful contrast that made my mouth water.

Next, I whipped up the vinaigrette dressing using olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a touch of honey for sweetness. The tangy aroma of the dressing filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I tossed the cooked spaghetti with the vegetables and dressing, making sure to coat every strand with the flavorful mixture.

As I took my first bite of the Cold Spaghetti Salad, I was instantly transported to a place of culinary bliss. The coolness of the pasta mixed with the juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers created a symphony of flavors and textures in my mouth. The tangy vinaigrette added a zesty kick that tied everything together perfectly.

I couldn't believe I had never tried this dish before. It was a revelation, a culinary masterpiece that I knew would become a staple in my recipe repertoire. I made a mental note to share this recipe with my friends and family, knowing that they would love it just as much as I did.

As I savored each bite of the Cold Spaghetti Salad, I couldn't help but wonder where this recipe had come from. Had it been passed down through generations in a family of Italian chefs? Or perhaps it had been discovered by a world-traveling food enthusiast who had stumbled upon it in a tiny village in the countryside.

I imagined the person who had first created this dish, laboring over a hot stove in a cozy kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients until they found the perfect combination. I felt a sense of gratitude towards that unknown cook, knowing that their creativity had brought so much joy to my own kitchen.

As I finished the last bite of the Cold Spaghetti Salad, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment. I was grateful for the serendipitous discovery of this recipe and the opportunity to experience its delicious flavors. It was a reminder of the magic that can happen when we open ourselves up to new culinary adventures and embrace the unknown.

And so, as the sun set on that warm summer evening, I made a promise to myself to always remain curious and open-minded when it came to trying new recipes. Who knows what other culinary delights I might discover in the future? The possibilities were endless, and I couldn't wait to explore them all.