This colorful California Spaghetti Salad is a fun and tasty dish! It mixes spaghetti with fresh veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, and olives, all dressed with a zesty dressing.
It’s perfect for hot days or picnics, and leftovers are just as good! I love to make a big batch because it keeps well, and it’s great for lunch the next day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti works well, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. I prefer whole wheat for added fiber.
Cherry Tomatoes: In a pinch, any variety of ripe tomatoes can be diced instead. For a little sweetness, try grape tomatoes! Fresh is best, but canned diced tomatoes can work too if you drain them well.
Cucumber: English cucumbers are milder and have fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers can be used. If you don’t have cucumbers, diced bell peppers can add a nice crunch.
Black Olives: I love the flavor of black olives, but green olives or even pickles could be fun alternatives. Drain and slice them for a nice briny kick.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice savory touch. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a similar cheesy flavor.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta?
Cooking pasta is simple, but there are key steps to get it just right! Follow these tips for the best results:
- Use a large pot with plenty of water; this helps the pasta cook evenly. Add a good pinch of salt for flavor.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time but start checking a couple of minutes early. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta should still have a bit of bite.
- Don’t forget to rinse with cold water after draining! This stops the cooking process and helps the salad stay fresh and cool.
By paying attention to these details, you’ll have perfectly cooked spaghetti to build your delicious salad with!
Easy California Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy California Spaghetti Salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare and chill. You’ll spend a quick 10 minutes cooking and mixing the ingredients, and then let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let all those delicious flavors combine. Perfect for saving time and getting some sun outdoors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a good pinch of salt and then the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but still with a bit of bite! Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and add the spaghetti to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Fresh Veggies:
Now it’s time to add the color! Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, black olives, diced red onion, and red bell pepper into the bowl with the cooled spaghetti. Gently toss everything together so it mixes well.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This dressing will bring everything together beautifully!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure all the pasta and veggies are coated with that tangy dressing!
5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the salad and give it another gentle toss to mix it in. This adds a lovely cheesy flavor to the dish.
6. Chill It:
Cover the mixing bowl and put it in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is important because it allows the flavors to meld and the salad to taste even better!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, give the salad a final stir. Serve it cold and garnish with additional Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if you like. Your refreshing Easy California Spaghetti Salad is ready to enjoy!
Perfect for warm days, picnics, or quick lunches—this salad is sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy California Spaghetti Salad
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber, while gluten-free pasta is a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure to cook it according to package instructions for the best texture.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again; the flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad with other veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just ensure they’re cut into similar sizes for even mixing!
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Alternatively, you can use feta cheese or any other cheese you enjoy for a different taste!
