A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad loaded with fresh veggies and tossed in a flavorful Italian dressing. This dish is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a light side dish. It’s a colorful, crisp, and delicious way to enjoy pasta with a burst of summer flavors in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a breeze to put together.
- Bursting with flavor – The tangy Italian dressing and fresh vegetables make every bite delicious.
- Perfect for gatherings – A great make-ahead dish that’s ideal for picnics, BBQs, and potlucks.
- Customizable – You can easily swap veggies or add protein to make it your own.
- Refreshing and light – A cold pasta salad that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 can sliced black olives, drained
For the Dressing:
- 1 bottle Italian dressing
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
Cook the Pasta
- Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely.
Prepare the Veggies
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, red onion, and black olives.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder until well combined.
Assemble the Salad
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the vegetables and olives.
- Pour the dressing over the spaghetti and vegetables. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
Chill and Serve
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (+ chilling time)
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Try different pasta: Swap spaghetti for rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Use a homemade dressing: Make your own Italian dressing with olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
- Extra crunch: Sprinkle with toasted nuts or sunflower seeds before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture of the vegetables and pasta may change.
- Reheating: This dish is best served cold, but if needed, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make California spaghetti salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it a great make-ahead dish.
2. What can I use instead of Italian dressing?
You can use a homemade vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and seasonings.
3. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works just as well in this recipe.
4. How long should I chill the salad before serving?
At least 3 hours to let the flavors meld, but overnight is even better.
5. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add broccoli, carrots, corn, or avocado for more variety.
6. Can I add meat to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, or salami make great additions.
7. How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Rinse it under cold water after cooking and toss it with a little oil before adding to the salad.
8. Can I serve this warm instead of cold?
While traditionally served cold, you can serve it at room temperature if you prefer.
9. Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Just make sure your Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese are vegetarian-friendly.
10. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, feta, mozzarella, or cheddar can be great alternatives.
Conclusion
California Spaghetti Salad is a colorful, refreshing, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a summer barbecue, a family dinner, or meal prep, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit. With its fresh veggies, zesty dressing, and easy prep, it’s a go-to recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!
California Spaghetti Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
California Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant, refreshing pasta salad loaded with fresh vegetables and tossed in a flavorful Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a light side dish, this colorful pasta salad offers a burst of summer flavors in every bite. Quick and easy to make with customizable ingredients, it's the ideal dish for gatherings and picnics. A delicious, cold, and refreshing meal perfect for warm weather!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 can sliced black olives, drained
For the Dressing:
- 1 bottle Italian dressing
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
nstructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely. -
Prepare the Veggies:
In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, red onion, and black olives. -
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder until well combined. -
Assemble the Salad:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the vegetables and olives. Pour the dressing over the spaghetti and vegetables. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. -
Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- For a twist, use rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta instead of spaghetti.
- Spice things up with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if desired.
- If you're looking for extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted nuts or sunflower seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
