California Spaghetti Salad

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!

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!

What defines a pasta salad?

Pasta salads can be as simple or elaborate as you like, but at their heart, they are all composed of cooked pasta and a dressing. The type of pasta, the dressing, and the add-ins are what set different pasta salads apart.

If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta salad, then look no further than my California Spaghetti Salad. It is perfect for potlucks, parties, or any other gathering. You can customize it to your own liking by adding your favorite ingredients. So give it a try today!

What is California pasta salad?

What is California pasta salad? This dish is a cold, savory salad that typically contains spaghetti noodles, vegetables, and a light vinaigrette dressing. It can be customized to include your favorite ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. The versatility of this salad makes it a popular choice for potlucks and parties, and the flavors are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Can pasta be cooked ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the pasta ahead of time. In fact, there are a few ways to do it. You can cook the pasta ahead of time and then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. You can also freeze cooked pasta. Or, you can cook the pasta and then freeze it in a dish that will go straight from the freezer to the oven.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when making pasta salad?

When it comes to pasta salads, there are a few common mistakes that people often make. Here are three tips to help you avoid them:

• Don’t overdo it with the dressing. A little goes a long way, and you don’t want your salad to be swimming in dressing. Start with a tablespoon or two and add more if needed.
• Don’t use cold pasta. This is one of the most common mistakes people make when making pasta salad. Make sure your pasta is at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• Don’t forget the vegetables. A good pasta salad has a variety of textures and flavors, so be sure to include plenty of vegetables in your recipe.

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
• Can 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.

What other pasta styles could I use for California Pasta Salad?

Other than spaghetti, there are many types of pasta that would work well in a California Pasta Salad. Fusilli or shells would be a great choice, as would bezoar or farfalle. Any type of pasta that can be served cold will work well in this dish, so get creative and have some fun with it!

Best Places to Take California Spaghetti Salad Dish

There are many places to take a delicious California Spaghetti Salad dish. Check out some of the best spots below:

• At home – Why not enjoy a relaxing evening at home with a plate of California Spaghetti Salad? This dish is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings with friends and family.
• The beach – Take your taste of California to the beach by packing a chilled serving of spaghetti salad for a day in the sun. With its refreshing flavors and light ingredients, this dish is perfect for a hot summer day.
• A barbecue – Round up your friends and family for an outdoor barbecue, and serve up bowls of California Spaghetti Salad as the main course. Not only will this dish be sure to please, but it’s also easy to prepare ahead of time.
• A potluck – If you’re attending or hosting a potluck party, bring along a bowl of California Spaghetti Salad to share with your guests.

California Spaghetti Salad Video

California Spaghetti Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 8 -10 servings

This California spaghetti salad is perfect for summer picnics and potlucks, and it's easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

4.52 from 62 votes

Review Recipe

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

Follow Sweet Pea’s Kitchen

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.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 105mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g

Author: Marta

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