SPAGHETTI SALAD

Spaghetti salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines pasta with a variety of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a barbecue or picnic.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz spaghetti
• Salad Dressing:
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Salad Ingredients:
• 12 oz cherry tomatoes, red and yellow (sliced in half)
• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
• 1/3 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/3 cup green olives, sliced
• 4 oz crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it immediately with cold water. Drain again.
3. In a large bowl, combine the salad dressing ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Add sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and olives to the bowl with the dressing. Let them marinate while the pasta cooks.
5. Add the drained and rinsed spaghetti and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the marinated veggies. Toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Add more lemon juice, if desired.

Popular Questions:

• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, but spaghetti works best for this recipe.

• Q: Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

A: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

• Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but wait to add the dressing until ready to serve to prevent the pasta from getting soggy.

Helpful Tips:

• Add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal.
• Add some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
• You can substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or mozzarella.
• To make this salad vegan, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Expert Secrets:

• For best results, dress the salad just before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice and honey in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
• Marinating the vegetables in the dressing helps enhance their flavors and allows the tomatoes to release their juices.