McCormick Salad Supreme Spaghetti Salad Recipe With Italian: Zesty Herb-Infused Pasta Delight

Ingredients

• 12 oz Spaghetti
• 1 package McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning
• 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes
• 1 whole Cucumber
• 0.5 whole Red Onion
• 1 whole Green Bell Pepper
• 0.5 cup Black Olives
• 4 oz Feta Cheese
• 0.5 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 0.25 cup Red Wine Vinegar
• 0.25 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook and Cool the Pasta Properly: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 oz Spaghetti and cook according to package directions for al dente texture. The pasta should have a slight bite when tested—this prevents it from turning mushy when dressed. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. I always shake the colander gently to remove excess water, then spread the pasta on a baking sheet to cool completely. This step is crucial—warm pasta will absorb the dressing unevenly and make the salad gummy.

2. 2

   Prepare and Combine All Vegetables: While the pasta cools, prep your vegetables. Halve the 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes, dice the 1 whole Cucumber (seeds removed), thinly slice the 0.5 whole Red Onion, and dice the 1 whole Green Bell Pepper into small, even pieces. Slice the 0.5 cup Black Olives if using whole. Combine all these in a large bowl with the cooled spaghetti. I like to use my hands to gently toss everything together—this distributes the ingredients evenly without breaking the pasta. The colors should pop against each other, creating that signature Mediterranean look.

3. 3

   Whisk Together the Zesty Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the 0.5 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, 0.25 cup Red Wine Vinegar, 0.25 cup Mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard, 1 package McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning, 0.5 tsp Salt, and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper. Whisk vigorously until fully emulsified—the mixture should thicken slightly and become glossy. I always taste and adjust the seasoning at this point, adding a pinch more salt if needed. The dressing should have a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the pasta and cheese.

4. 4

   Assemble and Chill for Maximum Flavor: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Add the 4 oz Feta Cheese (crumbled) and toss gently to coat everything evenly. The feta should start to break down slightly, creating creamy pockets throughout the salad. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (I prefer 2 hours for deeper flavor development). This chilling time allows the pasta to absorb the dressing and the herbs in the seasoning to fully bloom. Stir once halfway through to redistribute the flavors.

5. 5

   Garnish and Serve at Peak Freshness: Just before serving, sprinkle the 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) over the top and give it one final toss. The parsley adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note that brightens up the entire dish. Serve immediately while still chilled. Each forkful should deliver a balance of tangy dressing, briny olives, sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta against the backdrop of perfectly cooked pasta. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits, but it's at its peak within the first 4 hours of chilling.