This vibrant and refreshing California Spaghetti Salad is packed with fresh veggies, tangy dressing, and optional add-ins like feta and sunflower seeds. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal, it’s a quick and healthy dish that everyone will enjoy!
Servings and Timing:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients List:
For the Salad:
8 ounces spaghetti, cooked and cooled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup bell peppers (mix of colors), diced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pine nuts (optional)
For the Dressing:
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, black olives, red onion, and fresh parsley.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly until well coated.
Add Optional Toppings:
If desired, sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese and sunflower seeds or pine nuts for added flavor and crunch.
Chill:
Refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Final Toss and Serve:
Before serving, toss the salad again and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximation):
Calories: 280
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 12mg
Sodium: 350mg
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 6g
Recipe Tips and Substitutions:
Make It Vegan: Skip the feta cheese and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Add Protein: To make this salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp.
Vary the Veggies: You can mix and match the vegetables in the salad—try adding avocado, carrots, or spinach for even more variety.
Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the honey by an extra teaspoon.
Enjoy this Healthy California Spaghetti Salad as a tasty and nutrient-packed side dish or a light main course! It’s a perfect addition to any meal, offering a burst of fresh flavors and a satisfying crunch!
