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California Spaghetti Salad: A Colorful, Fresh, and Flavorful Twist on Pasta

California Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that perfectly blends the heartiness of pasta with the crispness of fresh vegetables and a zesty, tangy dressing. This salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a light family meal, and it’s loved for its colorful presentation and easy customization. Let’s dive into how to create this crowd-pleasing dish from scratch.

Ingredients

To make a California Spaghetti Salad, you’ll need the following:

For the salad:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or angel hair pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Optional additions:

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken, ham, or turkey, diced (for protein)
• 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or pine nuts (for crunch)
• 1/4 cup avocado, diced

For the dressing:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional for sweetness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also cools the pasta for the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
3. Finely chop the red onion and slice the olives.
4. Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Adjust seasoning to taste. The dressing should be creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet.

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