Silly String Noodle Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing pasta salad with crunchy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy lime dressing, served chilled for a fun, no-cook side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cools, dice 1/2 cup red bell pepper, 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, and 1/4 cup red onion into 1/4-inch pieces.
  3. Step 3: Halve 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes and combine with 1/4 cup rinsed black beans and 1/4 cup corn in a large bowl.
  4. Step 4: Add cooled spaghetti to the bowl with vegetables, then whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to make the dressing.
  5. Step 5: Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss gently until evenly coated; fold in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, then serve cold.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Silly String Noodle Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Silly String Noodle Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Silly String Noodle Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Silly String Noodle Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Silly String Noodle Salad?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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