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California Spaghetti Salad

California Spaghetti Salad: A Vibrant Flavor Adventure

Enjoy a refreshing California Spaghetti Salad, bursting with colorful vegetables and zesty flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Spaghetti cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1 medium Cucumber any variety, diced
  • 1 medium Red Pepper diced
  • 1 medium Zucchini sliced
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives sliced
  • 1/2 medium Bell Pepper diced, optional
  • 1/4 medium Red Onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Celery Seed optional
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Italian Dressing store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 1 tsp Paprika sweet or smoked
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlic

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Spatula
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, zucchini, and black olives. Add optional bell pepper and red onion, soaking onions in cold water if desired.
  3. Add the cooked spaghetti to the vegetables. Sprinkle celery seed, paprika, and garlic powder over it. Pour the Italian dressing and add Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
  5. After chilling, toss the salad again and adjust seasoning. Serve cold as a side dish or light meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 8gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance. It tastes even better after chilling for more flavors to meld.

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