California Spaghetti Salad

 

California Spaghetti Salad: A Fresh, Flavorful Twist on Pasta Salad

If you're looking for the ultimate cold pasta salad to serve at your next cookout, potluck, or light weekday lunch, let us introduce you to the vibrant and refreshing California Spaghetti Salad.

This isn’t your average pasta salad. Packed with crisp veggies, tender spaghetti noodles, and tossed in a zesty homemade Italian-style dressing, this West Coast-inspired dish is bursting with color, crunch, and crave-worthy flavor.

It’s healthy, delicious, and easy to throw together — making it the perfect side or standalone meal all year round, especially during warmer months.

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Why You’ll Love California Spaghetti Salad

• 🥗 Fresh & Colorful – Loaded with crunchy vegetables and vibrant herbs

• 🌞 Perfect for Summer – Served chilled and easy to prep ahead

• 🍝 Light but Filling – A satisfying pasta salad without the heaviness

• 🌿 Customizable – Make it vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free with a few simple swaps

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Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles, broken in half and cooked al dente

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. Prep the veggies:
   While the pasta cooks, chop and prepare all your vegetables.

3. Make the dressing:
   In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, and all the seasonings until well combined.

4. Combine everything:
   In a large bowl, toss together the cooked spaghetti, vegetables, olives, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and mix well.

5. Chill and serve:
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend. Toss again before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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Optional Add-ins & Substitutions

• 🧀 Try feta instead of Parmesan for a tangy twist

• 🥑 Add avocado chunks right before serving

• 🐔 Top with grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein

• 🍝 Use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free version

• 🍋 Add a splash of lemon juice for a brighter flavor profile

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Final Thoughts

California Spaghetti Salad is the kind of dish that disappears fast at gatherings and leaves people asking for the recipe. It's the perfect blend of fresh, tangy, and satisfying, with a make-ahead convenience that makes it a go-to for meal prep or entertaining.

Light, lively, and full of flavor — this salad brings California sunshine to your table no matter where you are.

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Have you tried this salad? Share your twist or favorite add-ins in the comments below!