This colorful California Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing mix of spaghetti, crunchy veggies, and zesty dressing. It’s perfect for picnics or a light lunch!
I love how all the flavors come together—it’s like a party in your mouth! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so I can enjoy it anytime without stress.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: While the recipe calls for spaghetti, you can easily swap it out for any pasta you like! Penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta work great and add a fun twist to the texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes are fine. A tip I love is to season them with a little salt before adding to the salad, enhancing their flavor!
Cucumber: Diced cucumbers add crunch, but if you’re not a fan, consider using bell pepper or even sliced radishes. They offer nice texture and freshness too.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a great tangy flavor, but you can substitute with goat cheese for creaminess or even cubed mozzarella if you prefer something milder.
Bell Pepper: Any color works here. Yellow or orange peppers could add a hint of sweetness and color to your salad. If bell peppers aren’t available, you can skip them or use shredded carrots instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Spaghetti Is the Perfect Texture?
Getting your spaghetti just right is crucial for a salad. You want it al dente – cooked but still firm to bite. Here’s what to do:
- Follow the package instructions closely but start checking a minute early. You want it cooked but not mushy.
- Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops it from cooking further and cools it down.
- Don’t forget to toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking while it cools!
How to Make Best California Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely California Spaghetti Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’ll need about 45 minutes before you can enjoy this refreshing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling some water in a large pot. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente (this means it should still have a little bite to it!). Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it well with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti with the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together nicely.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will create a lovely dressing for your salad!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad in the large mixing bowl. Toss well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. Then, cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve your pasta salad cold or at room temperature, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a great choice, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, so stick to the package instructions for al dente texture.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. You can also add extra veggies or even some chickpeas for additional protein and texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the veggies and pasta may absorb the dressing over time, so you might want to add a splash of olive oil and vinegar before serving to freshen it up!
Can I Add More Ingredients?
Absolutely! This salad is very versatile. Consider adding ingredients like avocado, artichoke hearts, or even grilled chicken for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the dressing quantity if you add more ingredients to keep everything well-coated!
