Have you ever wanted a dish that’s perfect for just about everything? I’m talking about picnics, potlucks, or even just a simple Tuesday night dinner.

Well, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite, the California spaghetti salad. It’s a fun twist on a classic pasta salad, packed with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing. This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and so easy to whip up. You’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love California Spaghetti Salad

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? This salad is the bee’s knees! First off, it’s bursting with bright, fresh flavors and amazing textures.

The bell pepper and cucumber provide crunch, the cherry tomatoes add a hint of sweetness, and the spaghetti gives you a satisfying bite.

Everything comes together beautifully with the zesty Italian dressing. Since it’s a cold pasta salad, it’s ideal for warm weather. Additionally, you can prepare it in advance, which is a huge help at parties.

If you enjoy pasta salads as much as I do, you should also try this Mexican Green Spaghetti and Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this salad, you’ll need these basic, fresh ingredients. The recipe card below has the precise amounts.

For the Salad

Spaghetti: This is the star of the show, making it so fun to eat.
Cherry tomatoes: These little guys add a burst of juicy sweetness to your salad.
Cucumber: This brings a cool, refreshing crunch that I just love.
Bell pepper: I use red, but any color adds a sweet, crisp bite.
Red onion: This gives your salad a little bit of zesty, savory flavor.
Black olives: These add a salty, briny taste that works so well here.
Grated Parmesan cheese: This brings a nutty, cheesy flavor that makes everything better.
Fresh parsley: This adds a pop of fresh, green flavor and color.

For the Dressing

Italian dressing: I use my favorite store-bought bottle to keep things simple.
Red wine vinegar: This adds an extra tangy kick to your dressing.
Garlic powder: This gives the dressing a yummy, savory depth.
Dried oregano: This adds a classic, earthy Italian herb flavor.
Dried basil: This brings a sweet, peppery taste to the mix.
Salt and pepper: You’ll add these to taste, making the flavors just right.

How to Make California Spaghetti Salad

This recipe is as easy as pie! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious salad in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

First, cook 1 pound of spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite! Once it’s done, drain it well in your colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Chop Your Veggies

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to chop up your fresh vegetables. Halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, and dice 1 large cucumber, 1 bell pepper, and ½ of a red onion. This is the perfect time to pop on some music and get into the groove!

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

Now, let’s make the magic happen! In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Combine 1 cup of Italian dressing, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon oregano, and ½ teaspoon basil.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

In your large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, all your chopped veggies, 1 can of sliced black olives, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan. Pour that yummy dressing over everything and give it a good, gentle toss to coat.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Finally, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets all those amazing flavors hang out and get to know each other. Before serving, give it one last toss and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons fresh parsley. ENJOY!

Tips for the Best California Spaghetti Salad

Want to make your salad extra special? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks for the best results.

Don’t Overcook Pasta. Keep the spaghetti al dente so it holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy.
Rinse the Pasta. Rinsing with cold water is key to stopping the cooking and cooling it down fast.
Chop Veggies Small. Cutting your veggies into small, even pieces makes for the perfect bite every time.
Let It Marinate. Letting the salad chill in the fridge really helps all those delicious flavors meld together.
Taste Before Serving. Always give it a final taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or dressing if needed.
Serve It Chilled. This salad is at its absolute best when served cold, making it super refreshing.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and make this salad your own! Here are a few fun ideas to get you started.

Try Different Pasta. Don’t have spaghetti? No problem! Rotini, penne, or farfalle work great in this recipe, too.
Add More Veggies. You can toss in other veggies you love, like broccoli florets, zucchini, or even some corn from this Avocado Corn Salad.
Switch Up the Cheese. Feta or small mozzarella balls would be a delicious swap for the Parmesan cheese. Yum!
Add Some Protein. Make it a full meal by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some pepperoni slices.
Make It Spicy. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a kick.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

I love making this salad ahead of time. It’s a game-changer! You can make the entire salad a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors get even better overnight!

If you’re making it more than a few hours ahead, I suggest keeping the dressing separate. Then, you can just toss everything together right before you’re ready to serve.

This keeps the veggies extra crisp. Leftovers are fantastic, too! They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s the perfect grab-and-go lunch for the next day.

Recipe FAQs

What to serve with California spaghetti salad?

This salad is amazing on its own! But it also pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, or some Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread. It’s a great side dish for any barbecue.

How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?

Your California spaghetti salad will stay fresh and delicious in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

You sure can! While spaghetti makes it unique, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Rotini, penne, or fusilli are all wonderful choices.

Why do I need to rinse the pasta?

Rinsing the pasta with cold water does two important things. It stops it from cooking any further and cools it down quickly for the cold salad.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, easily! Just swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you are good to go.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Of course! Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even salami would be fantastic additions to make this a more filling main course.

Can I use homemade Italian dressing?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade Italian dressing recipe, feel free to use it. It will be just as delicious, if not more so!

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Go for it! This salad is super versatile. Artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or even chopped carrots would be great additions.

California Spaghetti Salad

This California Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing and zesty pasta dish. It's loaded with fresh vegetables, spaghetti, and a tangy Italian dressing, making it the perfect side for picnics, potlucks, or an easy weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Pasta, Salad

Servings 8

Calories 350 kcal