California Spaghetti Salad

Name: California Spaghetti Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 400-500 grams of spaghetti; 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 2 zucchinis, cubed; 1 green pepper, diced; 1 red pepper, diced; 1 red onion, diced; 1 can of sliced black olives, drained; 1 bottle of Italian dressing; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon celery seeds; ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Isabella

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California Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that combines tender spaghetti with crisp garden vegetables, all coated in a flavorful, zesty Italian dressing. It’s perfect for summer gatherings like BBQs, picnics, or casual lunches when I want something light but satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it’s a vibrant mix of textures and flavors—sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy peppers, and soft spaghetti, all brought together with a tangy and savory dressing. It’s easy to make ahead and gets better the longer it chills, making it ideal for entertaining. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a main for lighter meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

400-500 grams of spaghetti

1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

2 zucchinis, cubed

1 green pepper, diced

One red pepper, diced

One red onion, diced

1 can of sliced black olives, drained

For the dressing:

1 bottle of Italian dressing

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1 teaspoon paprika

¼ teaspoon celery seeds

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

I start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once done, I drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta, then set it aside.

Next, I combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, cubed zucchinis, diced green and red peppers, diced red onion, and sliced black olives in a large mixing bowl.

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seeds, and garlic powder to create the flavorful dressing.

I add the cooled spaghetti to the vegetable bowl.

Then, I pour the dressing over the spaghetti and vegetables, tossing gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

After that, I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours so the flavors can meld beautifully.

Finally, I give it a last toss before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, perfect for a small gathering or family meal. Prep time takes about 15 minutes, cooking spaghetti around 10 minutes, and chilling time is at least 3 hours for the best flavor.

Variations

I sometimes like to add grilled chicken or cooked shrimp to make this salad a more substantial main dish. You can swap out the Italian dressing for a homemade vinaigrette or add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor. For a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or walnuts can be sprinkled on top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I store the salad covered in the refrigerator, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. Since it’s served cold, reheating isn’t necessary, but if you prefer, I let it come to room temperature before eating. Always give it a good toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Related Recipes:

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! I like using spaghetti for this recipe, but penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta work just as well.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Not as is, since regular spaghetti contains gluten. However, I can easily make it gluten-free by swapping the spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta variety.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, to make it vegan, I replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative or nutritional yeast and ensure the Italian dressing is vegan-friendly.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

I usually prepare it the day before to let the flavors meld nicely, but it can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a larger picnic spread.

Conclusion

California Spaghetti Salad is one of my favorite easy, fresh dishes to bring to summer events or enjoy as a light meal. Its bright colors and bold flavors never fail to impress, and the make-ahead convenience helps me stay relaxed while entertaining. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious blend of fresh veggies and pasta as much as I do.