California Spaghetti Salad

California Spaghetti Salad: A Burst of Freshness in Every Bite

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of cooked and drained spaghetti
• 1 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 2 zucchini
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 red onion
• 1 can of sliced black olives

For the Dressing:

• One bottle of Italian dressing
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
• One teaspoon of pepper
• Half a teaspoon of celery seed
• 4 grams of garlic powder

How to Prepare:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Follow the package instructions to cook the spaghetti. Drain and rinse it under cold water to cool.

2. Mix the Veggies:

• In a large bowl, combine zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and black olives. Toss them together.

3. Prepare the Dressing:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, sesame seeds, Parmesan cheese, pepper, celery seed, and garlic powder.

4. Assemble the Salad:

• Add the cooled spaghetti to the bowl of veggies.
• Pour the dressing over the spaghetti and veggies, tossing everything together to ensure even coverage.

5. Chill the Salad:

• Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least three hours to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Serve:

• Once chilled, give the salad a good stir and serve it cold as a refreshing side dish.

Changes and Tips:

• Customize the vegetables based on what you have available, considering options like yellow squash, green onion, or celery.
• Enhance the protein content by adding cooked chicken or shrimp.
• For outdoor events, use a cooler to keep the salad cool until serving.

This California Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant and healthy choice, perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or family dinners. Its versatility allows for personalization, showcasing the beauty of simplicity in creating delicious dishes. Revel in the crunch and freshness of each bite, and let this salad demonstrate that ordinary ingredients can yield extraordinary flavors