This Easy California Spaghetti Salad is a colorful mix of spaghetti, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks or a warm day!
What I love most is how quickly it comes together. Just boil the pasta and chop up your favorite veggies. It’s a tasty and fun dish to share with friends. 🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Pasta: Regular spaghetti works great here, but feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs. Penne or rotini can also add a fun twist!
Cherry Tomatoes: If cherry tomatoes are out of season, consider substitute grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. They all add a lovely burst of flavor.
Cucumber: For extra crunch, you can swap cucumber with zucchini or even bell pepper if you prefer a different taste. Just remember to slice them thin!
Olives: If you’re not a fan of black olives, green olives or even capers could provide a delicious alternative. They’ll give a different tang to the salad.
Parmesan Cheese: If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can sprinkle on top. It’s a great way to keep that cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Flavors Fully Meld?
Letting the salad chill is key to blending the flavors. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- After mixing all the ingredients, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and veggies, making each bite tastier!
- Feel free to give it another toss before serving; this helps redistribute the dressing evenly.
You can also prepare it a few hours in advance for a hassle-free meal. Just don’t forget to keep it chilled until serving!
Easy California Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced and quartered
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad is quick and easy! You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the pasta, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator. Altogether, you’ll be ready to enjoy your delicious California Spaghetti Salad in just around 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Make sure to drain it thoroughly so it doesn’t get watery in your salad.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add in the cooled spaghetti along with the halved cherry tomatoes, quartered cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, and finely diced red onion. Give everything a good stir to combine the veggies with the pasta.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed to suit your taste buds.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then toss everything together until it’s well coated. This is where the magic happens—the flavors mingle beautifully!
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and give it another gentle toss to incorporate the cheese into the salad.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together and makes for a tastier salad when you dig in!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, you can take it out of the fridge and enjoy it cold or at room temperature. It’s fresh, colorful, and an absolute treat for your taste buds. Enjoy your Easy California Spaghetti Salad!
FAQ for Easy California Spaghetti Salad
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds some extra fiber, while gluten-free options are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. Just adjust the cooking time as per the package instructions to ensure it’s al dente.
What Can I Add for Extra Protein?
If you want to boost the protein in your salad, consider adding grilled chicken, diced salami, or chickpeas. Just toss them in with the other ingredients for a satisfying meal!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving again, as the dressing may settle.
Can I Make It Vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can also add some avocado for creaminess!
