Follow these simple steps to create your California Spaghetti Salad:
1. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool them down.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti noodles, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
– For added flavor, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this salad into a complete meal.
– If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
– To make this salad ahead of time, prepare all the ingredients and store them separately. Combine everything and add the dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
– Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or avocado.
Serving Suggestions
This California Spaghetti Salad is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or steak for a complete and satisfying meal. For a light lunch, pair it with a crusty baguette and a simple green salad. It’s also a great accompaniment to summer barbecues and potlucks, as it can be made in advance and served cold.
enjoy!
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