Go Back
As the warm sun graces the longer days of summer, there's nothing quite like a refreshing dish to complement the season's vibrant atmosphere. Enter the Chilled Zesty Spaghetti Salad Cups—an innovative and delightful way to enjoy pasta in a light and zesty format. These salad cups are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, making them an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering that calls for a deliciously satisfying dish without being overly heavy.

Cold Spaghetti Salad Cups

Discover the perfect summer dish with Chilled Zesty Spaghetti Salad Cups! This refreshing recipe combines al dente spaghetti, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a delightful meal that’s ideal for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. Packed with vibrant colors and nutritious ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, each bite is bursting with flavor. Easy to prepare and customizable, this salad is a healthy option that can be made ahead, allowing you to enjoy the warm days stress-free.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) spaghetti

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (choose your favorite color)

1 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small cups or serving bowls

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely while you prepare the salad components.

    Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped bell pepper, sliced black olives, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and the freshly chopped basil and parsley. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.

      Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.

        Combine the Salad: Add the cooled spaghetti to the salad bowl filled with vegetables and herbs. Drizzle the dressing over the top and carefully toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

          Chill: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

            Serve: Once chilled, gently stir the salad to refresh it, then divide the spaghetti salad among the small cups or bowls. For an added touch, garnish each serving with extra basil leaves or a light sprinkle of feta cheese. Enjoy your refreshing and vibrant salad cups!

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8