McCormick Salad Supreme Spaghetti Salad Recipe With Italian: Zesty Garden Freshness

This refreshing pasta dish brings together garden-fresh vegetables and Italian flair with minimal effort. The Salad Supreme seasoning delivers a bold flavor boost that elevates simple ingredients into something special.

Perfect for potlucks or light lunches, this salad stays fresh for days. The combination of crisp veggies, al dente pasta, and zesty seasoning makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients for Mccormick Salad Supreme Spaghetti Salad Recipe with Italian

Garden vegetables meet zesty Italian flavors in this refreshing pasta dish with minimal effort.

The Salad Supreme seasoning is non-negotiable here—McCormick’s original blend delivers that signature tangy-sweet kick. For the pasta, De Cecco or Barilla hold up best to the dressing without turning mushy. Look for firm, unblemished vegetables—the cucumber should be deep green, not waxy. Most supermarkets carry everything you need, but farmers markets have superior tomatoes and peppers in season.

Short on time? Pre-diced veggies from the salad bar work fine (just give them a quick rinse). No pepperoni? Salami or diced ham at the same quantity. For a lighter version, turkey pepperoni or extra cheese adds substance without heaviness. The dressing can be homemade—olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning—but store-bought zesty Italian is honestly easier and just as good.

This salad stays crisp for 3-4 days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container and toss before serving. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so make it a day ahead if possible. Freezing isn’t recommended—pasta gets mushy when thawed.

Step-by-Step Instructions for McCormick Salad Supreme Spaghetti Salad

This method ensures every bite delivers vibrant flavors and perfect texture.

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pasta

Break the 12 oz Spaghetti Pasta in half and boil in salted water according to package directions until al dente. I find breaking the strands helps distribute the other ingredients more evenly throughout the dish.

Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much dressing later. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl—this will be your base for the entire salad.

Step 2: Chop and Combine Fresh Vegetables

Halve the 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes, dice the 1 whole English Cucumber, thinly slice the 0.5 whole Red Onion, and dice the 1 whole Green Bell Pepper. Add these to the bowl with the pasta.

Stir in the 0.5 cup Black Olives (sliced) and the 4 oz Pepperoni (sliced into strips). The combination of crisp raw vegetables and the soft pasta creates a satisfying texture contrast that makes this dish so appealing.

Step 3: Season and Dress the Salad

Sprinkle the entire 1 package McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning evenly over the pasta and vegetable mixture. This blend contains the perfect balance of herbs and spices to complement the Italian flavors.

Pour all 1 cup Italian Dressing over the contents of the bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the zesty dressing. The seasoning and dressing should create a vibrant, aromatic base before the final additions.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Final Touches

Fold in the 1.5 cups Cheddar Cheese (cubed) to add sharp, creamy elements to the dish. The cheese should be visible in every serving, offering bursts of flavor with each bite.

Finally, sprinkle the 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) over the top. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that brightens the entire composition. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips for This Recipe

Overnight Flavor Boost

This dish tastes even better the next day. I always make it at least 12 hours ahead so the pasta absorbs the dressing and seasoning fully. The flavors deepen overnight, transforming it from good to extraordinary. 💡

Pasta Prep Trick

Cook the spaghetti 1 minute less than package directions for perfect al dente texture. Rinse immediately under cold water to stop cooking. This prevents mushy pasta when stored with dressing.

Storage Containers

Use a large airtight container with a tight-fitting lid—I prefer glass for visibility. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The salad stays crisp if you don’t overfill the container.

Last-Minute Additions

Add the 1.5 cups Cheddar Cheese and ¼ cup Fresh Parsley just before serving. This keeps the cheese from getting soggy and the parsley from wilting. The colors stay vibrant too.

Portion Control

Divide into individual meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches. Each serving stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge. I use 16 oz mason jars for easy transport.

Reviving Leftovers

If the salad seems dry after storage, add 2-3 tbsp Italian Dressing and toss gently. This refreshes the flavors without making it soggy. A quick stir brings it back to life. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions