Salad is one of those favorite meals that is not only healthy but also extremely easy to make. Whether you feel like eating vegetables, fruits or chicken, you can mix it as per your wish. And pasta salad? This is a crowd favorite! If you’ve ever eaten delicious pasta salad at a wedding or restaurant, you know how amazing it can be. But sometimes, while making it at home, we end up making some mistakes which completely mess with the taste. Let’s take a look at five mistakes to avoid so you can make the perfect pasta salad.
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Here are 5 things you’re doing wrong when making pasta salad:
1. Choose the right size of pasta
When it comes to pasta for salad, there are so many sizes to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming. But here’s a pro tip: stay away from long pasta. Small pastas like fusilli, farfalle, rotini and penne work best. They’re easy to serve and eat, and their texture helps them hold dressings, herbs, and other ingredients better.
2. Don’t overcook pasta
The pasta is the star here, so it’s important to get it right. Overcooking it can result in tough, chewy pasta. Pasta salad should be made with al dente pasta, so it’s completely soft but still has a bit of flavor. Make sure to cook it for the right amount of time, and remember – it won’t be served hot, so you’ll want it to be that way once it’s cooled.
3. Season it right
If you want your pasta salad to be really delicious, seasoning is everything. Don’t skip this step! Use extra salted water when boiling pasta so it absorbs that flavor from the start. Once your salad is mixed, taste it! Adjust the seasoning as needed and make sure it has extra flavor.
4. Don’t let the pasta cool completely
It may seem like a good idea to let the pasta cool before decorating it, but here’s why you shouldn’t do that: When you add the dressing to hot pasta, it absorbs better and gives you Gives more delicious salad. Add about two-thirds of the dressing while the pasta is still hot and save the rest for just before serving. Trust me it makes a difference!
5. Blanch your vegetables
If you’re adding crunchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots, don’t skip the blanching step. Raw vegetables can spoil the taste, but blanching them softens them sufficiently without losing their refreshing crispness. Plus, it helps them blend seamlessly into salads. And, cut them into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat!
The next time you feel like eating pasta salad, remember these tips and avoid these mistakes. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pasta salad that’s just as delicious as the one you ate at your favorite restaurant.
