Grandpa Pete’s Cold Garlic Pasta Salad | Summer BBQ Side Dish

This refreshing Cold Garlic Pasta Salad is a beloved Serro family favorite — and a perfect side dish for summer cookouts, BBQs, or casual gatherings. Made with Grandpa Pete’s Garlic Sauce and thin spaghetti, this dish is packed with bold flavor and is easy to prepare. With simple tweaks, it can also be made gluten-free or vegan, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser from coast to coast. 

Ingredients:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook thin spaghetti until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
2. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to cool. Drain well.
3. Transfer pasta to a large bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste and toss to combine.
4. Pour in Grandpa Pete’s Garlic Sauce and stir thoroughly to ensure the sauce coats every strand of pasta. Mixing well is essential for the full, bold flavor of this dish.
5. Add chopped fresh basil (or dried basil) and mix very well so the herbs are evenly distributed.
6. Place the pasta salad on a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with grated cheese.
7. Serve chilled. This pasta salad is perfect for outdoor cookouts, BBQs, or as a flavorful side dish anytime.

Notes:

*For a gluten-free version, substitute thin spaghetti with Grandpa Pete’s Gluten-Free Pasta or a high-quality gluten-free pasta.
For a vegan-friendly option, use a vegan cheese substitute in place of Parmesan or Romano.