Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti (or other pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup cooked and diced chicken or turkey (for added protein)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the Vegetables:
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell peppers and cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and slice the olives.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Mix Everything Together:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, black olives (if using), shredded carrots, parsley, and mozzarella cheese.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. If you’re adding cooked chicken or turkey, mix it in at this stage.
Step 4: Season and Chill
- Season:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the amount of dressing based on your preference.
- Chill:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the California Spaghetti Salad chilled or at room temperature. Toss gently before serving if needed.
Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like artichokes, corn, or zucchini. You can also use different types of cheese, such as feta or cheddar.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance. The flavors improve as it sits, but you may need to add a little extra dressing before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your delicious California Spaghetti Salad!
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