California Spaghetti Salad

Necessary Kitchen Equipment:

• Large pot (for cooking the spaghetti)
• Colander (for draining the pasta)
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl (for making the dressing)
• Whisk or spoon (for mixing the dressing)
• Measuring spoons

Overview of Ingredients:

The base of this salad is cooked spaghetti, which is tossed with a mix of fresh vegetables, like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. For the dressing, you’ll use a blend of mayonnaise, Italian dressing, and a few spices for extra flavor. You can also add cheese and olives to elevate the taste. This is a great dish to customize with ingredients you love!

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 8 ounces spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool down the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion and black olives (if using). Add all the vegetables to the bowl with the pasta.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Add Cheese and Garnish: If using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the salad and toss again. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.
6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

Recipe Tips:

• Customizing the Salad: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try adding diced carrots, peas, or even corn for added texture and flavor.
• Make it ahead: This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It’s a great option for meal prep or for making the day before a gathering.
• Dressing Variations: For a lighter dressing, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise and increase the Italian dressing. You can also add a bit of lemon juice for a citrusy kick.
• Add protein: If you want to turn this into a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs to the salad.

What to Serve with This Recipe:

California Spaghetti Salad is perfect on its own as a light meal or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or steak. It’s also great alongside other picnic staples like potato salad, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! You can swap the spaghetti for any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
2. Can I make this salad without mayonnaise? Yes, you can make this salad without mayonnaise. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or sour cream instead. You can also try a vinaigrette-based dressing if you prefer something less creamy.
3. How long does this salad last in the fridge? This salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just be aware that the pasta might absorb some of the dressing, so you might need to add a bit more dressing before serving.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the salad? Of course! This recipe is highly customizable. You can add veggies like diced carrots, peas, corn, or even diced avocado to suit your taste.

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for dressing
• Whisk or spoon

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti
• Cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion
• Black olives (optional)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Mayonnaise, Italian dressing, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti and cool it.
2. Dice vegetables and add them to the pasta.
3. Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
4. Toss the pasta with vegetables and dressing.
5. Garnish with cheese and parsley, then chill.

Notes:

California Spaghetti Salad is a fantastic dish that is both easy to make and highly customizable. Whether you serve it at a family gathering, BBQ, or picnic, it’s a dish that’s sure to be a hit every time. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge or your personal preferences, making it a versatile and delicious option!