Spaghetti Salad

🍝 Spaghetti Salad

🥗 Ingredients:

12 oz spaghetti, broken in half

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)

1/2 cup cubed cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or feta)

1 bottle (16 oz) Italian dressing (or homemade – see below)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt & black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

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🍽️ Directions:

1. Cook Pasta

Cook spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

2. Mix Salad

In a large bowl, combine cooled spaghetti, veggies, olives, and cheese.

3. Add Dressing & Seasonings

Pour Italian dressing over salad. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat.

4. Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (or overnight) to allow flavors to blend.

5. Serve

Garnish with fresh herbs before serving. Toss again if dressing has settled.

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🧄 Optional Homemade Italian Dressing:

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp onion powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Shake or whisk until well blended.