California Spaghetti Salad 😋🌿
A fresh and vibrant pasta salad packed with veggies and tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a light summer meal!
📌 Servings: 6-8
⏳ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes
❄️ Chilling Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large red onion, diced
- 2 cans (2 ¼ oz each) ripe olives, sliced and drained
For the Dressing:
- 1 bottle (16 oz) Italian salad dressing
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Boil the spaghetti until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
2️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice and chop all veggies into bite-sized pieces.
3️⃣ Mix It Together
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, vegetables, and sliced olives.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture.
- Add Parmesan, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder.
4️⃣ Chill and Serve
- Toss everything well to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Salad:
✔ Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture.
✔ Let it chill – The flavors develop better after sitting for a while.
✔ Customize it – Add feta cheese, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for extra protein!
✔ Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 1 Cup)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Carbs: ~30g
- Protein: ~6g
- Fat: ~10g
Benefits of This Recipe:
✅ Light and Refreshing – No heavy sauces!
✅ Meal Prep Friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
✅ Customizable – Swap out veggies or use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Q&A Section:
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
✔ Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
❓ How long does it last in the fridge?
✔ About 3-4 days in an airtight container.
❓ Can I use a different dressing?
✔ Absolutely! Try balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or homemade lemon-garlic dressing.
Would you like any modifications or alternative ingredient suggestions? 😊