Description

Classic Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings. This easy-to-make salad combines tender angel hair pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, savory pepperoni, olives, and a tangy Italian dressing enhanced with Parmesan cheese. Served chilled, it’s an ideal side or light meal bursting with vibrant colors and a delightful mix of textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces Angel Hair Pasta (can substitute with any short pasta like fusilli or penne)

Vegetables & Cheese

1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (grape tomatoes or diced bell peppers can be used as substitutes)
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, cubed (use sharp cheddar for a bolder taste)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (enhances richness and depth of flavor in the dressing)

Meat & Add-ins

4 ounces Pepperoni (salami or diced ham can be used for variation)
1/2 cup Olives (can be omitted for non-olive lovers)

Dressing

1/2 cup Italian Salad Dressing (homemade dressing can be used for a fresher taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 4-5 minutes. Drain the pasta and let it cool slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
Prep the fresh ingredients: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and cube the sharp cheddar cheese into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and eating.
Make the dressing base: In a large serving bowl, whisk together the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian salad dressing. This will create a flavorful coating for the salad ingredients.
Combine all components: Gently add the slightly cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, cubed cheddar cheese, sliced pepperoni, and olives to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together carefully until all ingredients are evenly coated and mixed.
Chill and serve: You can enjoy the pasta salad immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and substitute with diced bell peppers or additional vegetables.
Use short pasta like fusilli or penne for better holding of the dressing if angel hair pasta is not preferred.
Feel free to use homemade Italian dressing for a fresher and more personalized flavor.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.
Olives can be omitted if you prefer a milder salad without their briny taste.