No South African braai or potluck is complete without a generous bowl of vibrant, sweet-and-tangy curried pasta salad. This beloved dish, affectionately known as kerrie noodle slaai, is a cornerstone of our national cuisine. It’s the perfect side dish that often steals the show with its bright yellow color and comforting flavors. This is the simple curry pasta salad that brings back memories of family gatherings and sunny afternoons.
This easy curry pasta salad recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s incredibly simple to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is always a crowd-pleaser. We’re sharing a traditional version with a few popular twists, making it the ultimate South African curry pasta salad you’ll turn to again and again.
Curry Pasta Salad (also known as “kerrie pasta slaai”)
This is more than just a cold pasta salad with curry powder; it’s a masterclass in balancing flavours. The sweetness from the sugar, the tang from the vinegar, and the savoury depth from the tomato sauce and curry create a dressing that’s simply irresistible. This is the authentic noodle slaai that has graced countless tables across the country. Plus, adding a can of baked beans gives it a unique, hearty twist that truly sets it apart.
Ingredients for your curried pasta salad:
This recipe serves about 6-8 people as a side dish.
For the salad:
- 500g small shell pasta (or spiral pasta, or another preferred shape), cooked until tender
- 1 large bell pepper (a mix of green, yellow, and red), finely diced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
For the classic curry dressing:
- 1 cup tomato sauce (ketchup)
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup neutral cooking oil (like sunflower or canola)
- 200ml white sugar (just under 1 cup)
- 25ml mild curry powder (about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Twist:
- 1 can (410g) Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce
- 6 smoked Vienna sausages, sliced into rings
- OR 1 cup of crispy fried bacon bits
How to make this easy curry pasta salad:
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect South African noodle salad.
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Cook the 500g of small shell pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water according to the package directions until it’s tender but not mushy. Immediately drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This prevents the pasta from becoming sticky. Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the dressing
While the pasta is cooling, whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a large bowl: tomato sauce, vinegar, oil, sugar, and curry powder. Continue whisking until the sugar has completely dissolved. Season generously with salt and pepper to your personal taste. This dressing is the heart of any great kerrie noodle resep.
Step 3: Combine everything
To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, diced peppers, and diced onion. Now, stir in your chosen mix-ins. Add the entire can of baked beans. If you’re using them, add the sliced viennas or crispy bacon.
Step 4: Mix and chill
Gently mix everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the delicious curry dressing. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the curry noodle salad for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making it even more delicious.
Tips, tricks, and variations
- Make it ahead: This dish is the perfect make-ahead side. It tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal kerrie pasta slaai vir braai.
- Storage: store your curried pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Adjusting flavour: Feel free to taste the dressing and adjust. If it’s too sweet, add a splash more vinegar. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch more curry powder or a dash of chili flakes.
- Vienna vs. bacon: Sliced viennas add a smoky, savory flavor, while crispy bacon adds a salty crunch. Both are fantastic additions to this South African curried pasta salad. You can’t go wrong with either!
Final thoughts on your curried pasta salad
This South African curried pasta salad is a delightful harmony of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose viennas, bacon, or both, the combination of the aromatic curry dressing and pasta makes for a truly satisfying dish. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of South African tradition in every bite.
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