Cookout Spaghetti Salad Recipe

There’s something inherently magical about the hustle and bustle of a summer cookout. The air brimming with the tantalizing aroma of grilled delights, the laughter of family and friends weaving through the backyard, and the warmth of the sun casting a golden hue over everything. Amidst all these cherished moments, there’s one dish that always seems to capture the heart of these gatherings — the Cookout Spaghetti Salad. This delightful dish is a beloved staple that brings together the vibrant flavors of summer in a way that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Why is this recipe so special, you may wonder? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy days when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients — like al dente spaghetti and a medley of fresh vegetables — ensures that each bite is packed with wholesome goodness. This salad is also a versatile companion, effortlessly complementing any grilled entrée you might be serving, from juicy steaks to tender chicken skewers. Plus, it’s a dish that brings people together, just like a treasured family recipe passed down through generations, creating memories with every forkful.

As we gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter, this spaghetti salad becomes more than just a side dish — it’s a celebration of the simple joys of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones. And as you enjoy it, you might find yourself transported back to those carefree summer days of childhood, where life was as easy as a gentle breeze, and every meal was a delightful adventure.

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

This Cookout Spaghetti Salad is not just a meal; it’s a testament to the joy of simple, flavorful cooking that brings people together. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table:

1. Flavorful Simplicity: A harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, pasta, and seasonings that creates a dish bursting with flavor. The use of Salad Supreme seasoning along with Cajun spices ensures each bite is a flavor explosion, while the fresh herbs like parsley and dill add a touch of garden-fresh zest.
2. Versatile Companion: Pairs beautifully with a wide array of grilled meats, making it perfect for any cookout or gathering. Whether you’re serving smoky barbecue ribs or grilled seafood, this salad stands strong as a sidekick, enhancing the overall meal experience.
3. Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, it’s a breeze to whip up even on the busiest of days. The straightforward steps and readily available ingredients mean you can spend more time enjoying the gathering rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, it’s sure to become a family favorite at every gathering. The colorful array of vegetables and the tangy dressing appeal to a wide range of palates, making it a safe bet for potlucks or family picnics.
5. Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste, making it a versatile and forgiving recipe. Whether you prefer it spicier, with more cheese, or even with different veggies, this salad can be altered to fit your personal preferences.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

To whip up this delightful dish, you won’t need much — just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade snacks:

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking the spaghetti to a perfect al dente texture. Ensure your pot is large enough to give the noodles space to move, preventing them from sticking together.
• Colander: Necessary for draining and rinsing the pasta to stop the cooking process. A quick rinse under cold water not only stops the cooking but also helps cool the pasta for the salad.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing all the ingredients together with ease. The more space you have, the better you can evenly coat all the components with the dressing.
• Chef’s Knife: Handy for chopping the vegetables and herbs finely. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and preserves the integrity of fresh ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing the ingredients. Choose a board with a groove to catch any juices from the tomatoes or cucumbers, making cleanup easier.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Ingredients

• 1 lb thin spaghetti noodles (broken in half)
• ¼ cup Salad Supreme seasoning
• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill weed (finely chopped)
• 1½ cup Italian Salad Dressing
• 2 tablespoons Ranch Dressing
• 1 cup cucumbers, finely diced
• 1 cup sweet cherry tomatoes, finely diced
• ⅓-½ cup red onions, finely diced
• ½ cup Mixed bell peppers (I used red, green, and yellow)
• ½ cup Cheddar cheese, (cut into tiny cubes)
• ½ cup Hard pepperoni, cut into cubes (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Do not overcook to avoid mushy pasta.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water until the pasta is cold. Set aside to ensure it stops cooking and retains a firm texture.
3. Place the drained pasta into a large bowl or casserole dish.
4. Sprinkle pasta with Salad Supreme, Cajun seasoning, dill weed, and fresh parsley. Toss until every noodle is evenly coated with the spices and herbs, infusing flavor throughout.
5. Mix together Italian dressing and ranch dressing in a separate small bowl for a creamy, tangy blend.
6. Pour dressing over pasta and toss until coated, ensuring that every strand is dressed.
7. Add remaining ingredients — cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers, cheese, and pepperoni (if using). Toss to coat, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
8. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together. Refrigerate for at least an hour for best results.
9. Toss before serving, as some ingredients will sink to the bottom. This ensures even distribution of flavors.
10. Taste and adjust any seasonings or ingredients if needed. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and dill if desired for extra freshness and visual appeal.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 10 minutes • Total Time: 25 minutes • Calories: 250 • Servings: 6

