Sketchy’s Family Pasta Salad

My pal and @tiktok co-collaborator and fellow troublemaker, Tricia ( also known as @SketchyChef ) always comes up with recipes that just make a person’s mouth water, stomach growl and you know what ever she is making is going to feed a crowd.

This is one I asked that she let me share; it’s her families’ 20 year old recipe for a summer  or anytime gathering standard; Sketchy’s Pasta Salad. Never scoff at the basics. Your first bit of this is gonna take you back to one of you childhood memories  for sure.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pasta of Choice , cooked as directed & drained

  • 1 cup shredded carrot

  • 1/2 bell pepper finely diced

  • 3/4 – 1 Cup Mayonnaise

  • S & P to taste

Preparation

  1. Mix all ingredients into cooked pasta , refrigerate & let chill  before eating.

So as Tricia likes to say “Keep it Sketchy & Enjoy”

 

Catch Tricia on TikTok as @SketchyChef and she’s also part of the collaborative group  @TheFoodieNetwork 

Spicy Citrus Jicama & Mango Fruit Salad with Blueberries and Mint

I tried this for Pauls office picnic and have done it several times since with both a vegan version and a regular one.

Several versions exist online but I found them too plain for me – so I adapted it some with adding the blueberries and more citrus.IMG_2995 The big part of this is not to add herbs like basil unless you want it to become more of a “salsa”.

Ingredients

 

  • 3 tablespoons sugar (for vegan use Agave Nectar)
  • Grated lime zest plus 3 tablespoons juice (2 limes)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes ( too taste – I usually add more as the Jicama can take it)
  • Pinch salt
  • 12 ounces jicama  – diced
  • 2 mangos chopped
  • 2 oranges and the zest of both of them
  • 1 lemon
  • fresh mint leaves
  • a pint of blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon of honey (or early season maple syrup)(optional)
  1. Prepare the JicamaIMG_2996
    1. Peel the jícama, and cut into 1/4″ dice (should yield 1-1/2 cups).
    2. In small saucepan, add the sugar, 1/2 the lime zest and juice, 1/2 the orange zest, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, a pinch salt. (note adding some fresh ginger root also has a nice flavor)
    3. Put over medium burner and cook for 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves; stirring constantly.
    4. Remove pan from burner, stir in jícama to coat, and allow the syrup to cool for 20 minutes.
  2. Rest of the fruit
    1. Meanwhile, peel the mangos, removing pit, and cut into 1/2″ dice (should yield about 4 cups).
    2. Add to a large serving bowl.
    3. Peel your oranges and cut away the pith. Slice into 1/2″ thick rounds and then into 1/2″ dice.
    4. Add to bowl with diced mango.
    5. Add the rest of the lime and orange zest, honey and toss.
  3. After the syrup has cooled for 20 minutes, pour over fruit in serving bowl and toss until well combined.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes prior to serving.
    1. I think this is better after it has sit for a few hours or overnight.
    2. Add the chopped mint before serving.img_3307

You can add more lemon if you need it brighter. the amounts are really a tarting place – depending on if you buy your mango already cut up, how sweet it is, and how large your jicama is – you can play it by taste. This feeds a lot – figure 5 -8 people, so is great for a picnic or potluck

img_3008

Other versions include:

Mango, Orange, and Jícama Salad

https://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/7783-mango-orange-and-jicama-salad