Description
California spaghetti salad is a vibrant, refreshing pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with crisp vegetables, tender spaghetti, and a zesty dressing, this easy-to-make recipe is as colorful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 can black olives, drained and sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1 bottle (16 oz) Italian salad dressing
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the broken spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and the black olives into rings.
- Combine all vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Combine Everything
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and Serve
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
- Before serving, toss the salad again and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooking ensures the pasta holds up in the dressing.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Allowing the salad to rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld together.
- Customize: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost, or swap in your favorite vegetables.
Enjoy this California spaghetti salad as a delightful side dish or a light main course. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-Cook (after pasta preparation)
- Cuisine: American