California Spaghetti Salad (Print-Friendly Version)
A vibrant West Coast-inspired pasta salad with fresh vegetables, Parmesan cheese, and zesty Italian dressing.
# Ingredients List:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 pound spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 -
1 medium cucumber, diced
04 -
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
05 -
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 -
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
07 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Dressing and Seasoning
08 -
1 1/2 cups Italian salad dressing
09 -
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
10 -
Salt and pepper to taste
# How to Make It:
01 -
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
02 -
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and all the chopped vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion).
03 -
Add the sliced olives and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
04 -
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything to coat well.
05 -
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then toss again to distribute the spices evenly.
06 -
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
07 -
Serve cold or at room temperature.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For added zest, incorporate artichoke hearts or avocado. For protein, try cooked chicken or salami.
02 -
Substitute half the Italian dressing with fresh lemon juice and olive oil for a lighter version.
03 -
Experiment with different types of pasta for varying textures and shapes.