California Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 1 pound, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Cucumber: 1 medium, chopped
- Bell Pepper: 1, any color, chopped
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Red Onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
- Black Olives: 1/2 cup, sliced
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
- Italian Dressing: 1/2 cup
- Italian Seasoning: 1/3 cup
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Preparation
- Cook the Spaghetti: Follow the package instructions to cook the spaghetti until al dente. Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with the chopped cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add Olives and Cheese: Stir in the sliced black olives and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Season: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss again to ensure the spices are distributed evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad chilled or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations
- Additional Ingredients: Add artichoke hearts or avocado for a creamy texture. For added protein, mix in cooked chicken or salami.
- Lighter Option: Mix half of the Italian dressing with olive oil and fresh lemon juice to lighten the salad.
- Pasta Varieties: Experiment with different pasta shapes and textures to add variety to your salad.