This Best Easy California Spaghetti Salad is a colorful dish packed with fresh veggies and tasty pasta! It’s cool, refreshing, and perfect for summer gatherings or a quick dinner.
The mix of crunchy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy dressing makes every bite a delight. I love making it the night before so the flavors get even better—let’s be honest, who doesn’t love easy prep?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Pasta: I prefer whole wheat spaghetti for extra fiber, but any pasta shape works. You can even swap it for gluten-free pasta if needed!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a beautiful sweetness, but any tomato variety can be used. Diced Roma tomatoes or grape tomatoes make a great substitute.
Cucumber: I love using English cucumbers for their crunch and minimal seeds. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work too—just remove the seeds for less moisture.
Black Olives: Kalamata olives give a nice briny flavor, so feel free to switch them out. Don’t like olives? Just leave them out!
Red Onion: Sweet onions or green onions are great alternatives if you find red onion too sharp. Just adjust the quantity to taste.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for flavor. You can use other oils like avocado oil for a different taste if you’re out of olive oil.
How Do I Make Sure the Spaghetti Doesn’t Get Mushy?
The key is to cook it just right! Here’s how:
- Boil water with a pinch of salt and add your spaghetti. Follow cooking times on the package for al dente texture.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta, and immediately rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents mushiness.
Try to work quickly so the pasta cools down and retains its bite. You’re aiming for a firm texture that holds up in the salad!
Best Easy California Spaghetti Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and should chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. So, in total, you’re looking at about an hour and 15 minutes, including mix, chill, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water. This cools it down and stops it from cooking further. Drain well to make sure there’s no excess water.
2. Mix the Veggies:
In a big bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, chopped red onion, and diced red bell pepper. These colorful veggies will add great flavor and texture!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined and smooth.
4. Combine Everything Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies. Gently toss everything together to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
5. Add Cheese and Parsley:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley (if using) over the top. Toss lightly once more to combine. This adds a nice touch of flavor and makes it more festive!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover your salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to eat, serve it cold or at room temperature.
Enjoy your vibrant California Spaghetti Salad at your next gathering or dinner! It’s fresh, delicious, and a breeze to make!
FAQ for Best Easy California Spaghetti Salad
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it starts to look a bit watery, you can drain off any excess liquid before serving it again.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. The salad will still be delicious and refreshing!
What Variations Can I Try?
The great thing about this salad is its versatility! You can add ingredients like avocado, artichokes, or even grilled chicken for protein. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or nuts for extra crunch!
