California Spaghetti Salad
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When most people think of California, they think of beaches, movie stars, and sunshine.
But there’s another side to the Golden State that often goes overlooked: its delicious food!
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One dish that perfectly captures the flavors of California is spaghetti salad. This cold pasta salad is perfect for summer picnics and potlucks, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
So if you’re looking for a tasty way to celebrate all that California has to offer, why not try making some California spaghetti salad yourself? You won’t be disappointed!
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Why Try This California Spaghetti Salad recipe
This California Spaghetti Salad recipe is a refreshing and flavorful take on a classic pasta salad. The combination of fresh vegetables, black olives, and tangy Italian dressing makes it a perfect side dish for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to potluck dinners. The recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What defines a pasta salad?
A pasta salad is a dish made with cooked pasta, typically served cold or at room temperature, and mixed with various vegetables, meats, cheeses, and dressings.
Pasta salads can be made with a variety of pasta shapes, including fusilli, penne, rotini, and spaghetti. They are often served as a side dish or a light meal, and can be customized to fit personal tastes and dietary preferences.
What is California pasta salad?
California pasta salad is a variation of pasta salad that is typically made with fresh, colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing. It often includes ingredients like avocado, cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper, and may be served with a vinaigrette or creamy dressing.
The term “California” is often used to describe dishes that feature fresh, healthy ingredients and a West Coast vibe.
Ingredients for California Spaghetti Salad:
- Spaghetti noodles cooked to your liking, rinsed, and drained well
- Cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- Cucumber diced
- Zucchini diced
- Red bell pepper diced
- Green bell pepper diced
- Red onion diced
- Black olives sliced or diced
- Bottle Italian dressing
- Parmesan cheese grated
- Sesame seeds
- Paprika
- Celery seed
- Garlic powder
How to make California spaghetti salad?
Step 1. Cook the spaghetti to your liking, rinse under cold water, and drain well.
Step 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spaghetti, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cucumber, zucchini, tomatoes, red onion, and black olives.
Step 3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder.
Step 4. Pour the dressing mixture over the spaghetti salad and toss to coat well.
Step 5. Chill for 2-3 hours before serving.
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California Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Spaghetti noodles cooked to your liking, rinsed and drained well
- 1 ½ C. Cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 Cucumber diced
- 2 Zucchini diced
- 1 Red bell pepper diced
- 1 Green bell pepper diced
- 1 Red onion diced
- 1 Can Black olives sliced or diced
- 1 Bottle Italian dressing
- ½ C. Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 Tbsp. Sesame seeds
- 1 tsp. Paprika
- ½ tsp. Celery seed
- ¼ tsp. Garlic powder
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Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti to your liking, rinse under cold water and drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spaghetti, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cucumber, zucchini, tomatoes, red onion and black olives.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed and garlic powder.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the spaghetti salad and toss to coat well.
- Chill for 2-3 hours before serving.
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Can pasta be cooked ahead of time?
Yes, pasta can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. To prevent the pasta from sticking together, it’s important to rinse it with cold water after cooking and toss it with a little bit of oil.
The pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when making pasta salad?
Some common mistakes to avoid when making pasta salad include overcooking the pasta, under seasoning the dressing, and using too much dressing. It’s important to cook the pasta al dente and rinse it with cold water to prevent it from becoming mushy.
When making the dressing, taste it as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. And when tossing the pasta with the dressing, start with a small amount and add more as needed to avoid making the salad too soggy.
What other pasta styles could I use for California Pasta Salad?
While spaghetti is used in this California Spaghetti Salad recipe, you can use any pasta shape you like. Fusilli, rotini, penne, and farfalle are all great options. Choose a pasta shape that will hold up well in the salad and pair well with the other ingredients.
Best Places to Take California Spaghetti Salad Dish
This California Spaghetti Salad is a perfect dish to take to a potluck or picnic. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It’s also a great side dish for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to serve a light and refreshing dish.
Recipes for delicious and tasty pasta salads
Amish salad – it’s full of flavor and a great 30-minute meal for any night of the week.
Tuna Macaroni Salad – If there was an award for the best salad, Grandma’s tuna macaroni salad would be a shoo-in. This recipe is easy to make and always hits the spot.
Greek orzo salad – This Greek Orzo Salad is totally customizable to whatever ingredients you have in your pantry and fridge!
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