Pasta salad is a dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, but what meat goes good with pasta salad? The answer to this question depends on what type of pasta you are using for your salad.
For example, if you are using long pasta like spaghetti noodles, ground beef or turkey would go well with it because they have a similar texture and shape.
If you’re making macaroni pasta salad, then ham is a great pairing because of its light color and salty flavor.
However, if you are making a penne pasta salad, it is best to have a distinct flavor so your taste buds can take in both flavors.
Table of Contents
What meat goes good with pasta salad?
Ground beef, turkey, or ham are the best meats to add to a pasta salad. They have a similar texture and shape as the noodles in a pasta salad, allowing their flavor to blend well with other ingredients.
How much meat should you add to your pasta salad?
For pasta salads that are prepared with spaghetti noodles, two to three cups of meat are the proper amount. For macaroni pasta salad, one cup of ham is enough to properly compliment the ingredients.
What type of ground beef should you use in pasta salad?
Whether you choose 85% lean ground beef or 93% lean, it will be okay in a pasta salad. Either option would work well with your other salad ingredients, allowing the meat to absorb its flavors without overpowering them.
Pasta Salad Recipe With Meat
Ingredients:
- ¾ pound pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup diced carrots (about 2)
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color), about 1 large pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided use
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, divided use
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Place spinach leaves in a large bowl and toss with red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon of olive oil; set aside.
* NOTE: If you decide to use collard greens instead of spinach, be sure to defrost them first in the microwave. You can also bake beans with your collard greens if that’s what you have in the house.
Which are the different types of sauces for pasta salads?
There are a lot of different types of sauces for pasta salads. It depends whether you want a creamy sauce or a tomato-based sauce, or a creamy dressing. The ingredients also vary depending on the kind of sauce being made.
To make a creamy sauce add mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt to the pasta. To make a tomato-based one like this recipe, use salsa or chopped tomatoes, chilies, and garlic to make the dressing.
For creamy dressings, you can use mayonnaise mixed with spices and any other ingredients like salsa, cucumber, lemon juice, etc.
When all the ingredients are mixed together, add the pasta and spinach mix to the bowl with dressing and olive oil and mix well. Serve immediately or chill overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Vegetarian options for adding protein in a vegetarian dish
Protein can be added to a vegetarian dish by adding tofu or TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein), beans, lentils, and nuts.
To make the simplest version of this dish, you will need:
- Pasta – serves 2 People
- Spinach – 200g / 7 ounces (about 5 cup) Beans – 1/4 cup
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Red pepper flakes – 1 tbsp Salt – 1 tsp
- Pepper -1 tsp
- Cumin Powder – 1/4 tsp
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Place spinach leaves in a large bowl and toss with red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon of olive oil; set aside.
Mix together chopped garlic clove, lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper, cucumber, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and tahini to make dressing.
TO MAKE THE PASTA SALAD Mix pasta with spinach mixture. Add beans to the dressing. Pour the desired amount of dressing over the pasta salad. Serve immediately or chill overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
This pasta salad is so easy and simple to make, and it is delicious! This dish keeps in the fridge for a few days and can be served with garlic bread or French fries.
Conclusion
Meat goes well with pasta salad because they have a similar texture and shape to the noodles. This will allow them to blend in with other ingredients while providing protein, which is essential for your body’s growth and development.
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