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!