The California Spaghetti Salad Recipe is a colorful, fresh, and tangy pasta dish. It’s made with crisp vegetables, cooked spaghetti, and a flavorful Italian-style dressing.
This salad is a crowd favorite at summer cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners. It’s quick, vibrant, and easy to customize for any occasion.
The best part? It’s make-ahead friendly and tastes better as it chills. You get a perfect balance of tang, crunch, and cool pasta.
Whether you’re new to pasta salads or already a fan, this California Spaghetti Salad Recipe is a must-try. It’s healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor!
When I First Introduced to
I first tried the California Spaghetti Salad Recipe at a picnic. A friend brought it in a big chilled bowl. It was tangy, fresh, and full of crunch.
I asked for the recipe right away. Since then, I’ve made it for every summer event. It’s now one of my go-to dishes. Everyone always asks for seconds. You’ll love it too!
(Equipment) List
- Large pot
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Salad tongs
- Airtight container
(Ingredients) List
- 12 oz spaghetti, broken in thirds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste

Step by Step (Preparation)
Step 1: Boil spaghetti until al dente.
Step 2: Drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 3: Place in a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Add tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and onion.
Step 5: Toss in olives and mix well.
Step 6: Pour in Italian dressing.
Step 7: Sprinkle garlic and onion powder.
Step 8: Add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 9: Toss until evenly combined.
Step 10: Chill for at least 2 hours.
Recipe Tips
- Rinse pasta to stop overcooking.
- Use bottled or homemade dressing.
- Dice veggies evenly for best texture.
- Chill longer for better flavor.
- Stir before serving to recoat dressing.
What Can You Serve With California Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Grilled Chicken: Light and juicy, it balances the tangy salad flavors.
Garlic Bread: Adds a warm, crispy bite next to the cold pasta.
Lemonade: Fresh, citrusy drink that enhances the bright salad taste.
Conclusion
This California Spaghetti Salad Recipe is the ultimate summer side. It’s easy, healthy, and always a hit.
Make it ahead to save time and boost flavor. Perfect for family gatherings, BBQs, or weeknight meals.
Add it to your recipe list today. The crunch, color, and bold taste will win hearts fast. Try this California Spaghetti Salad Recipe once, and you’ll keep making it forever!

California Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti broken in thirds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 can sliced black olives drained
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and onion.
- Toss in olives and mix well.
- Pour in Italian dressing.
- Sprinkle garlic and onion powder.
- Add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss until evenly combined.
- Chill for at least 2 hours.
Notes
- Rinse pasta to stop overcooking.
- Use bottled or homemade dressing.
- Dice veggies evenly for best texture.
- Chill longer for better flavor.
- Stir before serving to recoat dressing.
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