Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup of chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water until it's cooled down.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped green onions, chopped red bell pepper, and chopped fresh parsley to the mixing bowl with the dressing. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl and toss it with the dressing and vegetables until everything is evenly coated.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- 6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer.
- If you don't have white wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice instead.
- You can use any type of mushrooms you prefer.
- If you don't have green onions, you can use regular onions or shallots instead.
- If you don't have red bell pepper, you can use yellow or orange bell pepper instead.
- If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley or any other fresh herbs you prefer.
Variations:
- You can add other vegetables to the pasta salad, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or shredded carrots.
- You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon to the pasta salad for extra protein.
- You can use a different type of dressing, such as Italian or ranch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking it to prevent it from sticking together.
- You can make the pasta salad a day ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight for even more flavor.
- If the pasta salad seems dry, you can add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream to the dressing.
Storage instructions:
- Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- You can eat the pasta salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, you can microwave it for a few seconds or heat it up in a pan on the stove.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta salad in a large bowl or on a platter.
- Garnish the pasta salad with extra chopped fresh parsley or other herbs.
Pairings:
- The pasta salad pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Grilled vegetables
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta salad seems too dry, you can add a little more dressing or a splash of olive oil to moisten it up.
- If the pasta salad seems too wet, you can add more pasta or vegetables to balance it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to refrigerate the pasta salad promptly after serving and don't leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Wash your hands and all utensils and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw ingredients.
Food history:
- Pasta salad is a popular dish in many cultures and has been around for centuries. It's believed to have originated in Italy, where pasta is a staple food.
Flavor profiles:
- This pasta salad has a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor from the mayonnaise, sour cream, and white wine vinegar. The mushrooms add an earthy and savory flavor, while the red bell pepper and green onions add a fresh and crunchy texture.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pasta salad as a side dish at a barbecue, picnic, or potluck. It's also great for lunch or dinner on its own.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A