Description
California Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together the best of summer flavors. This colorful salad features al dente spaghetti tossed with crisp vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, all coated in a zesty Italian dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a delightful side at barbecues. Easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 cucumber
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion
- 1/4 cup black olives
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine diced cucumber, bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and sliced black olives.
- In another bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for at least one hour before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling/Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Opt for fresh vegetables for maximum flavor. Customize the salad by adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas. For a homemade touch, prepare your own Italian dressing.