Delicious Spaghetti Salad Recipe for Summer BBQs

It’s time to bring home the flavors of Luby’s Cafeteria with their famous Spaghetti Salad recipe! This dish is a refreshing and savory take on classic pasta salad that will be sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re trying to recreate a personal favorite or craving something new, this spaghetti salad recipe is worth your time.

Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad Recipe is a crowd-pleaser and serves as an indulgence for any pasta lover. You can’t go wrong with this pasta dish – it’s versatile, easy to make, and satisfying. It’s perfect for potlucks or picnics, backyard BBQs, and dinner parties. Plus, with our copycat version of this iconic recipe, you can enjoy a taste of Luby’s Cafeteria right in your own home!

One of the best things about this spaghetti salad recipe is the variety of flavors and textures that come together beautifully in every bite. Fresh tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, and parsley add pops of color while cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, seasoning salt, poppy seed, sesame seeds, Parmesan cheese bring warmth and depth.

Don’t waste another minute not knowing how to make this dish! Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and tips for perfect results. Your mouth will thank you for it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you tired of having the same side dishes every night with your dinner? Look no further than the Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad recipe. This recipe brings a delicious twist to traditional spaghetti that will leave your guests begging for more.

One of the reasons you will love this recipe is because of its versatility. The pasta salad can be served at any occasion, including family dinners and holiday celebrations. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a variety of meats, making it an ideal side dish.

In addition, the combination of fresh ingredients such as parsley, tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber mixed with the cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika creates an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. And let’s not forget about the parmesan cheese, poppy seed and sesame seeds that are included to give this dish even more depth and texture.

This recipe is also perfect for those who are health-conscious. You can easily swap out regular pasta noodles for tri-color or even macaroni for a healthier option. The Italian dressing can also be substituted for a healthier option such as Italian salad supreme dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette.

This salad recipe offers not only great taste but also convenience. It can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This makes it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy to whip up.

In conclusion, the Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad Recipe is the perfect side dish to accompany any meal. With its versatility, unique combination of flavors and healthy options available, this dish is sure to impress both you and your guests. Give it a try today and experience how this spaghetti salad puts an exciting spin on traditional spaghetti!

Ingredient List

Ingredients for Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad Recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad at home:

• 1 pound spaghetti, broken in half
• 16-ounce bottle Italian dressing
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 2 tablespoons poppy seed

These ingredients are pretty easy to find and might already be in your pantry. The fresh ingredients like parsley, red onion, tomatoes, and cucumber are what make this salad taste so fresh and flavorful.

The Recipe How-To

Cook spaghetti

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Generously salt the water as this will help to flavor the spaghetti. Add 1 pound of spaghetti broken half to the pot and cook it according to package instructions or until it is tender. Once done, drain the water and transfer the spaghetti to a large bowl.

Make dressing

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 16 oz bottle Italian dressing, 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, Salt, paprika, garlic powder, and Cayenne pepper. Be sure to mix these ingredients well.

Mix Spaghetti with dressing and veggies

Pour the salad dressing over the cooked spaghetti, following by adding 2 cups of cherry tomatoes (whole), 1 diced red onion, 1 diced cucumber, and ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss everything together in order to coat each ingredient with the dressing.

Add Sesame seed, Poppy seed and Parmesan cheese

Add two tablespoons each of Sesame seeds and Poppy seeds, followed by ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, to the salad mixture. Mix them well so that dressing mixes well into every ingredient.

Refrigerate before serving

Transfer your Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad Recipe into an air tight container and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving in order to give flavors some time to meld together. If you are serving this recipe for a large group or for a potluck or picnic party, transfer it into a large bowl instead of an air tight container.

Enjoy your Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad Recipe!

Substitutions and Variations

Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad Recipe offers a multitude of opportunities for substitutions and variations, making it a great choice for customizing to your palate. One option is to swap out some of the suggested vegetables for other alternatives that you may prefer or have on hand. For instance, you could use cherry tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes, or add shredded carrots in place of cucumbers.

Another option is to vary the spices and seasonings used in this recipe. You can adjust the amount or type of peppers used (cayenne pepper, black pepper or red pepper flakes) according to your preference, or switch up the ratio of garlic powder and paprika to create a unique blend of flavors. If you seek a more distinct flavor, consider adding dried Italian herbs like oregano or thyme to intensify the taste.

Furthermore, you may personalize your salad dressing by experimenting with other dressing options. Instead of bottled Italian dressing, whisk together a homemade vinaigrette using olive oil, white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard for tangy acidity. Another option could be switching up sauce with sweet and sour elements such as sweet chili sauce.

More than just a substitution guide, this recipe provides an array of variations suitable for any occasion or preference. You could toss in chopped olives for an added briny punch, or include diced ham, boiled eggs, broccoli florets and bell peppers to make it more filling and nutritious. For vegetarians another suggestion includes using meat alternatives such as crumbled tempeh or cooked tofu cold cuts.

