Tropical Curried Pasta Salad Delight
Elevate your picnic and potluck gatherings with this vibrant Tropical Curried Pasta Salad Delight! Combining the rich, aromatic flavors of curry with the freshness of crunchy veggies and the sweetness of golden raisins, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. Served cold, it's perfect for warm weather and can be prepared ahead of time for your convenience. With a base of macaroni or rotelle pasta, this salad is enhanced with creamy fat-free Greek yogurt and mayonnaise to achieve a deliciously tangy dressing. Whether you’re looking for a low-cholesterol option or just a flavorful side dish, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni or rotelle pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package directions, drained, and rinsed)
red onion
1 cup (diced (optional))
cilantro
1/3 cup (finely minced)
celery
1 cup (diced (approximately 4 ribs))
golden raisins
3/4 cup (none)
carrot
3/4 cup (grated)
fat-free Greek yogurt
3/4 cup (none)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (none)
honey
1 teaspoon (none)
lemon
1 (juice of)
curry powder
2 1/2 teaspoons (none)
salt & pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process.
2
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the fat-free Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, and curry powder. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
3
Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the dressing, followed by the diced celery, grated carrots, diced red onion (if using), golden raisins, and finely minced cilantro.
4
Gently fold all the ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Curried Pasta Salad Delight?
It is a vibrant, aromatic pasta salad that combines the flavors of curry with crunchy vegetables, golden raisins, and a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Macaroni or rotelle pasta are recommended for this dish as they hold the dressing and small vegetable pieces well.
Is this pasta salad served hot or cold?
This salad is served cold, making it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, and warm weather gatherings.
How do I make the dressing for the Tropical Curried Pasta Salad?
Whisk together fat-free Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, and curry powder until smooth.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared ahead of time and actually benefits from resting in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Tropical Curried Pasta Salad Delight is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What ingredients provide the crunch in this salad?
Diced celery and grated carrots provide a fresh, crunchy texture to the salad.
What makes this pasta salad 'tropical'?
The combination of golden raisins, aromatic curry powder, and a bright citrus note from lemon juice gives it a tropical flair.
Do I need to rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, you should rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down before adding the dressing.
Can I omit the red onion?
Yes, the diced red onion is listed as an optional ingredient in this recipe.
What is the purpose of adding honey to the dressing?
Honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the tangy yogurt and savory curry powder.
How much curry powder should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 teaspoons of curry powder.
Is this a low-cholesterol recipe?
Yes, by using fat-free Greek yogurt and being a vegetable-based pasta dish, it is labeled as a low-cholesterol option.
How many celery ribs are needed?
You will need approximately 4 ribs of celery to get the required 1 cup of diced celery.
What kind of raisins are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies golden raisins for their unique sweetness and color.
Should I cook the pasta all the way through?
The pasta should be cooked until 'al dente,' meaning it is firm to the bite, to ensure it doesn't become mushy in the salad.
What herbs are used in this salad?
Finely minced cilantro is used to add a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.
How long does the salad need to chill?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
You can, but fat-free Greek yogurt is recommended for its thicker, creamier consistency and higher protein content.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While specific serving sizes aren't provided, the recipe uses 1 lb of pasta and several cups of vegetables, making it suitable for a large group.
Is this a spicy dish?
The curry powder provides an aromatic warmth, but it is generally mild; you can adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, you could easily add bell peppers or peas for extra color and nutrition.
How much yogurt and mayonnaise is required?
The dressing uses 3/4 cup of fat-free Greek yogurt and 3/4 cup of mayonnaise.
What type of lemon should I use?
You will need the juice of one fresh lemon for the dressing.
How do I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be grated before being added to the salad to ensure they mix well with the pasta.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it is considered a healthy side dish as it features vegetables, fat-free yogurt, and is a vegetarian option.
Can I use a different type of sweetener?
If you don't have honey, you can try a small amount of agave nectar or a pinch of sugar as a substitute.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe, including seasonings.
Is this recipe good for summer?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer salad due to its refreshing nature and cold serving temperature.
What are the tags for this recipe?
The tags include pasta salad, curried salad, picnic dish, potluck recipe, low cholesterol, vegetarian, summer salad, and healthy side dish.