🛒 WHAT YOU’LL NEED
🍝 For the Salad
🍝 1 pound spaghetti, broken in half
🍅 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
🥒 1 cucumber, diced
🫑 1 green bell pepper, diced
🫒 1 small can sliced black olives, drained
🧅 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
🥣 For the Dressing
🥗 1 bottle Italian dressing, about 16 oz
🌿 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
🧄 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
🍋 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional
👩🍳 HOW TO MAKE IT
1️⃣ Cook the spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until tender. Drain well and rinse briefly under cold water to cool it down.
2️⃣ Prep the vegetables
While the pasta cooks, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
3️⃣ Bring it all together
Place the cooled spaghetti in a large bowl. Add the vegetables, black olives, and Parmesan cheese.
4️⃣ Make it flavorful
Pour the Italian dressing over the salad. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and lemon juice if using.
5️⃣ Toss it up
Gently toss everything together until the spaghetti and vegetables are evenly coated.
6️⃣ Chill before serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Give it another good toss before serving.
✨ WANT TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN?
🌽 Add sweet corn for extra color and crunch.
🥕 Toss in shredded carrots.
🫑 Use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
🧀 Add mozzarella pearls or cubes of cheddar.
🥓 Stir in crispy bacon for a heartier version.
🌶️ Add banana peppers or pepperoncini for a little tangy kick.
💡 A LITTLE TIP
Pasta tends to absorb dressing as it sits. If the salad looks a little dry after chilling, simply add a splash more Italian dressing and toss before serving.
❤️ A POTLUCK CLASSIC
There’s something about a cold pasta salad that just feels like summer.
A big bowl of spaghetti, crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and plenty of Parmesan is the kind of dish that belongs beside grilled burgers, BBQ chicken, and a table full of good food. ☀️🍝
And somehow, it always seems to taste even better the next day!
💬 YOUR TURN!
What would you add to your California Spaghetti Salad?
🥓 Bacon?
🧀 Extra cheese?
🌽 Corn?
🌶️ Pepperoncini?
Tell me your favorite addition! 👇❤️
Thank you for spending a little time with us today. ❤️
✍️ Written with care by BASSMA EL-HAZIBI
