Pasta salad is an internationally popular dish that has made its way to Iranian tables. Its popularity has grown so much that it is now a staple at parties and gatherings. You can add or remove ingredients based on your taste and preferences.
Ingredients for Pasta Salad for 4 People
Pasta: 1 package
Chicken breast, ham, or canned tuna: 300 grams
Peas: 100 grams
Corn: 100 grams
Mayonnaise: as needed
Pickles: 6 medium-sized
Salt and black pepper: to taste
Boiled carrots: 3 medium-sized
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before starting, prepare all the ingredients and place them on the table. Boil water in a suitable pot. Once the water is boiling, add some salt and a pinch of turmeric. The salt prevents the pasta from becoming sticky, and the turmeric gives the pasta a golden color.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta to the boiling water. Once fully cooked, drain it. To remove the starchy coating, rinse the pasta with cold water. Drain any excess water and let the pasta sit in the strainer to dry.
Step 3: Chop the Salad Ingredients
Dice the pickles, carrots, and chicken breast or ham into small cubes. Use a large bowl for this step. Add half of the corn and peas to the mix, reserving the other half for garnishing the salad.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Mayonnaise
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl. Then, add mayonnaise. You can also use some yogurt for a healthier option. For a tastier and healthier salad, mix one cup of yogurt with the mayonnaise. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and black pepper if needed. Cover the bowl with a suitable lid, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap to prevent the salad from drying out. Refrigerate the salad to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips for Making a Delicious Pasta Salad
You can use various tricks to make your pasta salad even tastier. Some recipes recommend using aromatic herbs. You can enhance the flavor with chopped basil, tarragon, and parsley. The use of aromatic herbs should be limited to about one cup of chopped herbs for the salad.
Dried dill is also used in some recipes to enhance the flavor. Adding a few drops of natural lemon juice can improve the taste. Using canned tuna and dry or smoked ham can make the salad exceptionally delicious and pleasant. This salad can also be made as a diet version for those who prefer healthy and natural foods.
Making a Diet Pasta Salad
For a diet pasta salad, use olive oil instead of high-fat mayonnaise. Chicken is healthier and more natural than ham. You can flavor the ingredients with a combination of olive oil, dried dill, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Adding a few pieces of boiled and diced potatoes can make your salad more nutritious.
How to Mold Your Pasta Salad
For an elegant presentation, mold your pasta salad. Line the bottom of your mold or serving dish with plastic wrap. Fill the mold with the salad mixture, ensuring it fills the entire mold and covers the surface. Cover the mold with another layer of plastic wrap and refrigerate. Once set, the salad is ready to be removed from the mold.
How to Prevent Pasta Salad from Drying Out
Sometimes, pasta salad absorbs all the mayonnaise and appears dry after being refrigerated. This happens because the pasta absorbs the dressing. To prevent this, add a little olive oil to the salad mixture. A few drops of olive oil will keep the salad moist and shiny.
How to Make a Delicious and Unique Pasta Salad Dressing
Finally, here's a recipe for a delicious and unique pasta salad dressing. You'll need mayonnaise, olive oil, dried dill, fresh yogurt, grated garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Thyme powder also adds a fantastic flavor to the dressing. You can use equal parts mayonnaise and fresh yogurt. Add one grated garlic clove to the mix. The combination of olive oil and dried dill gives the salad a delightful taste. Add lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and thyme powder to the dressing. Mix well and let the flavors combine. This dressing is ready to be used in your pasta salad.
