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–+ servings
california spaghetti salad recipe with avocado tomatoes spinach and a tangy italian dressing

California Spaghetti Salad

Kelly Jensen
This California spaghetti salad recipe is a bright, fresh, and flavorful take on pasta salad - it's quick and simple to make and loaded with tasty ingredients! An easy party appetizer or side dish that's ready in 30 minutes.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Pasta, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Californian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 424 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Bowl
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Spaghetti Salad

  • 1 lb spaghetti I used whole wheat
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 8 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup black olives

For the Italian Inspired Dressing

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoons each sea salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil, and set aside.
  • Prep your veggies: chop the avocado, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, olives, and baby spinach. Add to a large mixing bowl.
  • Make the dressing: to a medium mixing bowl or a pint sized mason jar. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well to combine.
  • Assemble the salad: in the mixing bowl, add the cooked spaghetti and pour over the dressing. Toss well to combine.
  • Serve at room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Notes

Dietary Modifications

  • This recipe is vegetarian, and meat free - if using a vegetarian parmesan cheese.
  • To make vegan or dairy free, use a plant-based parmesan cheese. And if using a bottled dressing, ensure the dressing is vegan.
  • To make gluten free, use gluten free spaghetti, and ensure any other ingredients in the dressing are certified gluten free.

Nutrition

Calories: 424kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 9gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gSodium: 294mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2117IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 2mg
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