The California Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant, colorful dish that embodies the sunny spirit of the West Coast. This delightful salad integrates the heartiness of spaghetti with the fresh, crisp flavors of vegetables and a tangy Italian dressing. It's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side during warm weather months. The dish not only looks inviting with its myriad of colors but also offers a cornucopia of textures, making it a universal crowd-pleaser.
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled foods, making it a great side dish for barbecue gatherings. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or seafood. For a lighter affair, complement it with other salads like a fresh green salad or a fruit salad. Don’t forget to serve some crusty bread on the side to complete the meal!
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Classic California Spaghetti Salad
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 pound of spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups of Italian salad dressing
1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups of Italian salad dressing
1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and all the chopped vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion).
3. Add the sliced olives and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
4. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything to coat well.
5. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then toss again to distribute the spices evenly.
6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve cold or at room temperature.
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Variations & Tips
To add a bit more zest to your California Spaghetti Salad, consider incorporating artichoke hearts or avocado for a creamy texture. For protein, add cooked chicken or salami. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute half of the Italian dressing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a splash of olive oil. You can also experiment with different types of pasta for varying textures and shapes.