Pasta salad is an amazing dish when prepared properly. It can be served as a side dish or a main course and is perfect for the summertime. However, when you cook up a bad batch, you end up wanting to never eat it again. To avoid the latter scenario, check out some of the common mistakes you should avoid if you want to make great pasta.
Not Choosing the Right Pasta
The shape and size of the pasta play a significant role in determining how successful your pasta salad will be. Smaller and sturdier style of pasta works great in pasta salad. They don’t can take on the dressing, mix well with other ingredients, and won’t become sloppy.
Failing to Properly Cook the Pasta
Overcooked or undercooked pasta will lead to pasta salad disaster. Cook it al dente, and it will work as a charm. Also, don’t forget to properly season the pasta instead of relying on the dressing to do that job.
Waiting for Pasta to Cool Down Before Adding Dressing
This has to be one of the most common mistakes people make when cooking pasta salad. Since it is a cold dish, most home chefs wait until the pasta cools off before adding the dressing. Warm pasta takes on the dressing much more efficiently and results in more flavor.
Keeping the Pasta Salad Too Long in the Fridge
Sure, pasta salad will be good for a couple of days in the fridge. But anything more than that, and you will get an underwhelming and possibly mushy dish.
