Creamy Confetti Spaghetti Salad – A Colorful, Crowd-Pleasing Classic
This Creamy Confetti Spaghetti Salad is a fresh and fun twist on the traditional pasta salad. Tender spaghetti pieces are tossed with crunchy vegetables and a tangy, creamy dressing that ties everything together. It’s vibrant, nostalgic, and perfect for potlucks, summer picnics, or easy weekday lunches. Each bite is a mix of textures and flavors that keep everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🎉 Bright & colorful: A rainbow of fresh veggies makes this salad as pretty as it is delicious.
- 🥗 Make-ahead friendly: The flavor gets even better after chilling overnight.
- 🍝 Simple pantry ingredients: No hard-to-find items—just real, comforting flavors.
- 🍽️ Perfect for gatherings: Great for barbecues, potlucks, or meal prep lunches.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 (16 oz) package spaghetti, broken into 1–2 inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1½ tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Break the spaghetti into 1–2 inch pieces. Boil in salted water until al dente, then drain and let cool for about 15 minutes.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with red pepper, onion, cucumber, celery, and corn.
- Dress It Up: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Chill & Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold and enjoy!
Chef Tips & Variations
- 🥒 Add crunch: Try chopped dill pickles or diced carrots for extra texture.
- 🧄 Make it zesty: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- 🧀 Switch up the cheese: Feta or Colby Jack add a new flavor twist.
- 🌿 Fresh herbs: Stir in chopped parsley or dill just before serving.
Storage
- Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Stir before serving to refresh the dressing consistency.
- Not freezer-friendly due to the creamy base.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or elbows work great—just keep the same pasta-to-dressing ratio.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavors develop even more after a few hours in the fridge.
What protein can I add?
Grilled chicken, diced ham, or shrimp turn this side dish into a full meal.
Creamy Confetti Spaghetti Salad
Yield: 8 servings | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Chill Time: 1 hr | Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
Ingredients
- Spaghetti, diced vegetables, and corn
- Mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, vinegar, Dijon
- Seasonings: sugar, Worcestershire, onion powder, salt, pepper
Directions
- Cook and cool the spaghetti.
- Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Toss pasta with veggies and dressing, chill before serving.
Chef Tip: Chill overnight for even bolder flavor and creamier texture.
💬 Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment or tag @SmartCookRecipes on Instagram and show off your colorful creation 🥗🎉.