California Spaghetti Salad
Introduction
California Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a light and healthy meal. This salad combines a variety of fresh vegetables with a flavorful Italian dressing, making it a colorful and delicious addition to any table.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
– 2 medium zucchini, diced
– 1 large cucumber, diced
– 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 large red onion, diced
– 2 cans ripe olives (2-¼ ounces each), sliced and drained
Dressing
– 1 bottle Italian salad dressing (16 ounces)
– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain using a colander and rinse in cold water to cool the pasta quickly and stop the cooking process. This also helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and red onion. Drain and slice the olives.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables and olives.
4. the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian salad dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder until well blended.
5. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Refrigerate: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve: Give the salad a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled.
Tips for Success
– Chill the Pasta: Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
– Fresh Vegetables: Use the freshest vegetables you can find for the best flavor and crunch.
– Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious the next day.
Conclusion
California Spaghetti Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its mix of fresh vegetables and flavorful dressing, it’s a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy this vibrant salad as a side dish or a light main course, and savor the taste of California in every bite!