Description
The California Pasta Medley Salad is a quintessential summer dish that brings together the vibrancy of fresh vegetables, the tanginess of Italian dressing, and the distinct taste of Parmesan cheese in a harmonious mix. Perfect for social gatherings, family dinners, or as a fulfilling light meal on its own, this salad is not only appealing to the eyes but also to the palate. Its ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking to add a refreshing twist to their culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Salad Supreme seasoning
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (adjust according to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain well.
2. Combine the Vegetables and Pasta
In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, chopped parsley, and the cooled spaghetti. Toss to ensure everything is well mixed.
3. Add Seasoning and Dressing
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Salad Supreme seasoning, and Italian dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix with tongs until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
4. Chill the Salad
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Final Stir and Serve
Just before serving, stir the salad well to redistribute the dressing and seasonings. Serve chilled as either a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people as a side dish. The total preparation and cooking time is around 20 minutes, with an additional chilling period of at least 1 hour for optimal flavor integration.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store the leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It is best consumed within 2-3 days.
- Briefly toss the salad before serving again to refresh the flavors.
- If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you might need to add a little more dressing before serving leftover salad to retain its moistness and flavor.
Conclusion
The California Pasta Medley Salad is an excellent choice for those seeking a meal that is both nutritious and satisfying. With its flexible nature allowing for various ingredient substitutions and additions, it can cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and tastes. Whether it’s a family meal or a potluck event, this delightful salad promises to be a vibrant and tasty addition to any table.
Print
California Pasta Medley Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
The California Pasta Medley Salad is a quintessential summer dish that brings together the vibrancy of fresh vegetables, the tanginess of Italian dressing, and the distinct taste of Parmesan cheese in a harmonious mix. Perfect for social gatherings, family dinners, or as a fulfilling light meal on its own, this salad is not only appealing to the eyes but also to the palate. Its ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking to add a refreshing twist to their culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Salad Supreme seasoning
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing (adjust according to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain well.
- Combine the Vegetables and Pasta: In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, chopped parsley, and the cooled spaghetti. Toss to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Add Seasoning and Dressing: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Salad Supreme seasoning, and Italian dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix with tongs until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Final Stir and Serve: Just before serving, stir the salad well to redistribute the dressing and seasonings. Serve chilled as either a refreshing side dish or a light main course.