California Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing and flavorful pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any occasion. It combines cooked spaghetti noodles with crunchy vegetables and a zesty dressing. Here’s the full recipe:
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz (about half a box) spaghetti noodles
– 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, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
**For the Dressing:**
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the spaghetti:** Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool down the noodles.
2. **Prepare the vegetables:** While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and parsley. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. **Make the dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
4. **Combine everything:** Add the cooled spaghetti noodles to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. **Chill and serve:** Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, garnish with additional parsley if desired.
6. **Enjoy!** Serve cold as a side dish or a light main dish. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want a refreshing pasta salad.
This California Spaghetti Salad is versatile and can be customized to your taste by adding or omitting vegetables according to what you have on hand or prefer. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite at any event!