California Spaghetti Salad Recipe

Bursting with vibrant veggies and full of West Coast flair, California Spaghetti Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any summer party or easy weeknight meal. This chilled pasta salad delivers color, crunch, and zingy flavor in every forkful—thanks to its rainbow of peppers, cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a savory Italian dressing that pulls it all together. Serve it up for your next backyard BBQ or potluck, and prepare for everyone to ask for the recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of California Spaghetti Salad lies in just how simple, yet essential, each ingredient is for building its signature taste, texture, and festive look. Every addition shines—and any substitutions are a snap to make your own personal spin!

• Spaghetti (12 ounces, broken into thirds): Using classic spaghetti as the base gives the salad its hearty, twirlable character and helps soak up the tangy dressing.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 1/2 cups, halved): These little bursts of sweetness balance the savory notes and add gorgeous color.
• Cucumber (1, diced): For cool, juicy crunch that keeps every bite extra refreshing.
• Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds a bright pop of color and subtle sweetness.
• Green bell pepper (1, chopped): For peppery depth and even more vibrant color contrast.
• Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Lends a little kick and beautiful purple ribbons throughout the salad.
• Canned black olives (1 can, 2.25 oz, sliced and drained): Brings in briny, savory flavor and a distinct California vibe.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds rich, salty flavor and helps the dressing cling to the whole salad.
• Bottled Italian dressing (1 bottle, 16 oz): The zesty, herby base for the dressing—so easy and full of flavor!
• Sesame seeds (1 teaspoon): For little nutty pops of texture that surprise you in the best way.
• Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gently smoky, sweet depth amp up the dressing’s complexity.
• Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle garlicky note that melds with each ingredient.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Adjust these at the end to perfect the seasoning.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds irresistible freshness and sophisticated finishing touch.

How to Make California Spaghetti Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by setting a big pot of salted water on the stove for your spaghetti. Break the noodles into thirds—this helps them fit onto forks and makes the salad easier to mix. Cook the pasta just until al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them immediately with cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down fast, keeping the salad crisp rather than mushy.

Step 2: Chop the Veggies and Olives

While the pasta is cooling, prep your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop both bell peppers, and slice the red onion thinly. Drain the black olives if you haven’t already. Let your eyes enjoy the rainbow you’re creating—this medley is what gives California Spaghetti Salad its stunning, fresh look.

Step 3: Combine Salad Components

In a huge salad bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, all the prepped veggies, the drained olives, and that generous half cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Give everything a gentle toss to distribute the ingredients evenly and admire that beautiful, colorful mixture.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together your bottled Italian dressing with sesame seeds, paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. Whisk until everything is well incorporated—the sesame seeds and spices will give your dressing extra personality!

Step 5: Toss and Chill

Pour the tangy, herby dressing over the pasta and veggies. Use salad tongs or clean hands to mix thoroughly, making sure every strand of spaghetti gets coated. Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours; time in the fridge gives the flavors a chance to meld and makes the salad taste even better.

Step 6: Toss Again and Serve

Right before serving, give California Spaghetti Salad another gentle toss to redistribute the dressing, then sprinkle on some fresh parsley if using. Set out for your guests and bask in the compliments as everyone digs in!

How to Serve California Spaghetti Salad

Garnishes

The finishing touch matters! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese gives California Spaghetti Salad vibrant color and a pop of flavor. For even more flair, add a scatter of thin-sliced green onions or a few extra sesame seeds on top.

Side Dishes

This colorful salad loves to be the star at picnics and potlucks, but it also plays nice with others. Pair it with grilled chicken, burgers, or veggie skewers, or offer it alongside roasted corn, fruit salad, or a crusty baguette. California Spaghetti Salad complements just about any summery menu.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving the salad in a big, shallow platter to show off that rainbow of vegetables. Or, portion it into individual mason jars for a portable picnic treat. For an appetizer spin, spoon the salad onto mini lettuce cups or inside sweet pepper halves for grab-and-go bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store California Spaghetti Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors may even become more delicious as they meld overnight!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad since the fresh veggies and dressing can become watery and lose their crisp texture. California Spaghetti Salad is at its absolute best when served fresh or enjoyed within a couple of days of making.

Reheating

No reheating required! This salad is meant to be served cold, which makes it perfect for hot days or make-ahead entertaining. If it’s been in the fridge for a day or two, just give it a good toss and maybe add a splash of extra Italian dressing before serving.

FAQs

Can I make California Spaghetti Salad in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making this salad a day ahead is recommended—it gives the flavors extra time to blend and makes prep on your special day a breeze.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti—the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, so everyone can enjoy.

What protein can I add to make it a meal?

Grilled chicken, diced turkey, or chickpeas all work beautifully. You could also try crumbled feta or hard-boiled eggs for a protein boost that tastes great and keeps the salad vegetarian.

How long does California Spaghetti Salad last in the fridge?

This salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days when properly refrigerated. Just give it a quick toss before enjoying any leftovers.

What’s a good substitute for Italian dressing?

If you don’t have a bottle handy, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian herbs, minced garlic, and a pinch of sugar. You’ll have a homemade version that tastes fantastic!

Final Thoughts

California Spaghetti Salad is always the first bowl to empty at potlucks for a reason—it’s colorful, refreshing, and full of big flavors that everyone loves. Give it a try at your next get-together or family dinner, and let this sunshiny salad bring a little taste of the West Coast right to your table. Happy cooking!

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