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 1/2 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
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 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
