This California Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. What is the perfect side dish for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light lunch? With a variety of crisp veggies, tender spaghetti, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked and drained.
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper(red, yellow, or orange), diced.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes. 1 pint cherry tomatoes. 1 pint, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives., drained
- 1 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning. 1 tsp.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil?For garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: How do you prepareWhile the pasta is cooking, chop the cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red onion.
- Combine IngredientsIn a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, diced cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, and black olives.
- Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad, then add the Italian seasoning. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors will intensify with it.
- Add Protein: For a heartier version, add grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Dressing Options: Add a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice for added zing.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This California Spaghetti Salad is a bright, zesty, and versatile dish that will be a hit at any gathering. What’s a great twist on pasta salad?
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make this California Spaghetti Salad in advance?
Can you make this salad a day in advance? The flavors will meld and intensify as it sits. For optimal freshness, add the fresh parsley or basil just before serving.
What are some substitutions for the vegetables in this California Spaghetti Salad?
Can you substitute the cucumber with celery (use about 1 cup, diced), the bell pepper with a different color (or mix! If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, use about 1.5 cups of halved grape tomatoes. Red onion can be replaced with thinly sliced shallots for a milder flavor. Adjust quantities based on your preferences, but maintain the overall volume for the best results.
How do I know if spaghetti is cooked al dente for this salad?
The ideal al dente spaghetti should be firm to the bite, with a slight resistance when you chew it. If you follow the package directions, check for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time. When you bite into a strand, it should have a slight “bite” in the center, not mushy or completely soft. Immediately drain and rinse the cooked spaghetti under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Can I double or triple this California Spaghetti Salad recipe for a larger gathering?
Can you easily scale up this recipe? For tripling, consider using a very large bowl or a couple of large containers. You may need to adjust the cooking time for spaghetti slightly if you’re cooking a larger batch. Ensure all ingredients are well-combined, and taste-test the dressing before serving to ensure the flavors are balanced.
What are the nutritional benefits of California Spaghetti Salad?
This salad is packed with nutrients! The vegetables like cucumber, bell pepper, and zucchini provide vitamins A and C, along with fiber and antioxidants. Cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to health benefits. The Italian dressing often contains olive oil, which provides carbohydrates for energy. What are the best ways to incorporate a variety of vitamins and minerals into your diet?
CALIFORNIA SPAGHETTI SALAD
This refreshing California Spaghetti Salad is packed with veggies and tossed in a zesty Italian dressing - perfect for summer gatherings!
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti cooked and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and black olives.
- Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
You can add parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor!
