Best 8 California Salad Bowl Recipes

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Are you looking for a delicious and healthy salad recipe that's perfect for summer? Look no further than the California Salad Bowl! This vibrant and flavorful dish is packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients, including crisp romaine lettuce, sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, crunchy almonds, and creamy avocado. Topped with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or barbecue.

In addition to the classic California Salad Bowl recipe, this article also includes variations for a vegan California Salad Bowl, a gluten-free California Salad Bowl, and a California Salad Bowl with grilled chicken. So no matter what your dietary restrictions are, you can enjoy this delicious and healthy salad.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CALIFORNIA SPAGHETTI SALAD



California Spaghetti Salad image

California Spaghetti Salad is a delicious pasta salad filled with fresh veggies and covered in a zesty Italian dressing. With all those flavors and colors making one beautiful and tasty side dish, there is no doubt this will be the hit of your next gathering!

Provided by Alyssa Rivers

Categories     Salad

Time 3h15m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound thin spaghetti (broken into 1 inch pieces)
1 pint cherry tomatoes (chopped in half)
2 zucchini (medium, diced)
1 cucumber (large, diced)
1 green bell pepper (medium, diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1 red onion (large, diced)
2 cans ripe olives (2-1/4 ounces each sliced, drained)
1 bottle Italian salad dressing (16 ounces)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain using a colander and rinse in cold water. Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, green and red bell pepper, red onion and olives in a large bowl.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 317 kcal, Carbohydrate 38 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 1243 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CALIFORNIA SALAD WITH HARD-BOILED EGGS



California Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 large eggs
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 15-ounce can no-salt-added chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup unsalted pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)
1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, plus more for topping
1 5-ounce package mixed baby greens (about 8 cups)
2 ounces broccoli sprouts or alfalfa sprouts
8 small radishes, sliced
1 avocado, sliced

Steps:

  • Put the eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and gently simmer 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool; set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chickpeas and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the chickpeas are lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the pepitas and cook, stirring, until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes; let cool.
  • Make the dressing: Whisk the yogurt, 2 tablespoons water, the vinegar, chives and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper.
  • Peel and roughly chop the hard-boiled eggs. Toss the greens, sprouts and radishes in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Top each serving of salad with the chickpeas and pepitas, eggs and sliced avocado. Drizzle with the dressing and top with more chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410 calorie, Fat 28 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Cholesterol 280 milligrams, Sodium 230 milligrams, Carbohydrate 20 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 22 grams

CALIFORNIA PASTA SALAD



California Pasta Salad image

As far as cold pasta salad recipes go, this is one of the best. Not only does it travel well to get-togethers such as picnics or tailgate parties, but people absolutely love it when it gets there. -Jeanette Krembas, Laguna Niguel, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces
3 large tomatoes, diced
2 medium zucchini, diced
1 large cucumber, diced
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 sweet red pepper, diced
1 large red onion, diced
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
DRESSING:
1 bottle (16 ounces) Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the vegetables and olives. , In a large bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over spaghetti mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 257 calories, Fat 13g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 567mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

CALIFORNIA GREEN SALAD



California Green Salad image

This salad truly represents my state, since avocados and almonds are grown in such abundance here. I originated this recipe many years ago, and it's often requested by family and friends. It's a winner at our house!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

DRESSING:
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon paprika
SALAD:
1 large head romaine, torn into pieces
1 avocado, diced
4 green onions with tops, sliced
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Dash seasoned salt

Steps:

  • Whisk dressing ingredients; cover and refrigerate. Just before serving, toss together romaine, avocado, onions, almonds and blue cheese in a large salad bowl. Sprinkle with seasoned salt. Whisk the dressing and pour the over salad; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

CALIFORNIA ROLL BOWLS



California Roll Bowls image

This dish is a deconstructed version of the California roll, which typically includes crab (real or imitation), cucumber and avocado. Ree skips the avocado and doubles down on crunch with shredded carrots and canned fried onions. She tops it all with pickled ginger, sesame seeds and seaweed snacks, which are a nod to the nori seaweed found in many rolls.

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 20m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha
2 teaspoons soy sauce, plus more for serving
Drizzle sesame oil
4 teaspoons rice vinegar
8 ounces imitation crab, shredded
One 8.8-ounce microwave bag sticky rice, cooked and cooled
1 mini English cucumber, sliced into rounds
1/2 cup shredded carrot
One .35-ounce package seaweed snacks
1/4 cup packaged fried onions
2 heaping tablespoons pickled ginger
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 scallion, sliced thin

Steps:

  • In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, soy, sesame oil and 2 teaspoons of the rice vinegar until well combined. Fold in the imitation crab, then set aside.
  • Divide the rice between two serving bowls, adding 1 teaspoon rice vinegar to each. Stir to mix the vinegar into the rice.
  • Place the dressed imitation crab into the bowls, followed by the cucumber, carrot, seaweed snacks, onions and pickled ginger. Garnish with the sesame seeds and scallions, then serve.

CALIFORNIA ROLL SALAD



California Roll Salad image

I love sushi but have not learned how to make it. This salad solves all my cravings for it because it is not as readily available in Greece. This really wonderful recipe is from Epicurious.

