California Spaghetti Salad is a delightful and refreshing pasta salad that combines cooked spaghetti with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. Here’s a simple recipe for California Spaghetti Salad:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey or sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, black olives (if using), and chopped parsley.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy:
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss again to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light main course.
Tips:
- Feel free to customize this salad by adding other vegetables you enjoy, such as shredded carrots, diced avocado, or baby spinach leaves.
- You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier version of the salad.
- Adjust the amount of dressing according to your preference; you may not need to use it all depending on how coated you prefer your salad.
This California Spaghetti Salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for grilled meats. It’s light, flavorful, and full of vibrant colors and textures!
