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Cookout Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Cookout Spaghetti Pasta Salad

This backyard BBQ favorite uses spaghetti for a unique texture, creating a conversation starter that's as practical as it is delicious. Tossed in a tangy Italian ranch dressing, this easy recipe perfectly balances flavors while feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cups
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound spaghetti broken into thirds before cooking
  • 1 cup Italian dressing
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 red onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup black olives sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Break the dry spaghetti into thirds. Cook in salted water according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
  • Whisk together the Italian dressing and ranch dressing in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
  • Dice all vegetables to a similar size (approximately 1/4 inch pieces) for consistent texture. For red onion, consider soaking in ice water for 5 minutes after chopping to reduce sharpness.
  • Add the cooled pasta to the dressing mixture and toss until evenly coated. Fold in all vegetables, olives, Parmesan cheese, and herbs.
  • Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld more thoroughly.

Notes

The pasta salad maintains peak quality for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, give it a quick toss before serving leftovers and revive with a splash of additional dressing if needed.
For a healthier version, substitute whole grain spaghetti, use Greek yogurt to replace half the ranch dressing, or replace half the pasta with spiralized zucchini.
Save about 1/4 cup of dressing to refresh the salad just before serving, as pasta naturally absorbs dressing over time.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSodium: 420mgFiber: 3g
Keyword Pasta Salad, Cookout, Spaghetti, BBQ, Summer Recipe, Potluck
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