This colorful California Spaghetti Salad brings together fresh veggies, cooked spaghetti, and a zesty dressing for a tasty treat. It’s perfect for picnics or potlucks!
Plus, who doesn’t love a salad that actually fills you up? I always make extra so I can enjoy it for lunch the next day—it’s even better the second time around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti is great, but you can swap it for other pasta types like rotini or penne. Gluten-free pasta works well too if you have dietary restrictions.
Cherry Tomatoes: You could also use grape tomatoes or even diced large tomatoes. Just make sure to drain them well if they’re juicy!
Cucumber: If cucumbers aren’t your thing, try bell pepper or shredded carrots for some crunch. Fresh zucchini is another fun option.
Red Bell Pepper: Feel free to use yellow or green peppers instead. They all bring a different flavor but still add color and crunch.
Olives: Black olives are traditional, but you can use green olives or skip them altogether if you’re not a fan.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is my favorite, but you can substitute with feta or skip cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Make Sure My Spaghetti Salad Stays Fresh and Tasty?
To keep your salad flavorful and fresh, a few tips can help. First, make sure to rinse your spaghetti with cold water after cooking. This stops the cooking process and prevents it from getting mushy in the salad. Also, let it cool completely before mixing with veggies.
- Mix your dressing well before pouring it on the salad; this helps everything get coated evenly.
- Although you can eat the salad right away, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time helps flavors blend beautifully.
- If you’re making it a day in advance, keep the cheese separate until serving to avoid sogginess.
Easy California Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. Overall, you’ll need just under an hour to whip this up, but the chill time allows those flavors to come together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This also stops the cooking process, keeping your pasta from getting mushy. Drain well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Veggies
While your spaghetti is cooling, it’s time to chop up those fresh veggies! In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, and finely chopped red onion. These colorful veggies will add texture and flavor to your salad!
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This simple dressing will give your salad a zesty kick!
4. Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the bowl of spaghetti and veggies. Toss gently to combine everything well. Make sure that every piece of spaghetti and vegetable is coated in the dressing—this ensures delicious flavor in every bite!
5. Add the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of your salad and give it another gentle toss. The cheese adds a nice finishing touch without overwhelming the other flavors.
6. Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps all the flavors blend nicely. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy the salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a delightful side dish or a light main meal. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy California Spaghetti Salad
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular spaghetti with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, as cooking times may vary.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to This Salad?
Feel free to get creative! You can add bell peppers of any color, shredded carrots, radishes, or even spinach for extra nutrition. Just make sure to chop everything into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad might become a little softer as it sits, but the flavors will continue to meld and develop!
Can I Make This Salad a Day in Advance?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Just mix all the ingredients (except the cheese) the day before and refrigerate. Add the Parmesan cheese right before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful!
