Description
A vibrant and flavorful Curried Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta tossed in a creamy curry-spiced dressing with crunchy celery, sweet golden raisins, and optional cooked chicken. Perfect as a refreshing summer side dish or make-ahead lunch that combines the warmth of curry with crisp, fresh vegetables and nuts.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salad Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked chicken (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water thoroughly to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, curry powder, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined, forming a flavorful curry dressing.
- Combine the Salad: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Mix in finely chopped celery, diced red onion, shredded carrots, golden raisins, sliced almonds, and chopped cooked chicken if using. Toss everything well until the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the curry dressing.
- Chill and Develop Flavors: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the salad to develop a deeper taste.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and sprinkle the top with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance and tastes even better after chilling.
- Adjust the amount of curry powder depending on your spice preference.
- Substitute cashews or other nuts for almonds to vary the texture and flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, simply omit the cooked chicken.