Provided by evelynathens

Categories     Long Grain Rice

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
7 tablespoons rice vinegar (not seasoned)
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (preferably unhulled)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped pickled ginger
4 scallions, cut lengthwise into thin 1 inch strips (about 3/4 cup)
1/2 cup finely shredded carrot
1 large seedless cucumber, quartered lengthwise, cored, and chopped (about 1 pound)
2 sheets nori (paper-thin sheets of dried seaweed)
1 avocado (preferably California)
1/4 lb surimi, if desired, sliced thin (mock crab legs) (optional)
2 teaspoons wasabi powder (Japanese green horseradish)
1 tablespoon hot water
2 tablespoons cold water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons ginger juice (squeezed from freshly grated gingerroot)

Steps:

  • Into a large saucepan of salted boiling water stir rice and boil 10 minutes.
  • Drain rice in a colander and rinse.
  • Set colander over a kettle of boiling water (rice should not touch water) and steam rice, covered with a kitchen towel and lid, until fluffy and dry, 10 to 15 minutes (check water level in kettle occasionally, adding water if necessary).
  • While rice is steaming, in a small saucepan bring 1/4 cup vinegar to a boil with sugar and salt, stirring until sugar is dissolved, and remove from heat.
  • In a dry small skillet toast sesame seeds over moderate heat, stirring, until golden and fragrant and transfer to a small bowl.
  • Transfer rice to a large bowl and stir in vinegar mixture.
  • Cool rice and stir in sesame seeds, remaining 3 tablespoons vinegar, oil, ginger, scallions, carrot, and cucumber.
  • Salad may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
  • Bring salad to room temperature before proceeding.
  • Dry-roast nori, 1 sheet at a time, directly above moderate heat (gas or electric burner), holding it at opposite corners and moving it back and forth, until it turns bright green, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • With scissors cut nori into thin 2-inch-long strips.
  • Peel and pit avocado.
  • Quarter avocado and cut crosswise into thin slices.
  • Add avocado to salad with surmimi if using and two thirds of nori strips and toss well.
  • Make dressing: In a small bowl stir wasabi powder into hot water and stir in cold water, soy sauce, and ginger juice.
  • Serve salad sprinkled with remaining nori strips and drizzled with dressing.

CALIFORNIA ROLL SALAD



California Roll Salad image

A delicious, light, spicy salad, excellent for summer cooking! A perfect side to any grilled Asian-style dishes. Wasabi paste may be used instead of the powder if it is more convenient. If you discover you have made the dressing too spicy, adjust by adding more mayonnaise.

Provided by TARA LYON

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Crab Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

½ cup uncooked white rice
1 cup water
1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 English cucumber, cut into 1 inch strips
2 avocados - peeled, pitted, and cubed
2 cups shredded imitation crabmeat
2 teaspoons wasabi powder, or to taste
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon soy sauce
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Steps:

  • Place rice and water in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender. Set aside to cool.
  • In a large serving bowl, toss together the lettuce, cucumber, avocado and imitation crabmeat. Stir in cooled rice. In a small bowl, stir together the wasabi powder, mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar and sesame oil. Toss salad with dressing (recommended), or serve with dressing on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 264.1 calories, Carbohydrate 31.8 g, Cholesterol 12.2 mg, Fat 12.9 g, Fiber 6.2 g, Protein 7.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 652.4 mg, Sugar 7.6 g

CALIFORNIA SALAD



California Salad image

My sister-in-law made this salad for a family dinner just before my husband and I were married. In a hurry I wrote the recipe down. I've shared this recipe often through the years of our marriage. Recently at a dinner, my SIL asked if I made this recipe often. I replied that yes I did and every year I have to make California Salad. The look on her face was priceless and her reply was "I thought I gave you this recipe years ago!". After visiting on this topic further, we discovered I had abbreviated cauliflower to Calif. Salad thus it's name. I hope you enjoy!

Provided by CindiJ

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 40m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 head lettuce, torn
1 head cauliflower, broken into small flowerettes
1 bunch green onion, chopped
1 lb bacon, cooked & crumbled
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup mayonnaise

Steps:

  • In large serving salad bowl layer torn lettuce, broken cauliflower, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
  • In small bowl mix together sugar and mayonnaise well.
  • Pour over the top of layered salad- cover and chill until ready to serve.
  • TOSS JUST BEFORE SERVING.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 339.7, Fat 26.8, SaturatedFat 8.7, Cholesterol 40.7, Sodium 537.5, Carbohydrate 17.5, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 11.2, Protein 8.5

Tips:

  • Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest possible ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Opt for ripe avocados, crisp romaine lettuce, and juicy tomatoes.
  • Homemade Dressing: Making your own dressing allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. The recipe provides a simple and delicious dressing that complements the salad perfectly.
  • Layer the Salad: To ensure even distribution of flavors and textures, layer the salad ingredients in the bowl. Start with the romaine lettuce, then add the grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  • Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese adds a salty and tangy flavor to the salad. Chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill provide a refreshing touch and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to set. This results in a more cohesive and enjoyable salad experience.

Conclusion:

The California salad bowl is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines fresh, seasonal ingredients with a tangy dressing. It's a versatile salad that can be customized to your liking, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing lunch or a hearty and satisfying dinner, this salad is sure to impress. With its colorful layers and delicious flavors, the California salad bowl is a true culinary delight that showcases the best of California cuisine.

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