Pasta salad

One of my favorite salads is pasta salad. It’s delicious, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. You can prepare this salad with or without meat. If you choose to include meat, grilled options like chicken, sausage, or ham pair wonderfully with macaroni salad.

▎Ingredients

400 g pasta

1 cup yogurt

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup canned corn

2 tbsp lemon juice

3 pickled cucumbers, finely chopped

3 carrots, grated or finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

▎Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil along with a generous amount of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions (typically 10-12 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water. Set aside to cool.

2. Once the pasta has cooled, transfer it to a serving bowl and add the remaining ingredients: grated carrots, pickles, canned corn, and any other vegetables you desire.

3. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Then, add the mayonnaise, yogurt, and lemon juice. Gently mix everything until well combined.

4. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

▎Notes

• Generously Salt Your Pasta Water: Make sure your boiling water is well-salted. This step is essential for seasoning the pasta itself and enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
• Prevent Sticking: After draining the pasta, toss it with a small amount of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together as it cools. This will make mixing easier later on.
• Finely Chop Ingredients: For a consistent texture and flavor in every bite, chop all vegetables and pickles finely and evenly.
• Chill for Optimal Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour in the fridge helps the flavors blend together, resulting in a more harmonious dish.
• Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version of this salad, consider substituting half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy twist while maintaining a creamy texture.

Enjoy preparing this delightful macaroni salad!