Description
A fresh, light, and colorful Weight Watchers California Spaghetti Salad made with whole wheat spaghetti, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, feta cheese, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for summer meals or anytime you want a healthy, low-calorie pasta salad.
Ingredients
8 oz whole wheat spaghetti
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved
1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons light vinaigrette dressing (or homemade lemon vinaigrette)
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the whole wheat spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool pasta.
Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and olives.
Make the Dressing (if homemade): Whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, juice of one lemon, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic minced, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss cooled spaghetti with all chopped vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. Add chopped basil and grated parmesan.
Dress the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For a vegan version, omit feta and parmesan or substitute with vegan cheese.
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Use gluten-free spaghetti if desired.
Adjust vinaigrette ingredients to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Californian / Weight Watchers
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg