California spaghetti salad is a refreshing and colorful pasta salad that incorporates various fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It’s a great dish for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for barbecues. Here’s how to make it:Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) spaghetti or pasta of your choice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the spaghetti or pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Set the dressing aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, fresh basil, and fresh parsley.
- Toss with Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the California spaghetti salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve:
- Serve the California spaghetti salad cold. You can garnish it with additional fresh herbs or feta cheese if desired.
This California spaghetti salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding other vegetables you enjoy, such as avocado, corn, or artichoke hearts. It’s a perfect side dish for warm weather gatherings or a light and refreshing meal on its own.
