Description
California Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant and refreshing cold pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, olives, and Parmesan cheese, tossed in a flavorful Italian dressing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and spices. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a light summer meal, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors that can be made ahead and enjoyed chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can (2.25 oz) sliced black olives, drained
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp celery seed
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop further cooking.
- Prepare vegetables and combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste until well blended.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Notes
- This salad is great for potlucks and can be made a day ahead to enhance the flavors.
- For added protein, stir in diced grilled chicken or chickpeas right before serving.
- Feel free to use gluten-free spaghetti if desired to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preference, especially if using a pre-seasoned Italian dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (after pasta is boiled and cooled)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
