California spaghetti salad is a refreshing and flavorful pasta salad that typically combines cooked spaghetti noodles with various fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and onions, along with herbs and a tangy dressing. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, black olives (if using), and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey or sugar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the cooled spaghetti noodles to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Feel free to customize the salad by adding or substituting ingredients based on your preferences. Some variations include adding avocado, feta cheese, grilled chicken, or pine nuts. Experiment with different herbs and dressings to create your perfect California spaghetti salad.
