Description
A vibrant and refreshing California spaghetti salad that blends al dente spaghetti with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, sweet bell peppers, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty lemon-mayo dressing and garnished with fresh herbs, this salad is a perfect light meal or side dish, inspired by traditional Californian flavors and my grandmother’s heavenly recipes.
Ingredients
Pasta & Vegetables
8 oz spaghetti (whole wheat or regular)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 cup sweet corn (fresh or canned)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
Dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional
1 cup grilled chicken breast, sliced
1/2 cup cooked shrimp
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Wash and chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. Chop herbs finely.
Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
In a large bowl, mix the cooled spaghetti, vegetables, olives, and herbs. Pour dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
Fold in feta cheese and optional grilled chicken or shrimp if desired.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives or use a tahini dressing.
Adjust lemon juice for more tanginess.
Add toasted pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch.
Best served cold but can be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad / Pasta Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Californian / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg