California spaghetti salad is a delightful dish that’s perfect for a picnic, potluck, or any casual gathering. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool them down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti noodles with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, bell pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Feel free to customize this recipe to your taste by adding or substituting ingredients like diced avocado, shredded carrots, or cooked chicken. Enjoy your California spaghetti salad!
