Here’s a detailed, step-by-step unique article about California Spaghetti Salad:

California Spaghetti Salad: A Fresh, Crunchy, and Flavor-Packed Dish

California Spaghetti Salad is a colorful, refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or even as a simple family meal. Its charm lies in the combination of tender spaghetti, crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and sometimes a touch of protein, creating a salad that is both satisfying and vibrant. Below is a complete guide on how to make this delightful dish from scratch.

Ingredients

For 6–8 servings, you will need:

For the Salad:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup sweet corn (cooked or canned)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken or turkey cubes (optional, for a protein boost)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop all the vegetables: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and carrots.
2. Slice the black olives and drain the sweet corn if using canned.
3. Combine all the vegetables in a separate bowl for easy mixing later.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference—more vinegar for tang, more sugar for balance, or more salt and pepper if needed.

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