If you are looking for a pasta salad with a little something different, this Curried Pasta Salad with Peaches is one to try. It combines pasta and peas with sweet peaches, a creamy mayonnaise dressing, chutney and mild curry powder.
The peach syrup is not wasted either. It forms the base of the dressing, bringing together the sweet, creamy and gently spiced flavours.
I especially like making this salad the day before serving. The pasta absorbs some of the dressing as it sits, allowing all those flavours to develop. Give it a good stir and taste it again before serving, adding a little extra mayonnaise, chutney or seasoning if needed.
Why You Will Love this Curried Pasta Salad with Peaches
- Easy to make: The ingredients are simple and there is very little preparation involved.
- Sweet and savoury: Peaches, chutney and curry powder create a delicious balance of flavours.
- Creamy dressing: Mayonnaise gives the salad a rich, creamy texture.
- Great for entertaining: Make it ahead so there is one less dish to prepare on the day.
- Easy to adjust: Add more chutney, curry powder, mayonnaise, salt or pepper to suit your taste.
- A little different: If you are tired of the same pasta salads, the combination of peaches and curry makes this one stand out.
This Curried Pasta Salad with Peaches is an easy side dish with a delicious combination of sweet, creamy and mildly spicy flavours. The peaches and chutney add sweetness, while the curry powder gives the creamy dressing just enough warmth.
Best of all, you can make it the day before, giving the pasta time to absorb the dressing and the flavours to develop. Just stir, taste and adjust before serving.
If you enjoy sweet-and-savoury salads, this is a simple recipe to keep on hand for your next braai, Sunday lunch or family gathering.
How to Make Curried Pasta Salad with Peaches
Ingredients
- 1 packet pasta of your choice 500 g / 17.6 oz
- 1 can peaches drained and chopped (approximately 410 g / 14.5 oz can)
- Peach syrup from the can
- 1 small onion finely chopped (approximately 100 g / 3.5 oz)
- Oil for frying the onion approximately 1 tablespoon / 15 g / 0.5 oz
- ¾ cup Frozen peas approximately 110 g / 3.9 oz
- ⅔ tsp Medium curry powder ⅔ teaspoon approximately 1.5 g / 0.05 oz, or to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¾ cup Mayonnaise approximately 180 g / 6.3 oz
- 6 tbsp Chutney approximately 120 g / 4.2 oz
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until tender. Drain and allow it to cool.
Prepare the Onion and Peas
- Finely chop the onion and fry it in a little oil until translucent. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Cook the frozen peas in the microwave according to the packet instructions, or until tender. Allow them to cool.
- Add the cooked onion and peas to the cooled pasta.
Make the Curried Peach Dressing
- Drain the peaches, reserving the syrup.
- Place the peach syrup in a bowl and add the mayonnaise, chutney, curry powder, salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add a little more mayonnaise for a creamier dressing, extra chutney for sweetness, or more curry powder for a stronger curry flavour.
Add the Peaches
- Chop the drained peaches into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the pasta mixture.
- Pour over the dressing and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
Ingredients You Can Buy Online
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Description: Classic South African chutney with a delicious sweet and tangy flavour. |
Description: Mild, aromatic curry powder that adds gentle warmth and flavour to the salad. |
Classic South African chutney with a delicious sweet and tangy flavour.
Mild, aromatic curry powder that adds gentle warmth and flavour to the salad.
Make It Ahead
This Curried Pasta Salad with Peaches is best made a day ahead.
As the salad rests, the pasta absorbs some of the dressing and the flavours develop. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and taste it again. You may want to add a little more mayonnaise, chutney, salt, pepper or curry powder.
This is also why I recommend not making the dressing too strongly seasoned at first. The pasta will draw in the flavours as it sits.
Serving Curried Pasta Salad at a Birthday Braai
This Curried Pasta Salad with Peaches makes a lovely side dish for a braai, Sunday lunch or family gathering. It is also a handy make-ahead dish when you are entertaining because it can be prepared the day before.
I served this salad at my father’s 80th milestone birthday party, where we had a braai as part of the celebrations. If you are planning a braai, take a look at my other side dish ideas for more inspiration.
Planning a milestone birthday celebration? I shared how I planned my father’s 80th birthday, including ideas to help you plan an unforgettable celebration.
Serve the pasta salad chilled or allow it to sit out briefly before serving.
Pin It for Your Next Braai
Love this Curried Pasta Salad with Peaches? Save the recipe to Pinterest so you’ll have it ready for your next braai, family lunch or celebration.
Looking for a Peach Dessert?
If you have a can of peaches left over, why not turn them into dessert? My Peach Flan is a delicious way to use peaches and makes a lovely sweet ending to a family lunch or celebration.