Note: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference, and remember, the pepperoni is optional for those looking to keep it vegetarian.

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

These Cookout Spaghetti Salad ingredients not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:

• Spaghetti Noodles: A good source of carbohydrates, providing energy and keeping you full longer. Opt for whole grain spaghetti for added fiber and nutrients.
• Fresh Dill Weed: Adds a refreshing flavor and contains antioxidants that support overall health. Dill is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cucumbers: High in water content, cucumbers help keep you hydrated and provide a crisp texture. They are also low in calories, making them a healthy addition.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant associated with various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
• Bell Peppers: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants to boost your immune system. Different colored peppers offer a variety of phytonutrients.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

This spaghetti salad is a versatile companion to various beverages and dishes, making it perfect for any occasion:

• Grilled Chicken: Complements the savory flavors of grilled chicken beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast.
• Lemonade: The tangy freshness of lemonade pairs well with the salad’s vibrant flavors, providing a citrusy balance.
• Burgers: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to hearty burgers, cutting through the richness with its zesty dressing.
• Iced Tea: Offers a refreshing balance to the salad’s zestiness, with the tea’s subtle flavors enhancing the meal.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

This salad keeps wonderfully in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. Store it in an airtight container, and it will last up to 3 days, maintaining its delightful crunch and flavor. If you find yourself with leftovers, consider refreshing them by adding a splash more of Italian dressing and a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving. Rediscover the joy of this homemade delight by serving it as a side dish to a new main course, or enjoy it as a light, satisfying lunch on its own.

If you’re planning to serve this salad at a later date, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Just combine everything and add the dressing shortly before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor. Additionally, consider adding a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors if the salad has been sitting for a couple of days.

As you gather around the table with your loved ones, sharing stories and laughter over this delicious Cookout Spaghetti Salad, remember that the true magic lies not just in the flavors but in the moments shared. It’s in the simple act of cooking together, the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch, and the comfort of knowing that these recipes are more than just meals — they’re cherished memories in the making.

Cookout Spaghetti Salad Recipe

This refreshing spaghetti salad is perfect for a cookout or summer gathering. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chilling Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 1 lb thin spaghetti noodles broken in half

Seasonings

• 1/4 cup Salad Supreme seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill weed finely chopped

Dressing

• 1 1/2 cup Italian Salad Dressing
• 2 tablespoons Ranch Dressing

Vegetables and Add-ins

• 1 cup cucumbers finely diced
• 1 cup sweet cherry tomatoes finely diced
• 1/3-1/2 cup red onions finely diced
• 1/2 cup Mixed bell peppers red, green, and yellow
• 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese cut into tiny cubes
• 1/2 cup Hard pepperoni cut into cubes, optional

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large Bowl

Method

 

1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Do not overcook.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water until the pasta is cold. Set aside.
3. Place drained pasta into a large bowl or casserole dish.
4. Sprinkle pasta with Salad Supreme, Cajun seasoning, dill weed, and fresh parsley. Toss until coated.
5. Mix together Italian dressing and ranch dressing.
6. Pour dressing over pasta and toss until coated.
7. Add remaining ingredients and toss to coat. Adjust quantities to suit your taste.
8. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
9. Toss before serving, as some ingredients will sink to the bottom.
10. Taste and adjust any seasonings or ingredients if needed. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and dill if desired.

Notes

For best results, let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein options.