This California Spaghetti Salad is a fun and colorful dish, packed with fresh veggies and tasty pasta! It’s perfect for picnics and barbecues.
Honestly, it’s hard to resist this salad once you see all those bright cherry tomatoes and crunchy peppers! I love to serve it chilled—so refreshing on a warm day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: I use traditional spaghetti for its classic texture. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to swap in gluten-free pasta or use whole wheat for a healthier twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweet and juicy, perfect for salads. If they’re out of season, grape tomatoes or even regular diced tomatoes will work in a pinch.
Cucumber: Adds a nice crunch! If you want a little zing, try using a pickled cucumber or a radish for a different flavor experience.
Green Bell Pepper: This adds color and a bit of sweetness. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with sweet red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter taste.
Red Onion: This onion gives a milder, sweeter flavor compared to yellow or white onions. If you want less bite, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty touch. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a similar flavor or you can leave it out entirely.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Spaghetti?
Cooking spaghetti seems simple, but getting it just right is key. Start by using a large pot of salted water; it helps flavor the noodles. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked spaghetti:
- Bring water to a rolling boil before adding the spaghetti. This helps the noodles cook evenly.
- Cook according to package instructions until al dente—firm yet tender. Taste a noodle a minute before the timer goes off to check.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta for your salad.
How to Make the Best California Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful spaghetti salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and cook, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, give yourself a total of about 45 minutes to have this refreshing dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add in the 12 oz of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the spaghetti and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will prevent it from getting mushy.
2. Prepare the Veggies:
While your spaghetti is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, add the cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced green bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and the sliced black olives. These colorful veggies will make your salad look fresh and inviting!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, add the cooled spaghetti to the bowl with the veggies. Drizzle the ½ cup of Italian dressing over everything. Gently toss the pasta and vegetables together until they are well mixed. Be careful not to break the spaghetti!
4. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Then, season the salad with salt and pepper to your liking. Toss everything again to make sure the cheese and seasonings are evenly spread throughout the salad.
5. Chill and Garnish:
If you’d like, chop up some fresh parsley or basil for a lovely garnish. Before serving, it’s best to chill your salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to eat, serve the salad either cold or at room temperature.
Enjoy your refreshing California Spaghetti Salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Spaghetti Instead of Regular?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti is a great alternative and adds a bit more fiber to the dish. Just keep in mind that it may need a slightly longer cooking time, so be sure to check for doneness as you prepare it.
What If I Don’t Have Italian Dressing?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade dressing using 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, a teaspoon of dried oregano, a pinch of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. This will work well in place of store-bought Italian dressing!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Spaghetti Salad?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more after a night of chilling, so it might taste even better the next day. Just give it a good toss before serving!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Other great additions include bell peppers of different colors, shredded carrots, or even diced avocado. Just keep in mind that some veggies may change the texture, so choose what you enjoy most!
