Pasta salad with mayonnaise

Name: Pasta salad with mayonnaise - Clementina L.
Ingredients: 200 g pasta (I used shell pasta) 1 red bell pepper 1/2 green bell pepper 3 pickled cucumbers 5; 6 tablespoons sweet corn 3 slices of ham salt and pepper to taste Light mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons mustard 50 ml milk 100 ml oil a pinch of salt

Pasta/Pizza - Pasta salad with mayonnaise by Clementina L. - Recipia

This pasta and mayonnaise salad is something I make often when I need a quick dinner or a cold side dish for a barbecue. I frequently use it when I have a few leftover vegetables or some ham in the fridge. I usually prepare it with shell pasta because it mixes easily with the other ingredients and cools down quickly. I've never had issues with the texture or it becoming mushy, so I also recommend it for packing. Quick info Total time: about 30 minutes Preparation time: 15-20 minutes Cooking time: 6-8 minutes Servings: 3-4 Difficulty: easy Recipe type: cold salad, side dish Ingredients 200 g short pasta (shells) 1 red bell pepper 1/2 green bell pepper 3 pickles 5-6 tablespoons sweet corn (canned, drained) 3 slices of ham Salt and pepper to taste For the light mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons mustard 50 ml milk 100 ml oil a pinch of salt Preparation method 1. Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Usually, 6-8 minutes is enough. 2. Once cooked, drain well and quickly rinse under cold water. Transfer to a deep bowl and let it cool to room temperature. 3. Cut the red and green bell peppers and pickles into small cubes. Similarly, chop the ham into small pieces to mix easily with the pasta. 4. Add all the vegetables and ham over the cooled pasta. Also, add the drained corn. 5. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix to avoid crushing the pasta. 6. For the light mayonnaise, put the mustard, milk, oil, and a pinch of salt in a container. Blend for a few seconds with an immersion blender until combined. 7. Pour the mayonnaise over the salad and gently mix until everything is well incorporated. 8. The salad is served cold. If you want it to be colder, keep it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Why I make this recipe often It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require complicated ingredients. I like that it can be kept in the fridge for two to three days without losing its flavor. It’s also suitable as a standalone salad but pairs well as a side dish with any grilled meat. It doesn’t require any additional cooking besides the pasta and adapts well to what I have on hand. Tips and variations Tips - Don’t let the pasta boil too long, or it will break when mixed. - Drain the corn well so it doesn’t add water to the salad. - Cool the pasta completely before adding the other ingredients to prevent the mayonnaise from curdling. Substitutions - You can use any type of short pasta if you don’t have shells. - The ham can be replaced with boiled chicken breast or turkey ham. - If you don’t have a green bell pepper, you can use only red or vice versa. - For mayonnaise, you can use a classic version or a store-bought one if you’re in a hurry. Variations - Instead of pickles, you can add slices of pickled bell peppers. - You can also add cooked peas or finely chopped green onions, depending on the season. - It also works with a few olives if you want a stronger flavor. Serving ideas - As a cold salad for lunch or dinner. - As a side dish next to warm grilled meat. - For a picnic, as it keeps well in the fridge. - For packing for work, if you have a well-sealing container. Frequently asked questions 1. Can I use a different type of mayonnaise? Yes, it also works with classic mayonnaise or store-bought if you don’t want the light version. 2. What kind of ham should I use? Any sliced ham, including chicken or turkey. It also works with leftover cold roast. 3. Can it be made without meat? Yes, if you omit the ham, it will be a vegetarian salad. 4. Can I prepare the salad in advance? Yes, the salad lasts in the fridge for 2-3 days and doesn’t change its texture significantly. 5. Do I have to rinse the pasta with cold water? Yes, this helps prevent it from sticking and stops the cooking, especially for cold salads. Nutritional values Approximately, one serving (out of four) has about 350-400 kcal. This depends a lot on how much mayonnaise and the type of ham used. Proteins come from the ham and milk (10-12g), carbohydrates from pasta and corn (40-45g), fats (15-20g) mainly from the oil. These are approximate values and can vary depending on the ingredients. Storage and reheating The salad keeps in the fridge in a sealed container for 2-3 days. I do not recommend reheating; it is only consumed cold. If kept cold, it does not lose its texture, and the pasta remains firm. If the liquid decreases or it seems drier after a day, you can add another tablespoon of mayonnaise when serving.

Pasta salad with mayonnaise

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