Nothing says summer like this spaghetti pasta salad recipe. It’s an old school pasta salad that might remind you of something you would find at a family reunion, backyard BBQ, or potluck. Made with cold spaghetti noodles, veggies, dressing, and the secret ingredient, Salad Supreme seasoning.

Growing up we always had a bottle of McCormick’s Salad Supreme seasoning in our spice cabinet. I knew when I saw it sitting on the counter my mom was about to make one of my favorite recipes, this spaghetti pasta salad.

Even though it’s simple to make, this pasta salad recipe brings the flavor. The seasoning blend combined with the dressing, pasta, and veggies gives it a classic, tangy flavor that everyone enjoys.

This is one of those recipes that people get excited to see on a potluck table, at a cookout, or as a side dish for dinner. Serve it with things like burgers, chicken, BBQ, and more.

If you are looking for more pasta salad recipes be sure to check out this ham pasta salad, Italian sub pasta salad, and cucumber pasta salad.

Spaghetti salad recipe ingredients

This is a pasta salad recipe you can really make your own by customizing the vegetables and other add-ins. The base starts with the spaghetti and the Salad Supreme seasoning.

• Spaghetti: I like using thin spaghetti for this recipe. I also recommend breaking the noodles in half or in thirds to make it easier to eat.
• Italian dressing: Use your favorite bottled Italian dressing for this recipe.
• Salad Supreme seasoning: This can be found in the spice aisle at the grocery store.
• Vegetables: Feel free to use your favorite vegetables. I like using diced cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
• Parmesan cheese: This is optional but I like adding some freshly grated parmesan cheese for flavor.

How to make spaghetti pasta salad

Scroll to the bottom recipe card for the full, printable spaghetti salad recipe.

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add in a teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
2. Break the spaghetti in half and add to the boiling water. Boil to al dente, about 7 minutes.
3. While the spaghetti is boiling, dice the bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

4. Drain the water from the spaghetti. Rinse with the noodles with cold water.
5. Spread the spaghetti noodles out in a 9 x 13 baking dish or large bowl. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Salad Supreme seasoning. Toss to combine.

6. Mix in the cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, and tomatoes.
7. Add parmesan cheese.

8. Mix in the Italian dressing with the pasta. I like to start with half of the bottle and then add more as you like.

Heather’s recipe tips

• Break the spaghetti in half before cooking. I find breaking up the noodles helps to make this cold spaghetti salad easier to eat.
• Make sure to cook the spaghetti to al dente. This will help the noodles hold up to the other ingredients.
• Rinse the spaghetti with cold water after it has cooked. This will stop the cooking process and help to cool the pasta down.
• Start with half a bottle of Italian dressing. I recommend starting with adding half of the bottle of dressing. You can add more to your preference.
• Let it chill. Chilling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes will give the pasta salad time to develop the flavors.

Variations

One of the great things about this California spaghetti salad is that it is easily customizable.

• Onion: You can add diced red onion or diced green onion.
• Italian inspired: Mix in chopped pepperoni, salami, and cheese.
• Creamy spaghetti salad: Substitute with a creamy Italian dressing or a little mayonnaise.
• Bacon: Stir in some cooked and crumbled bacon.
• Chicken: Make this a meal by adding some cooked, diced chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great for this.
• Hard boiled eggs: Add chopped hard boiled eggs for extra protein.
• Cheese: Stir in cubed up cheddar cheese, monterey jack, or mozzarella cheese.

Storage

Refrigerate: Keep any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Tip: If the noodles have absorbed too much of the dressing, add a little extra to help freshen it up.

Freeze: This recipe does not freeze well.

Spaghetti salad FAQ’s

More pasta salad

• Elote pasta salad
• Greek tortellini pasta salad
• Chicken pasta salad
• Ditalini pasta salad