The One Ingredient You Need to Boost Your Pasta Salad—Trust Me on This

Pasta salad—it's a classic at family gatherings and summer parties. So easy to whip up! But as much as I adore it, I’ll admit, it can sometimes fall flat. A beloved recipe is great, but after making it time and time again, it’s nice to switch things up a bit.

That’s when I stumbled upon the secret ingredient I’ll now be adding to all my pasta salads: curry powder.

How to Make Curry-Infused Pasta Salad

Curry powder is the game-changer that takes summer pasta salads to the next level. Stir it into your dressing for a rich, earthy flavor that complements the veggies beautifully. The best part? You control the spice level. I suggest using a mild curry powder to keep the flavor balanced. Here's what you'll need to get started:

• Spiral Pasta: Of course, the pasta shape is completely up to you, but I prefer the classic spiral.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavor. The amount you put in is up to you.
• Curry Powder: Any mild curry powder will do, homemade or store-bought . 
• Yogurt: I recommend a Greek-style yogurt to help add some creaminess to the dressing. 
• Mayonnaise: Pick your favorite mayo for this dish!  
• Lemon Juice: Citrus juice brightens things up.
• Some fresh produce: This is up to you, but we recommend adding apples, green onions, and carrots. 
• Pine nuts or almonds: To add a little bit of crunch to the dish. 

Instructions:

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain. In a large bowl, mix together curry powder, salt, mayonnaise, yogurt, and lemon juice. Add the cooked pasta and toss well to coat. Stir in apple, raisins, green onions, carrots, and nuts.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta Salad

1. Choosing the right pasta shape is key to taking your salad to the next level. For chunky ingredients, opt for a pasta shape with deep hollows, like manicotti. For finely chopped ingredients, select a shape with smaller grooves to hold everything together.
2. Since pasta salads typically sit out longer than other pasta dishes, it’s best to cook your pasta just past al dente. This ensures it stays firm instead of getting too soft. Rinsing the pasta under cold water right after cooking halts the cooking process and helps maintain the right texture.
3. To make your salad more satisfying, consider adding a protein. Tofu or grilled chicken are great options for this dish.
4. Be sure to chill your pasta salad before serving, especially on warm summer days. Letting it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together for the best taste.