California Spaghetti Salad (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Salad Base
01 -
1 cucumber, chopped
02 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
03 -
1 red bell pepper, diced into small pieces
04 -
1 lb pasta of your choice (like spaghetti)
05 -
½ red onion, minced
06 -
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (if you’d like)
07 -
¼ cup fresh parsley, minced
08 -
1 cup grated carrots
09 -
½ cup sliced black olives
→ Dressing
10 -
¼ cup red wine vinegar
11 -
½ cup olive oil
12 -
2 tablespoons sugar (honey works too)
13 -
1 teaspoon oregano, dried
14 -
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
15 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
16 -
Add salt and pepper as you like
→ Extra Options
17 -
Chunks of grilled chicken
18 -
Pieces of avocado
19 -
Canned artichoke hearts
# Instructions:
01 -
Get a big pot of water boiling with some salt added. Toss in your pasta and cook until it's just firm (check the box directions, usually 8-10 mins). Drain and rinse it with cold water to cool it fast. Add a little olive oil so it doesn't clump together, then leave it to cool completely.
02 -
While you're handling the pasta, prep your vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber and bell pepper into small bits, finely chop the red onion, and mince that parsley. Try to keep all the veggies a similar size so they mix evenly.
03 -
Mix up olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar or honey, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a little jar or bowl. If you've got a jar with a lid, shake it hard to blend everything. Otherwise, just stir or whisk until smooth.
04 -
Grab a big serving bowl. Toss in your cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, carrots, bell pepper, olives, and parsley. Pour on the dressing and gently mix everything together so it's all evenly coated.
05 -
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for 1-2 hours so the flavors can soak in. Before you dig in, mix it again gently. If you want, you can sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. Add any extras like chicken, avocado, or artichokes before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Make it ahead of time – it’ll stay good up to 24 hours, ideal for busy days or gatherings.
02 -
Swap out regular pasta with whole wheat for a healthier twist. Cut back on the sugar, too.
03 -
Tastes even better after sitting overnight since all the flavors mix so well.