Spaghetti Angel Salad and Dressing Recipe

Angel Hair Pasta Delight!

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Spaghetti Angel Salad Recipe - (Salads & Slaws)

Summer is synonymous with light, refreshing meals, and what could be more perfect than a vibrant, tangy pasta salad? Today, we're diving into the delightful world of Spaghetti Angel Salad, a classic recipe that has stood the test of time for its simplicity and incredible flavor. This isn't just your average pasta salad; it's a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more.

A Nostalgic Favorite with a Modern Twist

Spaghetti Angel Salad, often referred to as "Angel Hair Salad," has been a staple at picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbecues for generations. Its appeal lies in its easy preparation and the way it balances sweet, salty, and acidic notes. The original recipe, often featuring the iconic McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning, is a testament to the power of simple ingredients.

But don't let its simplicity fool you. This salad is incredibly versatile, lending itself to a multitude of variations and additions. Whether you're a purist or an adventurous foodie, there's a version of this salad that's perfect for you.

The Magic of the Ingredients

Let's break down the key components that make this salad so irresistible:

• Angel Hair Pasta: Its delicate strands provide a light and airy base, absorbing the dressing beautifully without becoming heavy. Breaking the pasta into 1-inch pieces ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced.
• Fresh Vegetables: The combination of finely chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions adds a burst of color, flavor, and crunch. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the slight bitterness of the peppers, and the pungent bite of the onions create a harmonious blend.
• The Signature Dressing: The vinegar-oil dressing is the heart of this salad. The balance of sugar, salt, pepper, and vinegar creates a tangy-sweet profile that complements the vegetables perfectly. Blending it ensures a smooth, emulsified dressing that coats every strand of pasta.
• McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning: This seasoning blend, a classic ingredient, adds a unique savory and slightly tangy depth of flavor that's hard to replicate.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Salad

• Don't Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better in salads.
• Rinse and Dry Thoroughly: This step is crucial for preventing a watery salad. Cold water stops the cooking process and helps the pasta firm up.
• Finely Chop the Vegetables: Small, uniform pieces ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
• Let It Marinate: The overnight chill allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
• Stir Before Serving: The dressing tends to settle at the bottom, so a gentle stir ensures that every serving is perfectly dressed.

Variations to Spark Your Creativity

• Add Other Vegetables: Cucumber, zucchini, celery, and carrots are excellent additions.
• Incorporate Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas add substance and make it a complete meal.
• Experiment with Cheese: Feta, mozzarella, or parmesan add a creamy, salty dimension.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a kick.
• Herbal Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano elevate the flavors.
• Change the Dressing: Italian dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, or a lemon-herb dressing offer exciting alternatives.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Potluck

While Spaghetti Angel Salad is a potluck superstar, it's also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats, fish, or poultry.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
• Appetizer: Serve it in small bowls or on crostini for a delightful starter.
• Picnic Essential: Pack it in a cooler for a perfect outdoor feast.

A Salad for Every Season

While it's a summer favorite, Spaghetti Angel Salad can be adapted for any season. In autumn, add roasted vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes. In winter, incorporate hearty greens like kale or spinach. In spring, asparagus and peas make delightful additions.

Embrace the Simplicity

Spaghetti Angel Salad is a reminder that the best dishes are often the simplest. With a few basic ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can create a culinary masterpiece that's both delicious and satisfying. So, grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a taste of summer with this timeless classic!

Spaghetti Angel Salad is a classic dish that is perfect for summer. It is made with angel hair pasta, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and a vinegar-oil dressing. This salad is easy to make and can be customized to your liking.

The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. package angel hair spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces
• 1-2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 small bell pepper (any color), finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/8 cup McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning

Vinegar-Oil Dressing:

• 1/2 cup salad oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)

Instructions:

1. Cook the angel hair spaghetti according to the package directions.
2. Drain the cooked spaghetti well, rinse it thoroughly with cold water, and allow it to dry completely.
3. Finely chop the tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and dried spaghetti, chopped tomatoes, chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, and McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning.
5. In a blender, combine the salad oil, sugar, salt, pepper, and vinegar. Blend until the dressing is smooth and emulsified (the oil and vinegar are fully combined).
6. Pour the dressing over the spaghetti mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad overnight. Before serving, stir the salad from the bottom to redistribute the dressing.

Notes:

• For best results, allow the salad to chill for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
• You can adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar in the dressing to your preference.
• The type of bell pepper used is up to personal preference.
• Ensure the spaghetti is well drained and dry, to prevent a watery salad.

Tips:

• To make this salad ahead of time, you can cook the spaghetti and chop the vegetables up to 2 days in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• If you don't have a blender, you can whisk the dressing together in a bowl.
• This salad is best served chilled, but it can also be served at room temperature.

Variations:

• Add other vegetables to the salad, such as cucumbers, zucchini, or carrots.
• Use a different type of pasta, such as rotini or penne.
• Add protein to the salad, such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Use a different type of dressing, such as Italian dressing or ranch dressing.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this salad as a side dish or main course.
• It is also a great dish to bring to a potluck or picnic.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this delicious and refreshing Spaghetti Angel Salad recipe. It is a perfect summer dish that is sure to please everyone.

Additional Information:

• This recipe is adapted from the McCormick Spaghetti Angel Salad recipe. See their Salad Supreme recipe here.
• I have included a picture of the finished salad in the blog post.

I would love to hear from you if you have any questions or comments about this recipe. Please leave a comment below or contact me through my website.

If you are looking for a dessert to go with this recipe, you might like the recipe I shared yesterday. It is called "Oh My Chocolate!" Cake Recipe.

Keep On Cooking!
-The Recipe Guy

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