A California Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish, often served cold and packed with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, pasta, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light main course. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for California Spaghetti Salad:
California Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta (cooked and cooled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed or raw)
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, for a slightly sweeter dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly. Drain thoroughly.
- Prepare the veggies:
- While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables: slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, shred the carrots, and slice the olives.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using) until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti with the vegetables, olives, and mozzarella (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve:
- For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips:
- Customization: Feel free to add more veggies or protein to the salad. Grilled chicken, avocado, or roasted vegetables would make great additions.
- Make it Vegan: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and make sure your dressing doesn’t contain any honey.
- Add some crunch: For extra texture, you can add some croutons or toasted nuts (like sunflower seeds or almonds) right before serving.
- Meal Prep: This salad is great for meal prepping! You can store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat if you want it to stay extra fresh.
This California Spaghetti Salad is a light, flavorful dish with a variety of textures and colors, making it perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish at your next gathering. Enjoy!