Ingredients:
1 pound of thin spaghetti
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1 red onion, diced
1 can (2.25 ounces) of sliced ripe olives, drained
1 bottle (8 ounces) of Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons of sesame seeds
1 teaspoon of poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1/4 teaspoon of celery seed
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
Method:
Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, around 9 to 10 minutes. Then, drain the spaghetti and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prep the Veggies: While your spaghetti is cooking, dice your tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and onion. Also, drain your sliced ripe olives if you haven’t done so.
Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, diced vegetables, and olives. Pour in the Italian salad dressing, ensuring every bit is coated for maximum flavor.
Add the Final Touches: Lastly, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder over the salad. Toss until everything is evenly distributed.
Chill and Serve: Cover your salad and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. When it’s time to serve, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and toppings.
There you have it, the perfect California Spaghetti Salad!
Pro Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips to ensure you make the best California Spaghetti Salad:
Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor of your salad. Always opt for fresh, ripe veggies to get the best taste.
Let it Rest: Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge for a couple of hours will enable the flavors to marry and intensify. If you have time, let it sit overnight.
Customize It: Feel free to add other ingredients like grilled chicken, shrimp, or feta cheese to make this dish your own.
A Deep Dive into California Spaghetti Salad: Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits
One of the great things about the California Spaghetti Salad is that it’s not just a feast for your taste buds, but also a nutrition-packed dish that offers an array of health benefits. Let’s dig a bit deeper into its nutritional content and what it means for your health.
