Here’s a detailed, unique article on California Spaghetti Salad with a step-by-step method:
California Spaghetti Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Twist on Pasta
California Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant, colorful dish that brings together the perfect combination of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It’s a crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or summer barbecues, and the best part is that it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. This recipe takes inspiration from California cuisine, emphasizing fresh, bright flavors and a slightly creamy, zesty dressing.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cubed mozzarella
For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Usually, this takes about 8–10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also cools the pasta for the salad and prevents it from sticking together.
- Toss the drained pasta with a teaspoon of olive oil to keep it separated.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- While the pasta is cooking, wash all vegetables thoroughly.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in halves.
- Dice cucumbers, red and yellow bell peppers into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the red onion and shred the carrots.
- Slice black olives and chop fresh parsley or cilantro.
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