Irresistible California Spaghetti Salad Recipe for Summer Fun

California Spaghetti Salad is a delightful dish that bursts with flavors, colors, and textures that can make anyone’s mouth water. Picture a medley of crunchy veggies, al dente pasta, and zesty dressing coming together in a vibrant bowl. refreshing cucumber salad This salad is not just a feast for your taste buds; it’s like a party on your plate!

I remember the first time I made California Spaghetti Salad for my family during a sunny picnic. The laughter, the cheerful chatter, and the way everyone dove into that bowl of deliciousness created memories that still warm my heart. crispy parmesan carrots Whether it’s for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this salad promises to be a star at any table.

I once served this salad at a family reunion, and I swear I heard angels sing when the first bite was taken.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti: About 8 ounces of spaghetti works well; choose whole wheat for added nutrition.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Slice these juicy gems in half for bursts of sweetness throughout the salad. creamy scalloped sweet potatoes.
• Cucumber: A crisp cucumber adds crunch; pick one that’s firm and unblemished.
• Bell Peppers: Use any color you like—red, yellow, or green—for some vibrant flair. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives a lovely bite; soak in cold water if too strong.
• Black Olives: Sliced black olives add saltiness; feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides creaminess; use goat cheese as an alternative if desired. creamy dill pickle cheese ball.
• Italian Dressing: Store-bought or homemade dressing adds zing; choose your favorite brand.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Chopped herbs elevate the flavor profile with freshness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Cook the Spaghetti: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Prepare the Veggies: While the spaghetti cooks, chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion. The vibrant colors will brighten your day!

Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with your chopped veggies and sliced black olives for extra flavor.

Add Dressing and Cheese: Drizzle about 1 cup of Italian dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.

Chill Before Serving: Cover your salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those fabulous flavors to mingle beautifully.

Enjoy making this California Spaghetti Salad! It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering or even as a delightful weekday meal.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, cook the spaghetti until al dente, rinse under cold water, and mix in chopped vegetables while the pasta cools.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have. Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein or switch up the dressing for more flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover California Spaghetti Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. It tastes even better when flavors meld overnight.

There was that one summer BBQ where my cousin accidentally used ranch dressing instead of Italian. We laughed so hard but ended up loving the unexpected twist!

FAQ

What is California Spaghetti Salad?

California Spaghetti Salad is a chilled pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables and flavorful dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Make it a day in advance for enhanced flavors.

What kind of dressing works best?

A tangy Italian or vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the fresh ingredients in California Spaghetti Salad. For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.

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📖 Recipe Card

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California Spaghetti Salad

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

California Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines crunchy vegetables with al dente pasta, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, this salad bursts with flavor and color, making it a go-to choice for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!

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Ingredients

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• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (or goat cheese)
• 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and slice red onion.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti with the chopped vegetables and olives.
4. Drizzle Italian dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 20mg