Mediterranean Spaghetti Pasta Salad

This creamy spaghetti pasta salad is packed with bold Mediterranean flavors and comes together in just 30 minutes – perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners.

Easy Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients which means it’s easy to throw together last minute!
• Loaded with briny olives, earthy artichoke hearts, tangy capers, and creamy mozzarella, tossed in creamy dressing with al dente spaghetti for a deliciously flavorful side dish or weeknight main.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Salad

• Spaghetti: The base of the dish – al dente spaghetti gives just the right amount of bite. Substitute with bucatini or angel hair if preferred.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Adds a creamy, mild richness. Use fresh mozzarella pearls instead. Or swap with feta for a saltier twist.
• Baby Arugula: Offers a peppery bite that balances the creamy dressing. Swap with spinach if needed.
• Castelvetrano Olives: Buttery and mild. Green olives or kalamatas work too.
• Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Add tangy, herby flavor and texture. Canned artichokes work too, but will have slightly less flavor.
• Capers: Provide salty, briny pops throughout the salad. If you haven’t tried capers before, this dish is a great place to start!
• Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add savory depth and chew. Dry sun-dried tomatoes will also work, but aren’t as flavorful.
• Red Onion: Offers crispness and sharp flavor. Yellow onion would work as a substitute.
• Toasted Pine Nuts: Add rich, nutty crunch. Use chopped walnuts or almonds as a budget-friendly substitute.
• Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Forms the creamy dressing base with tang. Use either based on your flavor preference. Stick with full-fat instead of fat-free or low-fat for the best flavor and texture.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Heavy Cream: Loosens the dressing and adds creaminess. Half and half also works.
• Olive Oil: Brings body and Mediterranean flavor to the dressing.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note.
• Dijon Mustard: Gives tang and depth to the dressing.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Cuts the richness and brightens everything up.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds classic herbs like oregano and basil.
• Garlic: Grated fresh garlic brings bold flavor. Garlic powder could work in a pinch.

How to Make Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Cook the spaghetti. Boil spaghetti until al dente, then toss with olive oil and set aside to cool.

Prepare the salad ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled spaghetti, mozzarella, arugula, olives, artichokes, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and pine nuts.

Mix the dressing. Whisk together yogurt or sour cream, mayo, heavy cream, olive oil, parsley, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.

Add the dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad.

Toss it together. Toss gently until evenly coated. Serve chilled.

Tips for Making Spaghetti Pasta Salad

• Don’t overcook the pasta – al dente holds up best in creamy dressings.
• Chill the pasta completely before adding dressing to avoid wilting the greens.
• Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice before serving.
• Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to bulk up this pasta salad.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• The best part is you can prepare this entire pasta salad in advance!
• If preparing a few hours in advance, add half the dressing intitially. Then add the remaining dressing just before serving.
• If preparing a few days in advance, store the dressing separate until just before serving for the freshest texture.

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Toss with a splash of olive oil, milk, or cream to loosen up the dressing.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• BBQ pork sandwiches
• Big Mac cheeseburger sliders
• Hawaiian ham and cheese sliders
• easy salmon burgers
• simple smash burgers

Try these easy pasta salads next!