California Spaghetti Salad

A Fresh, Zesty Pasta Salad That Screams Summer

Light, colorful, and bursting with flavor, California Spaghetti Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish for warm weather days. This vibrant, veggie-packed pasta salad blends cooked spaghetti noodles with crunchy vegetables, a tangy Italian-style dressing, and a hint of sweetness — creating a refreshing twist on the traditional pasta salad.

Whether you're heading to a BBQ, potluck, picnic, or just looking for a simple side to brighten up your dinner, this salad brings all the West Coast sunshine to your table — no plane ticket required!

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Why You'll Love This Salad

• Bright and flavorful with a zesty homemade (or store-bought) dressing

• Loaded with fresh, crunchy vegetables

• Serves a crowd — great for gatherings

• Tastes even better the next day

• Easy to make ahead and totally customizable

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Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti, broken into thirds

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped

• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

• 1/2 cup carrots, shredded or finely chopped

• 1 bottle (16 oz) zesty Italian dressing (or homemade, see below)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the noodles.

2. Prepare the vegetables:
   While the pasta cooks, chop and prep all your veggies. Add them to a large mixing bowl.

3. Combine:
   Add the cooled spaghetti to the bowl with the veggies. Pour the Italian dressing over the top, then sprinkle in garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and a bit of salt and pepper.

4. Toss and chill:
   Toss everything together until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!) to allow flavors to meld.

5. Serve:
   Give it a good stir before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

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Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing (Optional)

Whisk together:

• 3/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• Salt and pepper to taste

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Tips & Variations

• Make it a main dish by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or mozzarella balls.

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.

• Not a fan of olives? Sub in artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or avocado.

• Want it creamier? Add a spoonful of mayo or Greek yogurt to the dressing.

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Perfect For:

• Backyard BBQs

• Summer potlucks

• Picnic lunches

• Light weeknight dinners

• Meal prep — it tastes even better after a day in the fridge!

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Final Thoughts

California Spaghetti Salad is everything a summer dish should be — bright, crunchy, flavorful, and easy. It’s one of those recipes that people ask for again and again, and once you make it, you’ll understand why.

Fresh veggies, bold dressing, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a dish that tastes like sunshine in a bowl. Keep this one in your rotation — your guests (and taste buds) will thank you.