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Summer Pasta Salad — Leftover Spaghetti Ideas Reinvented

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Leftover cooked spaghetti (about 12 ounces, cold)
  • Cherry tomatoes (1 pint), halved
  • Cucumber (1 medium), diced
  • Red onion (1/4 medium), thinly sliced
  • Red or yellow bell pepper (1 medium), diced
  • Kalamata or black olives (1/2 cup), sliced
  • Fresh parsley (1/2 cup), chopped
  • Fresh basil (1/3 cup), torn
  • Feta cheese (3/4 cup), crumbled (optional but recommended)
  • Cooked protein (optional): chickpeas (1 can, drained), grilled chicken, or salami
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (1/3 cup)
  • Fresh lemon (1 large), zested and juiced
  • Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon)
  • Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons)
  • Garlic (2 cloves), finely grated or minced
  • Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
  • Honey or sugar (1/2 teaspoon), optional
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Loosen the spaghetti: If your leftover spaghetti is clumped, run it under cold water for 15–20 seconds and shake dry. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with a splash of olive oil to keep strands separate.
  2. Prep the veggies: Halve the tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, thinly slice the onion, and slice the olives. Chop the parsley and tear the basil.
  3. Make the dressing: In a jar or measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest and juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon, garlic, oregano, a pinch of salt, pepper, and honey if using. Taste and adjust acidity or salt.
  4. Toss it together: Add tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, and parsley to the spaghetti. Pour over about two-thirds of the dressing and toss gently to coat.
  5. Add cheese and herbs: Fold in feta and basil. Add more dressing as needed. The pasta should be glossy, not greasy.
  6. Chill and meld: Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to let flavors come together. Before serving, toss again and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of lemon if it needs brightness.
  7. Serve: Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and extra herbs on top. Enjoy cold or at cool room temperature.