California Spaghetti Salad: A Fresh and Vibrant Pasta Dish Perfect for Summer
Looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish to enjoy during the warmer months? This California Spaghetti Salad is a delightful blend of colorful vegetables, tender spaghetti, and a zesty Italian dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal. Packed with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and bell peppers, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. Follow this easy recipe to create a dish that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 can black olives, sliced
- For the dressing:
- 1 bottle Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Preparation
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, zucchini, green and red bell peppers, diced red onion, and sliced black olives.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seeds, and garlic powder until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the spaghetti and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing California Spaghetti Salad!
This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. It’s versatile, so feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Perfect for summer gatherings, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
