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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    California Pasta Salad

    Published on August 26, 2017 - Updated on January 13, 2023 by Chef Rodney - 2 Comments - This post may contain affiliate links.

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    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.
     
    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 on 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 to marinate the pasta and veggies.

    california pasta salad with chicken

    I use thin spaghetti when I make this recipe but you can really use whatever kind of pasta you want. I just think you rarely see pasta salads that use spaghetti so used that to make something different.

    california pasta salad
    celery seed

    💭 What is Al Dente

    When making pasta, it's important to cook the pasta al dente to ensure to best texture possible. If you are not familiar with the term "al dente", it means cooking the pasta so it's still chewy and firm and that it will hold its shape when the sauce is added to it.

    california pasta salad

    For more great recipes with Zucchini, I suggest you check these recipes out:

    • Homemade Autumn Bread
    • Greek Chicken and Pita Casserole
    • Zucchini with Corn Skillet
    • Baked Chicken Zucchini Spaghetti Casserole

    📋 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 al dente 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 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin 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 al dente 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.

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

    More Delicious Salads & Dressings

    • Simple Poblano Ranch Sauce
    • Garbanzo and Black Bean Salad
    • Superb Jalapeño Salad Dressing
    • Homemade Ranch Dressing
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    Reader Interactions

    2 Comments

    1. Nathalie

      June 18, 2022 at 5:40 pm

      This salad is the perfect paring for your BBQ. The first time I made it I used the thin spaghetti, then the next time I used the regular spaghetti. Both were equally delicious. This recipe will be a regular addition to my BBQ’s.

      Reply
    2. Karen

      June 28, 2022 at 10:44 am

      My family and I just loved this salad. Did not take me long to put it together and was delicious.

      Reply

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