
Here’s a detailed, unique article on California Spaghetti Salad, including a step-by-step method to make it:
California Spaghetti Salad: A Fresh Twist on a Classic
California Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant, colorful dish that combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables, a creamy dressing, and often a touch of tangy or zesty flavor. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that balances textures and flavors beautifully. With its signature combination of fresh produce, sometimes grilled chicken, and a slightly creamy dressing, California Spaghetti Salad stands out as a refreshing take on traditional pasta salads.
Ingredients
To serve 4–6 people, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz (about 225 g) spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, cubed (optional)
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Toss the spaghetti lightly with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Dice the red and yellow bell peppers into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Peel and finely chop the red onion.
- Dice the cucumber and shred the carrots.
- Slice the black olives and chop the parsley.









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