Name: California Pasta Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 180 min
Ingredients: 1 lbs Thin Spaghetti; 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes; 2 Zucchini (Diced); 1 Large Cucumber(s) (Sliced); 1 Red Bell Pepper (Diced); 1 Green Bell Pepper (Diced); 1 Red Onion (Diced); 2 Cans Black Olives (Chopped); 16 oz Italian Salad Dressing; 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated); 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds; 1 Tsp Paprika; 1/2 Tsp Celery Seed; 1/4 Tsp Garlic Powder

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This California Pasta Salad is a delicious salad for your next BBQ. Full of healthy vegetables. You will never eat Macaroni Salad again.

Jump to:

📋 What Ingredients do I need
🥣 How to Make California Pasta Salad
🍳 Recipe Card
🍽️ Similar Recipes

I don't think I have ever been to a BBQ that didn't have macaroni salad, potato salad or some coleslaw. Those are the type of cold side dishes you would expect at a summer BBQ. But this California Pasta Salad is my new favorite salad to bring to a BBQ.

This recipe is a nice variation for your typical pasta salad. I made this for a potluck recently and got rave reviews. Make sure you refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the dressing marinate the pasta and veggies.

For more great recipes like this one, I suggest you check these recipes out:

📋 What Ingredients do I need

You will need the following ingredients to make this California Pasta Salad: Thin Spaghetti, Cherry Tomatoes, Zucchini, Diced, Cucumbers, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Black Olives, Italian Salad Dressing, Parmesan Cheese, Sesame Seeds, Paprika, Celery Seed and Garlic Powder.

🥣 How to Make California Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large serving bowl.
Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, green and red bell pepper, red onion and olives to large pasta bowl. Mix well.
Make the dressing by whisking together Italian salad dressing, Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder.
Pour over salad and toss until everything is well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

🍳 Recipe Card

California Pasta Salad

This California Pasta Salad is a delicious salad for your next BBQ. Full of healthy vegetables. You will never eat Macaroni Salad again.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Save Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 2 hrs 30 mins

Total Time 3 hrs

Course Salads, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 363 kcal

Ingredients

SALAD

1 lbs Thin Spaghetti
1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes
2 Zucchini, Diced
1 Large Cucumber(s), Sliced
1 Red Bell Pepper, Diced
1 Green Bell Pepper, Diced
1 Red Onion, Diced
2 Cans Black Olives, Chopped

DRESSING

16 oz Italian Salad Dressing
¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese, Grated
1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
1 Tsp Paprika
½ Tsp Celery Seed
¼ Tsp Garlic Powder

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in large serving bowl.
Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, green and red bell pepper, red onion and olives to large pasta bowl. Mix well.
Make the dressing by whisking together Italian salad dressing, Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed and garlic powder.
Pour over salad and toss until everything is well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 7gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 1429mgPotassium: 408mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1005IUVitamin C: 37.1mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 1.7mg

Any nutritional information provided on this site is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.

Tried this Recipe?Leave a Comment below and share a picture on Instagram and tag @hot_rods_recipes and hashtag #hotrodsrecipes!