Picnicperfect Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get bored of the same old BBQ sides? This spaghetti pasta salad is a game changer. Seriously, it's got that Italian dressing tang and veggie crunch.

Brief Overview

Cold pasta salad is an American classic, right? This version amps it up with a pasta salad with vinaigrette . It is easy, taking about an hour, and feeds 6-8 people.

Main Benefits

This summer pasta salad is bursting with fresh flavors. It's also a surprisingly good source of nutrients from the vegetables. Perfect for a picnic salad , trust me.

Get Ready to look into into This Amazing Antipasto Pasta Salad!

Okay, so, spaghetti pasta salad . Honestly, I used to think spaghetti in a salad? Blimey. But my Aunt Mildred made it every summer for our family BBQ.

The tangy Italian dressing won me over and it became the ultimate BBQ side dish .

It is not just any pasta salad recipe . It is an antipasto pasta salad , full of Italian meats and cheeses.

Plus, it is ready in an hour. The best part? You can make-ahead pasta salad .

This cold pasta salad is more than just a pretty face. Hello protein from the pepperoni and ham. You also get vitamins from the veggies.

It is a well balanced meal on its own.

Now, let's get to the spaghetti salad with vegetables list.

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks! We're making Picnic Perfect Spaghetti Pasta Salad , and honestly, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot at Tesco on a Saturday! This is your go-to cold pasta salad for barbecues.

Trust me, everyone will be digging in.

Ingredients: What You Need

Let's gather our supplies. This pasta salad recipe is super flexible, so don't stress if you're missing something.

Main Players

• Spaghetti: 1 pound ( 450g ). Go for good quality dried spaghetti. It makes a difference.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) for the pasta.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon for the pasta water.
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 . You want this nice and crunchy. Make sure it's firm with no blemishes.
• Green Bell Pepper: 1 . Ditto!
• Red Onion: 1/2 . Not too big unless you really love onion breath.
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup ( 150g ), halved. The sweeter, the better.
• Black Olives: 1/2 cup ( 50g ), sliced. Get the pitted ones, unless you enjoy a bit of dental work.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/2 cup ( 20g ), chopped. Fresh is best, dried just doesn't cut it.
• Pepperoni: 4 ounces ( 115g ), sliced. Get the good stuff from the deli.
• Cooked Ham: 4 ounces ( 115g ), diced. Leftover Christmas ham? Perfect!
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) for the dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). Adds that tang we all love in a pasta salad with vinaigrette .
• Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Not the cheap yellow stuff, alright?
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh garlic is king.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon for a touch of sweetness.
• Dried Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon .
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon for the dressing.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon for the dressing.
• Cheese : 1/2 cup ( 50g ) of cubed mozzarella or provolone.

Seasoning Notes: Flavors that Pop

Honestly, the seasoning is where the magic happens. The Italian herbs with a dash of garlic and a bit of honey work wonders.

I reckon a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick too. If you don't have red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar works a treat.

It’s your antipasto pasta salad , make it your own! It's really about that perfect balance of zesty and savoury.

This is a Summer pasta salad staple!

Equipment Needed

You don't need much. Just a pot, a colander, a big bowl, and a chopping board. If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do! It's all about simple cooking, you know? My nan always says, "A good cook can make anything with basic tools.

" make-ahead pasta salad ? No problem. This BBQ side dish is a winner.

Cooking Up a Storm: Picnic Perfect Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Honestly, who doesn't love a good pasta salad recipe ? But let's ditch the boring mayo laden stuff. I'm about to share my go-to Spaghetti Pasta Salad that’s always a hit.

It’s the perfect BBQ side dish !

This cold pasta salad is tangy, fresh, and bursting with flavour. It’s that summer pasta salad you'll be craving all year round.

My Nan always made something similar. We thought it was weird, but we always went back for seconds!

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

• Essential Mise en Place: Dice those veggies! Chop the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, and parsley. Slice the pepperoni and ham. Mince that garlic like you mean it. This mise en place will save you so much time. Honestly, prepping first is life changing!
• Time Saving Organization Tips: While the pasta cooks, prep the dressing. Multitasking is your best friend here. Every second count, right?
• Safety Reminders: Knife skills matter. Keep your fingers out of the way!

step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking

1. Cook 1 pound (450g) spaghetti pasta until al dente. It will take about 8- 10 minutes. Don't overcook or you'll end up with mush!
2. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water. Toss with 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Whisk together the dressing ingredients. Olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, garlic, honey, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the cooked pasta, veggies, meats, and optional cheese (if using) in a large bowl.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat evenly.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes . This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Stir and serve!

Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection

• Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce if it's looking too thick.
• Make this salad a day ahead! Seriously, it's even better the next day. You can even call it a make-ahead pasta salad .
• Avoid soggy pasta! Don't dress it too far in advance.
• Try out a variation and make it an antipasto pasta salad !

So, there you have it. My foolproof recipe for the ultimate Spaghetti Pasta Salad. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser.

Grab your ingredients, get into the kitchen, and whip up this Spaghetti salad with vegetables that will knock everyones socks off. Enjoy!

Right then, let's talk about making this spaghetti pasta salad sing ! It's more than just chucking ingredients together, innit? It's about making sure every bite is a proper flavour explosion.

Recipe Notes

Serving It Up Right

Got a BBQ? This is the BBQ side dish to bring. Honestly, forget the potato salad, this is where it's at.

Think about how you plate it, yeah? A nice big bowl, maybe with some extra parsley sprinkled on top. You know, make it look proper posh even though it's dead easy to make.

It works brilliantly alongside some grilled chicken or sausages. A chilled glass of lemonade or even a crisp white wine? Sorted.

This could be an Antipasto pasta salad too, right?

Keeping It Fresh

So, you've made a massive batch? No worries. This pasta salad recipe keeps really well. For refrigeration, whack it in an airtight container, and it'll be good for up to three days .

If you're thinking longer term, you can freeze it, but the pasta might get a bit soft. My advice? Just make what you need.

Reheating? Best served cold. This cold pasta salad is meant to be refreshing! That Italian dressing has to pop.

Remix Time!

Want to mix things up? Course you do! If you're after a veggie version, just ditch the pepperoni and ham.

Roast some courgettes and aubergines instead proper Mediterranean vibes. This is the perfect Summer pasta salad . Got allergies? Use gluten-free pasta easy peasy.

For a pasta salad with vinaigrette , you could also swap the red wine vinegar for balsamic for a sweeter tang.

Getting the Good Stuff

This spaghetti salad with vegetables isn't just tasty, it's actually alright for you. You get your carbs, protein, and loads of vitamins from all those veggies.

It is a pretty balanced Picnic salad . Just be mindful of the dressing, as it can be high in oil.

All things in moderation, eh? A single serving comes around 450 calories; not bad, considering how filling it is.

This make-ahead pasta salad is a breeze, isn’t it? Honestly, once you've made it once, you'll be knocking it out every time.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Right, get cracking!