California Spaghetti Salad
Refreshing, filling, and delicious, pasta and vegetables dressed with an olive oil dressing will become a new family favorite. It delivers a healthy option without feeling deprived.
Servings 6
Calories 780kcal
Ingredients
The Salad
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti, broken in half
- ⅓ cup (45g) diced red onion
- 1 cup (128g) black olives, sliced
- 1 cup (133g) chopped cucumbers
- ½ cup (55g) chopped red bell pepper
- ½ cup (55g) chopped green bell pepper
- 1 cup (220g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup (15g) minced parsley
- ⅓ cup (40g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups (360ml) Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade, recipe follows)
- salt and pepper to taste
Italian Salad Dressing
- ¾ cup (175ml) extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup (60ml) white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ tablespoons (10g) minced bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon (2g) dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon (2g) minced onions
- ¾ teaspoon (1g) dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon (1g) dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon (2g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1½ teaspoon (7g) sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon (1-2g) black pepper
Instructions
The Salad
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, cucumbers, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and Italian dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly without breaking the noodles.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Italian Salad Dressing
- Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, Parmesan cheese, minced red bell pepper, dried parsley, minced onion, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour over the salad or store in a glass jar until ready to use.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe vegetables.
- Cook the spaghetti al dente (slightly firm to the bite) to avoid mushy noodles.
- Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
Nutrition
Serving: 200g | Calories: 780kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 2643mg | Potassium: 671mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 2256IU | Vitamin C: 74mg | Calcium: 289mg | Iron: 4mg