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California Spaghetti Salad

California Spaghetti Salad
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California Spaghetti Salad is a fresh and vibrant summer dish combining tender spaghetti noodles with crisp vegetables and a zesty, tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch, this colorful and satisfying salad is both nourishing and refreshing, with easily adaptable ingredients to suit various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Base

  • 8 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente and cooled

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup black olives, sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside to cool.
  2. Prep the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, thinly slice the red onion, and chop fresh herbs finely to ensure every bite has fresh, crisp texture.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create a tangy, slightly sweet dressing.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the chopped vegetables, olives, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Cook pasta perfectly: Don’t overcook the spaghetti; al dente texture keeps the salad light and enjoyable.
  • Chill thoroughly: Refrigerate the salad before serving to enhance the melding of ingredients and flavors.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley elevates the dish far beyond just basic seasoning.
  • Adjust dressing: Taste and tweak the dressing’s acidity and sweetness to balance your palate.
  • Serve cold: The salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature for maximum refreshment.

Nutrition

Keywords: California spaghetti salad, summer pasta salad, fresh vegetable pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad, picnic salad, easy summer recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/california-spaghetti-salad/