California Spaghetti Salad

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🥗 California Spaghetti Salad
A refreshing pasta salad made with tender spaghetti and crisp vegetables, tossed in a flavorful dressing. Perfect for picnics, parties, or light meals.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Salad Base:

  • 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti

  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cucumber, diced

  • 2 zucchini, diced

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced

  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional)

  • 1 can (about 2.25 oz / 65 g) sliced black olives, drained

For the Dressing:

  • 2 cups Italian dressing (from a 16 oz bottle)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon celery seed

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (tender but firm).

Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it completely.

Break the spaghetti into shorter pieces for easier serving.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

Wash all vegetables well.

Dice:

  • Cucumber

  • Zucchini

  • Green bell pepper

Halve the cherry tomatoes.

Finely chop the red onion (if using).

3. Combine the Salad

In a very large bowl, add:

  • Cooled spaghetti

  • Cherry tomatoes

  • Cucumber

  • Zucchini

  • Green bell pepper

  • Red onion

  • Black olives

Gently toss to mix evenly.

4. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine:

  • Italian dressing

  • Parmesan cheese

  • Sesame seeds

  • Paprika

  • Celery seed

Whisk or shake well until fully blended.

5. Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables.

Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.

6. Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best).
This allows the pasta and vegetables to absorb the flavors.

Before serving, toss again.
If it looks dry, add a little extra Italian dressing.

🍽 Serving

Serve chilled as:

  • A side dish

  • A light lunch

  • A picnic or party salad

Optional garnishes:

  • Extra Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh parsley or basil

⭐ Helpful Tips

✔ Add cooked chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for protein
✔ Add sweet corn for extra color
✔ Keep tomatoes and cucumber separate and mix in 1 hour before serving for extra crunch

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