California Spaghetti Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish

Experience a burst of California-inspired flavors with this vibrant California Spaghetti Salad! Packed with colorful veggies, tender pasta, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a celebration of freshness and taste. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish, each forkful brings a taste of sunny California to your table. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a salad that’s as bright and delightful as the Golden State itself!

Ingredients:

– 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked according to package instructions and cooled

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup cucumber, diced

– 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced

– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

– 1/2 cup shredded carrots

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Dressing:

– 1/3 cup olive oil

– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 clove garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:

   – In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

2. Assemble the Salad:

   – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spaghetti noodles with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, shredded carrots, and chopped parsley.

   – Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

   – Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and sunflower seeds (if using) over the top of the salad and toss again to combine.

3. Chill and Serve:

   – Cover the California Spaghetti Salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

   – Just before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

   – Serve the salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy the fresh and flavorful goodness of California Spaghetti Salad, a dish that’s sure to brighten any meal with its vibrant colors and irresistible taste. Whether served at a summer barbecue or enjoyed as a quick and easy lunch, this salad captures the essence of California’s culinary delights in every bite!