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- 8 oz cooked spaghetti, cooled - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste How to cook spaghetti perfectly: To cook spaghetti perfectly, follow these steps: 1. Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt. 2. Add the pasta and stir it right away. 3. Cook for 8-10 minutes. 4. Taste it to check if it’s done. 5. Drain the pasta and cool it right away to stop cooking. Tips for choosing the freshest vegetables: When picking vegetables, look for these signs: - Choose firm and bright cherry tomatoes. - Select cucumbers with smooth skin and no blemishes. - Pick bell peppers that are shiny and have a strong color. Suggestions for mozzarella alternatives: If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, try these options: - Use shredded mozzarella for a different texture. - Consider feta cheese for a tangy taste. - Try goat cheese for a creamy twist. For the complete recipe and detailed cooking steps, check out the Full Recipe. 1. First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the 8 oz cooked spaghetti. Make sure it is cooled down. 2. Next, toss in the 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 cup halved fresh mozzarella, 1/4 cup sliced black olives, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion. Mix well to combine. 3. In a small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. This dressing adds flavor. 4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss lightly to coat everything well. 5. Fold in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves gently. Be careful not to tear them. 6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. Chilling the salad is very important. It allows the ingredients to soak up the dressing. This step enhances the taste. You want every bite to be flavorful. Make sure to mix the salad well before serving. This helps distribute the flavors evenly. You want a burst of taste in each forkful. For serving, a large, shallow bowl works best. It allows guests to see all the vibrant colors of the salad. You can also use smaller bowls for each guest. To make it look nice, arrange the salad with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. You can add a few whole cherry tomatoes or mozzarella balls for a fun touch. This makes the dish look even more inviting. To make the best spaghetti salad, avoid a few common mistakes. First, don't overcook the spaghetti. Cook it just until al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and prevents mushiness. Second, be careful with olives and onions. Their strong flavors can overpower the dish. Use them in moderation for balance. Spices can take your salad to the next level. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or some Italian seasoning for depth. Fresh herbs also boost flavor. Consider using parsley or dill in addition to basil. They add freshness and keep the salad bright. A great salad looks as good as it tastes. Garnish with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of feta cheese for color and texture. You can also serve it in a nice bowl; it makes a difference. Pair your salad with crusty bread or a light soup. These sides complement the salad and create a lovely meal. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your spaghetti salad. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. Just dice the chicken or shrimp and toss it in. This adds a nice flavor and makes your salad more filling. If you want vegetarian options, try chickpeas or black beans. They add protein and keep your salad hearty. If you're looking for pasta options, you have choices. Gluten-free pasta is a great substitute. It keeps the salad light but still tasty. Whole wheat spaghetti is another option. It adds fiber and a nutty flavor to the dish. Both options give you a healthy twist while keeping the essence of the salad. Don’t be afraid to switch up the dressing. You can try different vinaigrette flavors like lemon or honey mustard. Each one adds a unique taste. If you want to make your own, mix olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs. This allows you to control the flavors and make the salad truly yours. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your spaghetti salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This prevents air from spoiling the flavors. Make sure the salad is cool before you seal it up. If you have leftovers, place them in the container and put it in the fridge right away. Refrigerating your spaghetti salad works best. It stays fresh for about three days. Freezing can change the texture of the salad. If you need to reheat it, do so gently in the microwave. Heat it until it’s warm, but not hot. This helps keep the veggies crisp. You can make spaghetti salad ahead of time. This saves you stress on busy days. Just remember to add the fresh ingredients like basil last. This keeps them crunchy and bright. Store the dressing separately until you are ready to serve. This ensures every bite is fresh and delicious. Serve spaghetti salad chilled for the best taste. You can use a large bowl or individual plates. A gentle toss before serving helps mix the flavors. This brings out the taste of the fresh veggies and cheese. For extra flair, you might add a sprig of basil on top. Yes, you can make spaghetti salad a day ahead. It helps the flavors blend well. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. Just keep it in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can keep spaghetti salad in the fridge for about 3 days. After that, the veggies may start to lose their crispness. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture. If it looks good, it should still be safe to eat. This blog post shared easy steps for making delicious spaghetti salad. You learned about fresh and pantry items needed. We covered tips on preparation and common pitfalls to avoid. I also discussed how to enhance flavors and present the dish well. Spaghetti salad is an adaptable meal; you can customize it to fit your taste. Keep it fresh and chilled for the best experience. Enjoy creating your own version of this tasty dish!

- Spaghetti Salad Recipe

Dive into a refreshing Spaghetti Salad Extravaganza that's perfect for any occasion! This vibrant dish combines cooked spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Ideal for summer gatherings or a quick lunch, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes! Click to discover how to whip up this delightful salad and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz cooked spaghetti, cooled

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, mozzarella balls, black olives, and red onion.

    In another small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.

      Pour the dressing over the spaghetti salad and toss lightly to ensure all the ingredients are coated.

        Gently fold in the fresh basil leaves, being careful not to break them apart.

          Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

            Serve chilled, giving the salad a gentle toss before serving.

              Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4