Looking for a refreshing, colorful side dish that steals the spotlight at picnics, potlucks, and family dinners? California Spaghetti Salad is your new go-to! Bursting with vibrant veggies, tossed in a zesty Italian-style dressing, and served chilled for the ultimate refreshing bite, this salad is more than just eye candy—it’s a crowd-pleaser with every forkful.
Packed with wholesome ingredients and a bright medley of flavors, California Spaghetti Salad brings the laid-back, sunshiney vibes of the West Coast right to your kitchen. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and can be prepared ahead of time—making it perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
🥗 Why You’ll Love California Spaghetti Salad
- Fresh and vibrant – every bite is a celebration of color and crunch
- Customizable – use whatever veggies you love most
- Make-ahead friendly – gets better as it chills and the flavors mingle
- Perfect side dish – pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or seafood
- A healthy crowd-pleaser – low in fat, high in flavor, and totally satisfying
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1 (16 oz) bottle zesty Italian dressing (or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 How to Make California Spaghetti Salad
✅ 1. Cook the Pasta
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Let cool.
✅ 2. Chop the Veggies
- While the pasta cools, chop your tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onion, and olives.
- Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
✅ 3. Make the Dressing
- In a bowl or mason jar, combine Italian dressing with sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shake or whisk well to mix.
✅ 4. Assemble the Salad
- Add cooled spaghetti to the bowl of veggies.
- Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and gently toss again.
✅ 5. Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Toss again before serving to redistribute the dressing.
🌟 Pro Tips for the Best California Spaghetti Salad
- Use high-quality Italian dressing or make your own for a fresher flavor.
- Cut spaghetti in half before cooking to make it easier to eat.
- Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Make it vegan by skipping the Parmesan or using a plant-based version.
🍴 What to Serve It With
- Grilled chicken or salmon
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork sandwiches
- Baked tofu or veggie kabobs
- Fresh fruit or lemonade for a light, summery vibe
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
- Toss with a splash of extra dressing before serving leftovers to freshen it up.
- This salad travels well, making it ideal for picnics and meal prep.
🥒 A California Classic You’ll Crave All Year Long
California Spaghetti Salad is more than a side dish—it’s a refreshing and energizing explosion of flavor, texture, and color. With its crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and tender pasta, it captures the very essence of California cuisine: light, bright, and oh-so-fresh.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or prepping a dish to impress, this salad is always a hit. Try it once, and it just might become a staple in your seasonal recipe rotation.