California Spaghetti Salad

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California Spaghetti Salad 🍅🥑

Fresh, Colorful & Perfect for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this California Spaghetti Salad is exactly what you need. Loaded with crisp vegetables, tender spaghetti noodles, and a light, zesty dressing, this salad is a perfect blend of freshness and comfort. It’s ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or even as a light weeknight dinner.

Inspired by classic West Coast flavors, this California-style pasta salad is vibrant, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This California Spaghetti Salad

  • Fresh, crunchy vegetables in every bite
  • Light yet filling — perfect as a main or side dish
  • Great for meal prep and make-ahead meals
  • Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins
  • Always a hit at parties and gatherings

This salad tastes even better after chilling, making it one of those recipes that improves with time.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked and cooled
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • 1 avocado, diced (optional but highly recommended)

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make California Spaghetti Salad

  1. Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Cut the spaghetti into shorter strands for easier serving.
  3. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and avocado.
  4. Add the cooled spaghetti to the bowl with the vegetables.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Tips for the Best Spaghetti Salad

  • Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent sticking
  • Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best sweetness
  • Slice vegetables evenly for balanced texture
  • Add avocado just before serving to keep it fresh
  • Chill the salad to let the flavors fully develop

Delicious Variations

Make this California Spaghetti Salad your own by adding:

  • Grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein
  • Feta or mozzarella cheese for creaminess
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley
  • Chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost

How to Serve

Serve this salad:

  • As a side dish at BBQs and picnics
  • As a light lunch or dinner
  • Alongside grilled meats or seafood
  • Packed for meal prep or lunchboxes

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • Add avocado and fresh herbs just before serving
  • Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing

Final Thoughts

This California Spaghetti Salad is fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect balance of crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and a bright, tangy dressing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just prepping meals for the week, this salad is guaranteed to impress.

Save this recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy a taste of California in every bite 🌞🥗

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