California Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing and colorful pasta salad that often includes a mix of vegetables, cheese, and sometimes even a tangy dressing. Hereβs a basic recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables and cheese. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, black olives, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooled spaghetti to the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.
Feel free to customize the salad with other ingredients like cooked chicken, pepperoni, or even avocado if you like!
