California Spaghetti Salad is a fresh and colorful dish with pasta, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for picnics or family gatherings!
This salad is so fun to make; I love tossing in extra veggies when I’m feeling adventurous. Don’t be surprised if it disappears fast—everyone loves a tasty, cold pasta dish!
It’s easy to whip up: just cook the spaghetti, mix in the ingredients, and chill it before serving. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a sunny day outside!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti works great, but you could use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free options like brown rice or chickpea pasta for a different twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, grape tomatoes are a fine substitute. For a burst of flavor in winter, consider using canned diced tomatoes, just drain them well.
Cucumber: English cucumbers are my favorite for their crunch and mildness. If you want a bolder taste, you can try a Persian cucumber or even bell peppers.
Olives: Black olives give a bit of richness, but green olives can bring a tangier flavor. If olives aren’t your thing, try capers for a similar briny kick.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds great flavor, but don’t hesitate to replace it with Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer. Nutritional yeast is a nice option for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Can You Make the Perfect Dressing for Your Salad?
The dressing is an important part of this salad! It ties everything together and balances the flavors. Here’s a simple way to make it delicious:
- Whisk olive oil and red wine vinegar in a small bowl until they blend. This emulsion is key for a well-mixed dressing.
- Add garlic powder for flavor; feel free to use fresh garlic for a stronger taste, just mince it finely.
- Season with salt and pepper. Start with a little and adjust according to your preference.
Mix the dressing in advance to let the flavors develop, adding it just before serving so your salad doesn’t get soggy.
How to Make California Spaghetti Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing California Spaghetti Salad will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. That’s a total of about 45 minutes from start to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Spaghetti:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (still slightly firm). When done, drain the spaghetti and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside for later.
2. Mixing the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley. This colorful mix will brighten up your salad!
3. Preparing the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s well combined and tasty!
4. Combining Everything:
Add the cooled spaghetti to your bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until the spaghetti and veggies are well coated. Take care not to break the pasta!
5. Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the salad and mix it in gently. This will give added flavor and creaminess to your dish.
6. Chilling the Salad:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Serving Up:
Once chilled, serve your California Spaghetti Salad cold or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a side dish or even a light meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta will add more fiber, while gluten-free pasta is a great alternative if you need to avoid gluten. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times, especially with gluten-free pasta, which can vary.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Spaghetti Salad?
Leftover spaghetti salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a splash of olive oil and vinegar when you serve it again to freshen it up!
What Can I Substitute for Red Wine Vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a suitable substitute. Both will give a nice tang to the dressing, just be aware that the flavor will slightly differ.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding ingredients like bell peppers, avocados, or even grilled chicken for extra protein. Just remember to adjust the dressing accordingly if you add extra ingredients to keep the flavors balanced!
