Spaghetti Pasta Salad with McCormick Salad Supreme

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This easy Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a cold Italian-style side dish made with thin spaghetti noodles, fresh summer vegetables, and zesty Italian dressing — no cooking beyond the pasta, no heavy sauces, and no last-minute prep since it’s best made ahead and chilled. The secret ingredient is McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning, which pulls every flavor together in one toss.

This recipe has been in my rotation for over 20 years — the first time I made it, I was immediately won over by how simple and fresh it tasted. There’s nothing complicated here, and that’s exactly the point.

It travels well to potlucks and picnics, works with whatever fresh, crunchy vegetables you have on hand, and comes together so quickly you can even assemble it tableside if you have the noodles cooked ahead of time.

It’s one of those recipes that disappears fast — kids and adults both reach for seconds.

Ingredient Notes for Italian Pasta Salad

• Thin spaghetti noodles | The thinner strands soak up the dressing better than a thicker pasta and make for easier bites in a salad like this. Really any pasta shape works well here.
• English cucumber | I prefer English cucumber since it holds up well after chilling. A regular cucumber works fine if you peel it first.
• Green bell pepper | Adds a bit of crunch and a slightly bitter flavor. Swap in red bell pepper or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter bite.
• Sweet onion | Chopped small, it adds a little bite without overpowering the other vegetables. Vidalia onion is my go-to here.

• Cherry or grape tomatoes| Sliced in half, they add juicy pops of freshness throughout the salad! Regular tomatoes can work too, just seed them first so the salad doesn’t get watery.
• Sliced black olives | A briny, salty contrast to the sweet dressing and fresh vegetables. Leave them out if olives aren’t your thing.
• Italian salad dressing | This is what ties the whole salad together and keeps the noodles from drying out. A full 16-ounce bottle sounds like a lot, but the pasta really soaks it up.
• McCormick’s Salad Supreme Seasoning | It’s a blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and cheese that adds bold, distinctive flavor — you’ll find it in the spice aisle near the other seasoning blends.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the parmesan garnish for fresh mozzarella. If you like a milder, creamier finish, grate or shred a little fresh mozzarella over the top instead of parmesan.
• Chop the vegetables to your liking. Dice everything smaller for a finer, more uniform salad, or leave the pieces larger if you prefer a chunkier bite. Either way works well here.
• Add salami or pepperoni. For a heartier, more filling salad, stir in some diced salami or pepperoni along with the vegetables.
• Add more veggies. Fresh broccoli florets, carrots, and green onions all work well — add whatever is fresh and crunchy.
• Skip the store-bought and make your own salad seasoning at home.

How to Make Spaghetti Salad

STEP 1 | Cook the pasta

First, cook spaghetti noodles as directed on the packaging until it is al dente. Drain well and add the warm pasta to a large mixing bowl.

STEP 2 | Add the prepped vegetables

Then, dice the cucumber, green bell peppers, and onion, and add them to the bowl. Also, half the tomatoes and add them to the bowl.

STEP 3 | Add seasoning and dressing

Sprinkle on the seasoning and toss with the Italian dressing. Cover and refrigerate the bowl to chill until you’re ready to serve. If desired, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage Tips

To store: Keep leftover spaghetti pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Freezing isn’t recommended, since the vegetables and noodles will turn mushy once thawed.

What to Serve With Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Cold pasta salad and the grill go hand in hand at our house. I love it next to Italian Grilled Chicken or a Hawaiian Burger fresh off the grill. It would also be delicious with Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs, or a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and a big pot of Easy Baked Beans!