California Pasta Salad – This recipe, for California Pasta Salad merges an assortment of kaleidoscopic components that indeed grasp the nature of California. Not only is this salad visually appealing. It also abounds with scrumptious tastes in every nibble. With its spaghetti, vegetables and a tangy homemade dressing our California Pasta Salad is an excellent choice for summer get-togethers or even quick weeknight dinners. The dressing, constructed from olive oil wine vinegar and a mixture of seasonings counts as a fantastic blast of savor that is sure to make this salad dearest among family members.
I have memories of the first time I prepared this California Pasta Salad. It was on a warm summer evening when I wanted to serve something refreshing for a family gathering. As I assembled the ingredients the vibrant colors of the bell peppers the juicy grape tomatoes and the crisp cucumber brought joy to my face. What made it more special was seeing how much my husband and child enjoyed it instantly. It warmed my heart to witness their delight with each spoonful and since then this salad has become an addition to our family gatherings.
What makes this California Pasta Salad truly unique?
What sets our California Pasta Salad apart is its satisfying blend of crispy vegetables along with a homemade dressing that quite counteracts tanginess, with flavors. With its colors that catch the eye this salad is visually appealing. Can be enjoyed on different occasions whether it’s a laid-back picnic or a fancy gathering. What makes this salad unique is that you can prep it ahead of time offering the flavors a chance to meld together for an extraordinary taste. It’s a dish that bears the core of California to your dining experience, with every morsel.
What You Need To Make This California Pasta Salad Recipe?
For the Salad Dressing:
Olive Oil: Imagine the sun-kissed groves of Italy, where the exquisite olives are transformed into a treasure. That’s the enchantment of using high-quality olive oil. It goes beyond being an ingredient; it takes you on a journey that imbues every drop, with a fruity, almost lyrical essence.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese isn’t merely a topping; it acts as the elixir of umami. Think of it as an embrace that envelops your taste buds with decadence. Take the step and grate it fresh – trust me your palate will be grateful.
Sesame Seeds: These unassuming little seeds are the heroes of crunch in the dressing. They bring a texture and a subtle nutty undertone elevating your salad to heights of deliciousness.
Poppy Seeds: Poppy seeds are like whispers of joy within this dressing. They introduce a crunch and delicate nutty flavor that dances on your taste buds adding depth and intrigue to each mouthful.
Garlic: Whether you opt for garlic or fresh cloves this ingredient is like a touch, in your dressing. Its aroma and taste provide depth and an irresistible hint of pungency.
Paprika: Paprika is truly the spice that adds zest to life in this dressing. Not does it provide color. It also adds a smoky sweet and slightly spicy flavor that keeps your taste buds intrigued.
Celery Seed: A small amount of celery seed goes a long way infusing an aromatic essence that blends perfectly with the other flavors, in the dressing.
Salt: Salt is your flavor balancer. Start with a sprinkle. Adjust to your liking. It’s the touch that brings all the flavors together in harmony.
For the Pasta Salad:
Spaghetti: Broken into thirds thin spaghetti acts as a thread that runs through this salad. It absorbs the dressing’s flavors while showcasing the veggies and other ingredients beautifully.
Zucchini: Diced zucchini provides a crunch to the salad. They’re like surprises of freshness and texture with every forkful.
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Grape Tomatoes: Halved grape tomatoes are nature’s candy in this salad. They burst with sweetness creating bursts of flavor.
Cucumber: Diced cucumber adds a crispy coolness, to the mix. It provides hydration. Keeps everything refreshing.
Bell Peppers: Green and red bell peppers when diced create a combination that not only pleases the eyes but also imparts a delightful smoky taste to the overall dish.
Red Onion: For those who crave a bit of adventure consider adding some chopped onion. It’s, like a hint of spiciness that adds an element of excitement, to the recipe. However keep in mind that this is entirely optional.
Black Olives: To bring all the elements together include sliced olives. These briny slices act as a force imparting a salty touch that completes the salad.
Steps To Make California Pasta Salad:
Step 1: In a bowl or a jar, with a fitting lid combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds oregano poppy seeds, garlic, paprika, celery seed and salt. Mix well. Let the flavors blend as you get the salad ready.
Step 2: Boil 4 quarts of water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions, on the package for 9 minutes. Drain it well. Rinse it with water.
Step 3: In a bowl put in the chopped zucchini, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber diced bell peppers, onion (if you prefer) and sliced olives. Add in the pasta and drizzle with the salad dressing to your liking (you don’t have to use all of it). Toss everything together, gently cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight so that all the flavors can come together nicely.
Tip:
To take your California Pasta Salad to the next level of deliciousness simply let it cool in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. This additional time permits the dressing to blend with the pasta and veggies creating a salad that goes beyond goodness and becomes truly extraordinary. So exercise some patience. Refrigerate, for an enhanced taste sensation that’s definitely worth waiting for!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this California Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Of course! You can definitely prepare the California Pasta Salad ahead of time. In fact it’s even better if you let it chill for a few hours or overnight as it helps to bring out the flavors.
Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You have the freedom to customize the vegetables in this recipe according to your taste buds. Feel free to add or remove any veggies based on your preferences. This recipe is quite versatile allowing you to make it yours.
How long does the homemade dressing stay fresh?
If you’re wondering about the shelf life of the dressing rest assured that it can stay fresh for, up to a week when stored in an airtight container, in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a shake before using it again.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
California Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad Dressing:
- 1 c olive oil
- 1/2 c red wine vinegar
- 1/4 c Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp. sesame seeds
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/4 tsp garlic or two cloves fresh finely minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp celery seed
- 1/4 tsp salt or more to taste
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb. thin spaghetti broken into thirds
- 2 medium zucchini diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- 1 large hot house cucumber diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 1 red onion diced (optional)
- 1 6.5 oz can sliced black olives, drained
Instructions
- Here's how you can make the dressing: In a bowl whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, dried oregano, poppy seeds, minced garlic, paprika, celery seed and salt. Mix everything well. Set it aside.
- Now let's cook the pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add some salt. Put in the spaghetti. Cook it following the instructions, on the package (usually around 9 minutes). Once cooked drain the pasta. Rinse it under water to cool it down.
- Next step is to combine all the ingredients: In a mixing bowl put together zucchini, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced green bell pepper, diced red bell pepper and sliced black olives. If you like onion you can add that too. Add in the cooled spaghetti.
- Now we need to dress up the salad: Drizzle the dressing, over all of your ingredients. Start with a bit of dressing. Then add more according to your taste preference. Mix everything together until everything is well coated.
- After that let chill and serve: Cover your bowl. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or even overnight so that all the flavors can blend nicely together. Serve it chilled and enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
