Indian Spiced Pasta Salad is a bold and vibrant twist on the classic cold pasta salad. It brings together the creamy, tangy elements of traditional pasta salads with the warming spices and aromatic ingredients found in Indian cuisine. The result is a colorful, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and refreshing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weekday lunches.
This salad starts with your favorite cooked pasta, often something with ridges or curves that can hold onto all the bold flavors. Instead of a mayonnaise-based dressing, the pasta is tossed with a spice-infused yogurt or light vinaigrette, seasoned with ingredients like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and chili powder. These spices give the salad warmth and complexity while keeping it light and fresh.
What makes this dish really pop are the add-ins. Crisp vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes add color and crunch. Fresh herbs such as cilantro and mint bring brightness and lift the flavors, while toasted mustard seeds or curry leaves give it a fragrant, earthy kick. Some versions include chickpeas or paneer cubes for extra texture and protein, turning the dish into a filling vegetarian meal.
The beauty of Indian Spiced Pasta Salad is its balance. It has the cooling creaminess of yogurt or a lemony vinaigrette, the comforting chew of pasta, and the bold flavors of Indian spices all in one bowl. It’s a dish that invites creativity – you can tailor the spice level, swap in seasonal veggies, or add nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.
Whether you’re serving it chilled on a hot summer day or packing it up for a meal on the go, Indian Spiced Pasta Salad delivers both taste and satisfaction. It’s a fun and flavorful way to experience the fusion of Indian and Western flavors, and it’s sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves bold, colorful food.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup mixed vegetables peas, corn), carrots
- onion small, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger minced
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- salt to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well to coat the onions with the spices.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the cooked penne pasta and toss to combine with the vegetable-spice mixture.
- Season with salt to taste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish the Indian Spiced Pasta Salad with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve warm as a flavorful and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Nutrition
Too spicy. Next time I might cut the chili powder in half.
Who knew Indian spices would taste so good with pasta! Will be making this again!
I don’t know about these spices… I think pasta should be with sauce only.
I totally get that! Pasta with just sauce is classic, but give this a try! The spices can really uplift the flavors!
Nah, spices ain’t for pasta! Just stick with marinara, that’s the real deal.
This salad was AMAZING! I added some grilled chicken to it and it was perfect.
Yall ever seen pasta like this? It looks crazy but tastes yum!
I forgot the salt! 😱 Make sure you don’t do the same! Overall a 4 star dish because of that.
Haha, salt can really make or break a dish! Glad you still liked it overall! 😊
Too much spice for me, my stomach didn’t like it. But, my partner enjoyed it!
Yummy! Could use more chili, but I’ll make it more spicy next time!
I love the idea of adding more chili! Spicy is the way to go! 🌶️
First time making this and it turned out pretty good. Spices were a bit strong for me though.
Absolutely delicious! The spices really make it pop!
Totally agree! I made this last night and my whole family loved it!
Simple ingredients, quick to make. Just wish I had fresh cilantro!
Okay, I didn’t use any salty but it was still okay. My fam liked it.
Not sure if I like pasta with Indian spices. Seems kinda weird to me.
I dunno, pasta salad? Sounds weird. I like spaghetti better.
The recipe is easy but the flavors are too intense for my taste. Maybe cut down on the cumin?
I had to substitute some spices ’cause I didn’t have them, but it still turned out pretty good!
Adding this to my favorite recipes! So easy and quick to make!
Yum!
This is aweful! I dont like turmeric at all, ruined the whole dish!
Isn’t pasta Italian? Why mix it with Indian spices? Kind of a mashup that doesn’t fit.
My kids hated it. They only like plain mac and cheese. 😒
This is an unexpected twist! Loved the flavors. Will make again!