Description
A refreshing and colorful California Spaghetti Salad featuring al dente spaghetti tossed with a medley of fresh vegetables, black olives, and a zesty Italian dressing enhanced with Parmesan, sesame seeds, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a light meal or a vibrant side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 400-500 grams of spaghetti
Vegetables
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 zucchinis, cubed
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
Other Ingredients
- 1 can of sliced black olives, drained
- 1 bottle of Italian dressing (approximately 12-16 oz)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon celery seeds
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, cubed zucchinis, diced green and red peppers, diced red onion, and drained black olives. Mix well to combine all fresh ingredients evenly.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seeds, and garlic powder until fully blended and flavorful.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Add the cooled spaghetti to the vegetable mixture, gently folding to distribute the pasta evenly among the vegetables.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the spaghetti and vegetable mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing and spices.
- Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and for the salad to chill well.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute any settled dressing and ensure each bite is deliciously flavored.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate for longer than 3 hours or overnight to maximize flavor melding.
- You can substitute Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette if preferred for a fresher taste.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to increase protein content and turn this salad into a complete meal.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Adjust spice levels by varying the paprika and garlic powder according to taste preferences.
