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    Home » Recipes » Salad Recipes

    California Pasta Salad

    Published on August 26, 2017 - Updated on April 30, 2022 by Chef Rodney - Leave a Comment - This post may contain affiliate links.

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

    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.

    California Pasta Salad

    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.

    California Pasta Salad
    celery seed

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

    • Creamy Ranch Macaroni Salad
    • Delicious Macaroni Salad
    • Easy Pasta Carbonara
    • Taco Pasta Salad
    • Hot Rod's Macaroni Salad
    • Awesome Egg Salad Bacon Sandwich

    📋 What Ingredients do I need

    You will need the following ingredients to make this California Pasta Salad recipe (see recipe card for quantities): 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.

    California Pasta Salad

    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 Rate Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 2 hrs 30 mins
    Total Time 3 hrs
    Course Salads, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    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 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
    • 1 teaspoon Paprika
    • ½ teaspoon Celery Seed
    • ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
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    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

    Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information 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.

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    Chef Rodney Headshot

    Hi! I'm Rodney and welcome to my blog. I am a foodie and self-taught cook. After years of experimenting in the kitchen, I decided to share some of my favorite recipes with you. Read More →

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