
This spaghetti salad brings garden-fresh flavors to your table with minimal effort. The combination of McCormick Salad Supreme and Italian dressing creates a zesty base that elevates every bite.
Tender pasta meets crisp vegetables in a dish that’s perfect for potlucks or summer meals. The seasoning blend and dressing work together to deliver bold taste without extra fuss.
Ingredients for Mccormick Salad Supreme Spaghetti Salad Recipe with Italian
Pantry staples plus fresh veggies. Bold, zesty flavors with minimal effort.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti Pasta 🍝 | 8 oz | Uncooked, broken in half for easier serving |
| Cherry Tomatoes 🍅 | 2 cups | Halved for better distribution |
| Cucumber 🥒 | 1 whole | Medium, diced with peel on |
| Red Onion 🧅 | ½ whole | Thinly sliced for mild bite |
| Green Bell Pepper 🌶️ | 1 whole | Diced into small pieces |
| Black Olives 🫒 | ½ cup | Sliced, pitted variety |
| Italian Dressing 🥛 | 1 cup | Use full-fat for richness |
| McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning 🌿 | 2 tbsp | Original blend preferred |
| Feta Cheese 🧀 | ½ cup | Crumbled for even coating |
| Fresh Parsley 🌿 | ¼ cup | Chopped, for garnish |
| Olive Oil 🫒 | 2 tbsp | Extra-virgin for best flavor |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
The seasoning blend is key here. McCormick Salad Supreme is the star—grab it from the spice aisle at any major grocery store. For the Italian dressing, Good Seasons or Wish-Bone work great, but any bold Italian will do. The pasta should be al dente (check the package time and subtract a minute). Fresh veggies make all the difference, so hit the produce section last on your shopping trip.
No Salad Supreme? Homemade blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, celery salt, and paprika gets you close. Swap feta for shredded cheddar if that’s what you’ve got. The olives can be green instead of black (or skip them if you’re not a fan). Want more crunch? Add shredded carrots or radishes—no prep beyond dicing.
This keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days—the flavors actually improve overnight. Store in an airtight container, and toss before serving since the dressing settles. Perfect for make-ahead lunches or potluck contributions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- I’ll be real: it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld in the fridge.
- No-Cook Chopping: I just toss pre-cooked spaghetti with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper—no stove time after the pasta’s done.
- Zesty Italian Kick: The McCormick Salad Supreme blend plus Italian dressing gives every bite that tangy, herby punch I crave.
- Picnic to Potluck: Honestly, it’s my go-to for summer barbecues, work lunches, or even a quick dinner on the patio.
Step-by-Step Instructions for McCormick Salad Supreme Spaghetti Salad
Here’s how to build layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable.
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Spaghetti Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz Spaghetti Pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, but avoid over-stirring, which can break the strands.
Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the noodles firm and prevents them from turning mushy once dressed. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prep and Combine the Fresh Vegetables
In a separate large bowl, combine the 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved), diced 1 whole Cucumber (with peel on), thinly sliced 0.5 whole Red Onion, diced 1 whole Green Bell Pepper, and sliced 0.5 cup Black Olives. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly.
Drizzle the 2 tbsp Olive Oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with 0.5 tsp Salt and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper. This light seasoning enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them. Let the vegetables sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly.
Step 3: Season and Toss with Dressing and Cheese
Add the cooled spaghetti to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the 1 cup Italian Dressing evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the 2 tbsp McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning. This blend adds a zesty, herbaceous kick that ties everything together.
Toss everything gently but thoroughly with a large spoon or tongs, ensuring every strand of pasta and piece of vegetable is coated. Add the 0.5 cup Feta Cheese, crumbling it directly over the salad, and fold it in lightly to avoid breaking it into tiny pieces.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish for Maximum Flavor
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing, creating a more cohesive dish. For the best results, let it sit for 2-4 hours.
Just before serving, sprinkle the 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley over the top and toss once more to distribute the vibrant green flecks. The parsley adds a fresh, bright finish that balances the richness of the dressing and cheese. Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of garden-fresh flavors in every bite.
Pro Tips For Making Mccormick Salad Supreme Spaghetti Salad Recipe With Italian
- Salt the Pasta Water: Use at least 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water—this is the only chance to season the noodles themselves. I learned this the hard way after making bland spaghetti salad too many times.
- Drain the Veggies: After chopping the cucumbers and tomatoes, let them sit in a colander with a sprinkle of salt for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Sounds weird, but it works: no more watery salad.
- Skip the Overcooking: Pull the pasta off the heat 1 minute before the package says it’s done—it’ll finish cooking while you rinse it under cold water. After burning three batches, I finally figured out al dente is the way to go.
- Chill Before Mixing: Let the cooked pasta cool completely in the fridge for 20 minutes before tossing with the dressing and veggies. My grandmother swore by this, and she was right: the flavors stick better.
Regional Styles of This mccormick salad supreme spaghetti salad recipe with italian
Midwestern Potluck Style
In the Midwest, this dish often appears at summer potlucks with added sweet corn and shredded cheddar. The corn adds a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the zesty McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning. I love how it brings a homestyle feel to any gathering. 💛
Southern Picnic Twist
Down South, you might find diced pickles or jalapeños mixed in for a tangy kick. The pickles add a briny contrast, while jalapeños bring just enough heat to keep things interesting. It’s a refreshing change that still lets the Italian dressing shine.
California Fresh Approach
On the West Coast, this salad gets a lighter touch with avocado chunks and baby spinach. The avocado adds creaminess without overpowering the dish, while spinach boosts the fresh factor. It’s perfect for a sunny afternoon by the pool.
Italian Delicatessen Version
For an authentic Italian twist, swap the feta for cubed mozzarella and add sliced pepperoncini. The mozzarella is milder and blends seamlessly with the Italian dressing, while pepperoncini bring a subtle, tangy bite. 🌟
Greek-Inspired Variation
Channel Mediterranean flavors by adding Kalamata olives and chopped red onion. The Kalamata olives are richer and more robust than black olives, and the extra onion adds a sharpness that cuts through the creaminess of the feta.
Texas BBQ Style
In Texas, they might mix in smoked gouda and diced red bell pepper for a smoky depth. The gouda pairs surprisingly well with the Italian dressing, and the red bell pepper adds a sweet, crunchy element. It’s bold, just like everything else in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta work great. Just adjust cooking to al dente and cool completely before mixing. Short shapes hold dressing better than long strands.
How long can I store leftovers?
This salad stays fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as the pasta absorbs the dressing. Stir before serving.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Try crumbled goat cheese or cubed mozzarella. For a bolder taste, shredded cheddar or parmesan works too. Each adds a different texture and flavor profile.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Cook it 1 minute less than package instructions to prevent mushiness. All other ingredients remain the same.
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