
This spaghetti salad brings bold Italian flavors to your table with a perfect blend of garden-fresh vegetables and zesty seasoning. The McCormick Salad Supreme mix elevates every bite with its signature savory kick.
Tossed with al dente pasta, crisp peppers, and tomatoes, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste in a simple, no-cook preparation. Ideal for picnics or potlucks.
Ingredients for Mccormick Salad Supreme Spaghetti Salad Recipe with Italian
Fresh vegetables, zesty seasoning, and al dente pasta create this vibrant no-cook dish.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti 🍝 | 8 oz | Uncooked, al dente when cooked |
| McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning 🌿 | 1 package | Original flavor preferred |
| Italian Dressing 🫒 | 1 cup | Zesty or creamy variety |
| Green Bell Pepper 🌽 | 1 whole | Diced into small pieces |
| Cherry Tomatoes 🍅 | 2 cups | Halved for easier eating |
| Red Onion 🧅 | ½ whole | Thinly sliced for sharpness |
| Cucumber 🥒 | 1 whole | Peeled and diced if desired |
| Black Olives 🫒 | ½ cup | Sliced, canned or fresh |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 1 cup | Sharp or mild variety |
| Pepperoni 🌶️ | 3 ½ oz | Sliced into thin strips |
| Fresh Parsley 🌿 | ¼ cup | Chopped for garnish |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese 🧀 | ¼ cup | For finishing touch |
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The McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning is non-negotiable here—grab the original flavor for that signature kick. For the Italian dressing, Good Seasons or Wish-Bone deliver the right tang. Bell peppers should be crisp and bright green (or red/yellow if you prefer). The spaghetti needs to hold up to mixing, so cook it just past al dente. Most grocery stores carry everything you need in the pasta aisle and produce section.
No Salad Supreme? Substitute with Italian seasoning plus garlic powder and onion salt. Skip the pepperoni for a lighter version, or swap in salami if that’s what you have. Cheddar can be Colby Jack or Monterey Jack—whatever melts well. Fresh tomatoes work if you’re out of cherry, but they’ll release more liquid. The olives are optional, but they add that briny pop.
Assemble this up to 24 hours ahead—the flavors meld beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Best served chilled, but it tastes great straight from the fridge. Perfect for picnics (keep it on ice) or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Cook Chopping: I just toss pre-cooked spaghetti with diced bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes—no stove time.
- Zesty Punch: The Salad Supreme seasoning plus Italian dressing gives it that herby, tangy kick I crave.
- Picnic Ready: Honestly, it travels better than any pasta salad I’ve made, and stays fresh for days.
- Budget Stretch: One box of spaghetti and a few veggies feeds my family twice, with zero waste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for McCormick Salad Supreme Spaghetti Salad With Italian
This method ensures maximum flavor infusion with every fresh, vibrant ingredient.
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz Spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. I always set a timer for 1 minute less than the package suggests to prevent overcooking.
Drain the pasta immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial—it keeps the noodles firm and prevents them from turning mushy when mixed with the dressing.
Transfer the cooled spaghetti to a large mixing bowl. The pasta should be completely cool to the touch before proceeding to the next step to maintain the salad’s crisp texture.
Step 2: Prepare and Combine the Fresh Vegetables
Dice the 1 whole Green Bell Pepper into small, even pieces. Halve the 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes to release their juices. Thinly slice the 0.5 whole Red Onion for a sharp, clean bite. Peel and dice the 1 whole Cucumber if desired—this adds a refreshing crunch.
Add these prepared vegetables to the bowl with the spaghetti. Slice the 0.5 cup Black Olives and fold them in as well. I prefer to add the olives last to avoid crushing them during mixing.
The vegetables should glisten with freshness, and their colors should remain vibrant. If any ingredient looks wilted or dull, replace it—freshness is non-negotiable here.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dressing and Seasoning
Pour the 1 cup Italian Dressing evenly over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the 1 package McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning over the top. This blend adds a perfect balance of herbs and spices that elevate the dish.
Using a large spoon or tongs, gently fold everything together until the spaghetti and vegetables are evenly coated. The dressing should cling lightly to each ingredient without pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You’ll notice the pasta begins to absorb the dressing slightly, which enhances the overall taste.
Step 4: Add Cheeses, Pepperoni, and Final Touches
Slice the 3.5 oz Pepperoni into thin strips and add them to the bowl. This adds a salty, savory contrast to the fresh vegetables. Fold in the 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese—it should be distributed evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Sprinkle the 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley over the salad for a burst of color and herby freshness. Gently toss once more to incorporate all the ingredients without crushing the delicate elements.
The parsley should look bright green and freshly chopped. If it starts to wilt or darken, add it just before serving to preserve its vibrancy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese evenly over the top. This final touch adds a rich, nutty depth that ties all the flavors together.
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to fully develop and the ingredients to marry beautifully.
Serve the salad cold, ensuring each portion includes a mix of pasta, vegetables, pepperoni, and cheeses. The texture should be crisp and refreshing, with every bite delivering a harmony of zesty and savory notes.
Pro Tips For Making Mccormick Salad Supreme Spaghetti Salad Recipe With Italian
- Salt the pasta water: Use 1-2 tablespoons of salt in your boiling water—this is the only chance to season the spaghetti itself, and it makes a real difference with the bold Italian dressing flavors.
- Chop veggies small: Dice the green bell pepper and halve the cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces so every forkful gets a balanced mix of pasta, seasoning, and fresh crunch.
- Cool pasta completely: Rinse the cooked spaghetti under cold water until cool to the touch before mixing—hot pasta wilts the veggies and thins the dressing.
- Marinate 1 hour: After tossing everything together, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour so the Salad Supreme seasoning and Italian dressing fully penetrate the pasta.
Health Benefits of These Flavors
Nutrient-Packed Veggies
This dish is loaded with fresh vegetables that bring more than just flavor. The 2 cups cherry tomatoes provide a hefty dose of lycopene and vitamin C, while the green bell pepper offers vitamin A and fiber. I love how these ingredients make every bite both delicious and nutritious. 💪
Healthy Fats Balance
The Italian dressing and cheeses contribute healthy fats that help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the veggies. The 1 cup shredded cheddar also provides calcium for strong bones. It’s a tasty way to get essential nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
Protein Boost
With 3.5 oz pepperoni and two types of cheese, this salad delivers a satisfying protein punch. The 1 cup cheddar alone provides about 24g of protein, making this dish more filling than your average pasta salad. Perfect for keeping energy levels steady throughout the day.
Low-Calorie Option
At roughly 300-350 calories per serving, this is a lighter alternative to many pasta dishes. The fresh vegetables bulk up the salad without adding many calories. I find it’s a great option when I want something hearty but still relatively light.
Antioxidant Rich
The black olives and tomatoes are packed with antioxidants that help combat inflammation. The McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning also contains herbs like oregano, which has its own antioxidant properties. It’s a flavorful way to support your immune system. ✨
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after 24 hours in the fridge. The flavors meld together beautifully, but keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for pepperoni?
Try salami, ham, or even grilled chicken for a different twist. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat or add chickpeas for extra protein.
How do I prevent soggy pasta?
Rinse the cooked spaghetti under cold water immediately to stop cooking. Drain well before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Rotini, penne, or farfalle work well. Just cook until al dente and adjust dressing quantity if needed.
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