This Cold Spaghetti Salad Recipe with Marinated Tomatoes is a refreshing, no-fuss dish packed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a lemony garlic dressing. We toss al dente angel hair pasta with marinated tomatoes, drizzle it in extra virgin olive oil, and finish it with shaved Parmesan for a salad that tastes like summer in every bite.
Prefer a heartier salad with protein that skips the carbs? Try our Italian White Bean Salad with Parmesan Vinaigrette!
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Cold spaghetti salads are a warm-weather favorite, blending the comfort of pasta with crisp, fresh vegetables and zesty dressings. Unlike mayo-based salads, this version stays light and bright thanks to a lemon-garlic vinaigrette.
Inspired by Italian flavors, it pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp.
If you like this pasta salad recipe, you may also love our Pesto Tortellini Recipe or our Zesty Italian Pasta Salad.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Fresh Summer Flavor: Juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil shine with a quick lemony marinade.
- Quick & Easy: Just 15 minutes of prep and 8 minutes to boil pasta.
- Family-Friendly: A mild and delicious dish even picky eaters enjoy.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Looks elegant on the table and holds up well at room temperature.
Cold Spaghetti Salad Recipe Ingredients
We keep things simple and fresh for this cold pasta salad:
- Angel Hair or Thin Spaghetti: We use angel hair for its light texture, but any thin spaghetti works great.
- Campari & Wild Wonders Tomatoes: These varieties offer a mix of sweetness, acidity, and color. We like to cut them into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of the dressing, adding richness and depth.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and keeps the flavors clean.
- Garlic: We finely chop 2-3 small cloves for just the right kick. Add more if you like!
- Fresh Basil: A must-have! Chop some and reserve a few leaves whole.
- Shaved Parmesan: Adds savory bite and richness to the salad.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle warmth.
- Kosher Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to round things out.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Tomatoes: Swap in cherry tomatoes or heirlooms.
- Spaghetti Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter take.
- Flavor: Add diced red onion or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra tang.
- Spice Level: Skip the red pepper flakes.
- Presentation: Serve on a large platter with burrata or mozzarella balls in the center.
How To Make Cold Spaghetti Salad Recipe with Marinated Tomatoes
STEP ONE: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and basil.
STEP TWO: Marinate the Tomatoes
Add chopped Campari and Wild Wonders tomatoes to the dressing. Toss gently and stir in most of the shaved Parmesan. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
STEP THREE: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and let cool briefly.
STEP FOUR: Combine and Serve
Toss the cooled pasta with marinated tomatoes. Finish with red pepper flakes, whole basil leaves, and extra Parmesan.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
✔️ DO Toss pasta while it's still slightly warm to absorb flavor.
✔️ DO Marinate your tomatoes at least 30 minutes to bring out the garlic flavor and natural sweetness.
Storage
Store leftover marinated tomato salad with pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Best served cold or at room temperature. We don’t recommend freezing. If needed, revive with a splash of olive oil and lemon before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, and we recommend it! Marinate the tomatoes by giving this dish a short chill. Just give it a gentle toss before serving.
Absolutely. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein. It turns this side dish into a full summer meal.
Cold pasta salad made without dairy or mayonnaise can safely sit out for up to 2 hours at room temperature, according to USDA food safety guidelines. If the temperature is above 90°F, like at an outdoor picnic or BBQ, that time drops to just 1 hour. To keep it fresh longer, place the serving bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice, especially if you’re serving outside in the summer heat.
Yes! Leftover spaghetti is perfect for cold salads. Rinse the pasta under cold water, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and mix in your toppings and dressing.
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📖 Recipe
Cold Spaghetti Salad with Marinated Tomatoes
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Medium saucepan or stock pot
- Sharp knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- 6-8 oz angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti
- 1 lb Campari tomatoes quartered
- 2 pints Wild Wonders tomatoes halved and quartered
- 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ¼–½ cup chopped fresh basil plus whole leaves for garnish
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, chopped garlic, kosher salt, and chopped basil.
- Add Campari and Wild Wonders tomatoes to the bowl. Toss gently to coat in the marinade. Stir in most of the Parmesan. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes if time allows.
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool briefly.
- Add the drained pasta to the bowl with marinated tomatoes. Toss gently until evenly coated. Season with red pepper flakes and black pepper. Garnish with extra shaved Parmesan and whole basil leaves.
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Notes
- Tomatoes: Swap in cherry tomatoes or heirlooms.
- Spaghetti Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter take.
Jami Powell says
The best summer salad!