This California spaghetti salad is a burst of fresh flavors and textures. It mixes tender spaghetti with a variety of crunchy veggies. These include juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet bell peppers.
The tangy dressing, made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Parmesan, and herbs, elevates the salad. Once you try it, it’ll become your go-to summer dish.
Key Takeaways
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- California spaghetti salad is a refreshing twist on classic pasta salad.
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- This salad is loaded with a variety of fresh, colorful vegetables.
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- The tangy dressing adds great flavor and complements the ingredients perfectly.
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- This salad can be made ahead of time and served chilled for maximum enjoyment.
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- The recipe is versatile and can be customized with different proteins or pasta shapes.
A Refreshing Twist on Classic Pasta Salad
Get ready to love the California spaghetti salad. It’s a mix of fresh veggies, tangy Italian dressing, and long spaghetti noodles. This dish is a fun twist on the usual pasta salad, using long noodles to add excitement.
The salad’s heart is the long spaghetti noodles. They soak up the Italian dressing, making a tasty contrast to the crunchy veggies. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers add colors and flavors that will excite your taste buds.
Ingredient Spotlight: Spaghetti Noodles
The star of this salad is the spaghetti noodle. It’s not just any noodle. The long strands add a special touch, making each bite full of flavor.
“The spaghetti noodles in this California spaghetti salad are a game-changer. They soak up the dressing so perfectly, creating a delightful texture that sets this salad apart from the rest.”
This salad is perfect for any event. It’s great for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. Its bright colors, fresh tastes, and unique twist will make everyone want more.
Vibrant Garden-Fresh Ingredients
The California spaghetti salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish. It showcases a rainbow of fresh, garden-grown vegetables. At its heart are juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet bell peppers in various hues.
These colorful veggies make the salad visually appealing. They also provide a nutritious boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The salad also features sliced black olives and fragrant herbs. This creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for a backyard barbecue or a refreshing summer pasta salad.
The key to this cold pasta salad‘s success is the selection and preparation of the fresh vegetables. By chopping them into bite-sized pieces, every forkful is bursting with a delightful mix of crisp, juicy, and tender textures.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 1 lb |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cucumber | 1 |
| Zucchini | 2 |
| Green bell pepper | 1 |
| Red bell pepper | 1 |
| Red onion | 1 |
| Sliced black olives | 1 can |
The California spaghetti salad is a true delight for the senses. It’s a testament to the joys of garden-fresh produce.
California Spaghetti Salad: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic
The California spaghetti salad is set to become a favorite among many. It combines fresh veggies, soft spaghetti noodles, and zesty Italian dressing. This pasta salad is perfect for summer events, attracting everyone’s taste buds.
With a 4.52 rating from 153 reviews, this Italian pasta salad is a standout. It’s quick to make, ready in 15 minutes, and needs just 1 hour to chill. It serves 8, offering 220 calories, 22g carbs, 9g protein, and 11g fat per serving.
This spaghetti noodle salad shines with its colorful, fresh ingredients. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers make it both beautiful and healthy. Plus, you can prep it a day early, ideal for those with tight schedules.
Perfect for any event, this cold pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser. Its mix of flavors and textures, along with easy prep, will impress your guests. They’ll love your cooking.
The Zesty Dressing That Brings It All Together
The secret to the California spaghetti salad‘s flavor is the zesty Italian dressing. It’s made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. This dressing brings all the ingredients together with a burst of flavor.
The dressing’s mix of olive oil, vinegar, and Parmesan makes every bite special. It adds a vibrant, Italian-inspired taste to the salad. The dressing balances the fresh veggies and spaghetti noodles perfectly, making you want more.
| Nutrition Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories per serving | 413kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 54g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 3mg |
| Sodium | 1159mg |
| Potassium | 425mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Vitamin A | 637IU |
| Vitamin C | 18mg |
| Calcium | 93mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
The dressing’s main ingredients are:
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- 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar
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- 1 teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and dried basil
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- 1 tablespoon of sugar
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- 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame seeds
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- 1/2 cup of olive oil
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- 2-3 tablespoons of water
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- 12-14 cloves of roasted garlic
Refrigerate the dressing until you’re ready to serve. This lets the flavors blend and get stronger. For parties, keep the California spaghetti salad and dressing separate. This way, everyone can add as much dressing as they like.
This zesty dressing makes the pasta salad a hit at any summer event or potluck. It’s a flavor-packed dish that everyone will love.
Texture Galore: Crunchy, Creamy, and Tender
The California spaghetti salad is a feast for your senses. It has tender noodles, crunchy veggies, and juicy tomatoes. These textures work together to make every bite exciting.
This summer pasta salad is special because of its mix of crunchy, creamy, and tender textures. The spaghetti noodle salad is a perfect blend of firm veggies and smooth tomatoes. It’s a cold pasta salad that will keep you interested with its changing feel.
The secret to the California spaghetti salad‘s appeal is in how it’s made. The noodles are just right, and the veggies are fresh and crunchy. The tomatoes add a creamy touch, making the salad a joy to eat.
“Every bite of this pasta salad is an adventure, from the initial crunch to the smooth, velvety finish. It’s a true textural symphony that keeps you coming back for more.”
If you’re after a cool summer dish or a twist on the spaghetti noodle salad, try the California spaghetti salad. It’s a treat for your taste buds, with a mix of crunchy, creamy, and tender textures. Let it take you on a tasty journey.
Make-Ahead Convenience
The california spaghetti salad is perfect for busy days. It can be made a day before and tastes even better the next day. This makes it great for weeknights, weekend parties, and event planning.
Just mix the ingredients, chill overnight, and serve the next day. This salad is perfect for busy schedules and crowd-pleasing events. It serves 8 people, making it ideal for gatherings.
Flavors that Improve with Time
The dressing is a mix of 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. It makes the summer pasta salad zesty and flavorful. As it sits, the dressing fully infuses the pasta and veggies, making it even tastier the next day.
Each serving has 793 kcal, 60g of carbohydrates, 25g of protein, and 52g of fat. It’s a hearty and satisfying option for your make-ahead meals.