Lastly, depending on the occasion for which you intend to serve the salad, there are multiple ways to alter its presentation. Adding tri-colored pasta instead of spaghetti noodles can make it more colorful and appealing. You may also elevate its look by topping with salad supreme mix (a blend of different seasonings) or crackling poppy seeds and sesame seeds on top of the cheese layer.

In conclusion, feel free to experiment with whatever ingredients you have handy and your taste buds will thank you. The Luby’s Spaghetti Salad recipe is versatile enough to accommodate different substitutions and variations while preserving its authenticity as a refreshing pasta salad loaded with flavors from a beloved restaurant chain.

Serving and Pairing

When it comes to serving and pairing this Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad, the possibilities are endless. This salad is perfect as a main dish or as a side dish, making it a versatile addition to any menu. When serving it as a main course, consider adding some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. You can also serve it with garlic bread to make a complete meal.

As a side dish, this salad pairs well with grilled steak or fish. Its tangy taste provides a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of meat dishes. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, for a lighter option.

This salad is best served chilled, making it an ideal dish for picnics and outdoor events. It’s also a great option for potlucks and parties since it can be easily made in large quantities.

When it comes to dressing options, you can transform this salad by using different Italian dressings or adding different spices and herbs. For example, you can try drizzling some balsamic vinaigrette on top for a sweet and tangy twist.

No matter what you choose to pair it with, this Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the great things about Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad is that it can easily be made ahead of time, making it an ideal dish for busy hosts who want to serve something delicious and hassle-free. Once prepared, the salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To make ahead, whisk together the salad dressing ingredients in a bowl and toss with the spaghetti noodles, vegetables and seasoning until well combined. Transfer the large bowl of spaghetti salad into smaller airtight containers or sealable bags that are easy to pack and store. Alternatively, if you plan to serve the entire recipe, just cover the large bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate.

When it comes time to serve, give the spaghetti salad a good toss to redistribute any dressing that may have settled on the bottom. If the salad seems too dry, simply drizzle additional Italian dressing over it, as needed. You can also add shredded Parmesan cheese and/or sesame seeds and poppy seed for added flavor.

If you have leftovers or want to pack this dish for lunch or picnic, you will be pleased to know that Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad holds up well when stored in the refrigerator. Simply transfer it into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store in the fridge until ready to use.

When reheating, I do not recommend microwaving this salad as it may dry out and become unappetizing. Instead, transfer the salad into a microwave-safe dish and heat over low heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can just allow it to come back to room temperature before serving.

Overall, this is a fantastic make-ahead dish that’s perfect for any occasion where time is of the essence. When stored properly in a temperature-controlled environment, this flavorful salad will easily make your day better every time you serve it.

Tips for Perfect Results

Creating a spaghetti salad that is both tender and flavorful can be challenging, but don’t let that discourage you. With the right ingredients and some helpful tips, you can make a Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad that tastes just like the original. Here are some of my best tips for achieving perfect results:

Firstly, undercook the spaghetti by a minute or two. Overcooked spaghetti can turn into mush after being tossed with dressing and other ingredients. So make sure to follow the package instructions to know the perfect time to stop boiling the pasta.

To save time, wash and chop all vegetables ahead of time. That way, it will be easy for you to toss them in with the pasta as soon as it’s done cooking without having to rush around the kitchen looking for your chopped veggies.

When it comes to seasoning, add slowly, taste along the way, and adjust accordingly. Start with small amounts of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or black pepper then add more if needed. Remember that you can always add more spices later but it’s much difficult to remove too much seasoning once you’ve added them.

Another tip is to gently shake off excess dressing during mixing until everything is coated nicely. You don’t want to overdress or underdress your salad as both will affect its taste.

For an optimal Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad experience, let your salad rest in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so that all flavors can blend together. This also allows time for the spaghetti noodles to fully absorb all the creamy goodness from your salad dressing.

Lastly, garnish with sesame seeds or additional grated parmesan cheese right before serving for an additional crunch and taste.

By following these tips, you’ll achieve a copycat Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad recipe so good that no one will believe it was homemade!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Luby’s Cafeteria Spaghetti Salad Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick and healthy lunch, a dinner party dish or a potluck contribution, this spaghetti salad recipe is sure to impress. With its refreshing combination of vegetables, seasoning and pasta, it’s no wonder why Luby Cafeteria brings its spaghetti salad to your table every day.

By following the step-by-step instructions in this article, you too can make this copycat Luby Cafeteria spaghetti salad at home. And with the option to substitute ingredients or add variations, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste buds.

So whether you’re a pasta lover or simply looking for a new recipe to try out in the kitchen, I highly recommend giving this recipe a go. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

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