Introduction
California Spaghetti Salad is a delightful and refreshing pasta salad that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any summer gathering. This salad combines the flavors of spaghetti, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing to create a delicious and satisfying dish. Whether you’re a fan of pasta salads or just looking for a new recipe to try, this California Spaghetti Salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients
To make California Spaghetti Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
– 8 ounces of spaghetti
– 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup of cucumber, diced
– 1/2 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
– 1 clove of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Follow these simple steps to make California Spaghetti Salad:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse with cold water and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to combine.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and gently toss until everything is well coated in the dressing.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Variations
There are several ways to customize and vary the California Spaghetti Salad recipe to suit your preferences:
– Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed version of the salad.
– Swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
– Include additional vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added crunch and color.
– Experiment with different herbs and spices in the dressing, such as basil or thyme, to add extra depth of flavor.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect California Spaghetti Salad:
– Be sure to rinse the cooked spaghetti with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
– Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the red onion for a more delicate texture in the salad.
– If you’re making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
– Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing to your taste preferences. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
Conclusion
California Spaghetti Salad is a versatile and tasty dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this salad is sure to be a hit. The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and perfectly cooked spaghetti creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with this delicious California Spaghetti Salad.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make California Spaghetti Salad ahead of time. Simply prepare the salad as directed, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is traditionally used in this recipe, you can certainly experiment with different types of pasta. Try using penne, rotini, or farfalle for a fun twist on the classic salad.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute it with your favorite cheese. Goat cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar would all work well in this salad.
How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?
California Spaghetti Salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
California Spaghetti Salad
California Spaghetti Salad is a delightful and refreshing pasta salad that combines the flavors of spaghetti, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any summer gathering, this salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients
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8 ounces spaghetti
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup black olives, sliced
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1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse with cold water and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to combine.
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Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and gently toss until everything is well coated in the dressing.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve chilled and enjoy!
