This delicious cold pasta salad is sure to enhance your summer palate with its unique combination of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and sweetened condensed milk pairs perfectly with the fruits and pasta, creating a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. Here’s how to make this delightful summer salad:
Ingredients:
- 250 grams of pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Boiling water (enough to cover the pasta)
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 200 grams sour cream
- 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 50 grams dried plums, chopped
- 50 grams raisins (adjust to taste)
- 1/3 of a pineapple, chopped
- 1 red apple, chopped
- 1 green apple, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Pasta: In a large bowl, add 250 grams of pasta and one tablespoon of salt. Cover the pasta with boiling water and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine five tablespoons of mayonnaise, 200 grams of sour cream, and three tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Add Dried Fruits: Stir in the chopped dried plums and raisins. The amount of raisins can be adjusted according to your personal preference. Mix everything together thoroughly.
Step 3: Prepare the Fruits
- Chop Pineapple: Cut one-third of a pineapple into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better they will blend into the salad.
- Chop Apples: Repeat the process with a red apple and a green apple. You can choose to leave the peel on or remove it according to your preference. Cut them into small pieces for better integration into the salad.
- Optional Fruits: You can also add other fruits such as mangoes, grapes, or citrus fruits for a more diverse flavor profile. Make sure to wash and chop them into small pieces as well.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Mix Fruits and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the chopped fruits. Pour the prepared sauce over the fruits and mix well until all the fruit pieces are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add Pasta: Once the pasta is cool, add it to the fruit and sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to incorporate the seasoning.
Step 5: Serve
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for a few hours to let the flavors meld together even more. This salad tastes best when served cold.
Cooking Tips:
- Customization: Feel free to customize the fruits based on your preference. Seasonal fruits can add a fresh and unique twist to this salad.
- Texture Balance: The dried plums and raisins add a chewy texture that complements the crunchiness of the apples and the softness of the pasta.
- Serving Size: This recipe serves about 4-6 people as a side dish. You can double the ingredients for a larger crowd.
Variations:
- Yogurt Dressing: For a lighter version, you can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Nutty Addition: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch.
- Citrus Zing: Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice into the dressing for a tangy kick.
FAQs:
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make this salad a few hours ahead of time. In fact, letting it chill in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving.
How long can I store the leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so you might need to add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream before serving again.
Is this salad suitable for kids? Absolutely! The sweetness from the condensed milk and fruits makes this salad appealing to kids. You can adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to make it more or less sweet according to your preference.
This Sweet and Creamy Summer Pasta Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that is perfect for warm weather. The unique combination of ingredients creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a potluck, or just looking for a new side dish, this salad is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciously different taste of pasta with fruits!
