Name: Curry Noodle Salad (Kerrie Noedelslaai) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: South African
Ingredients: 250 grams (8.8 oz) noodles (screws or shells); 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 red onion, chopped; 1 tbsp curry powder; ½ cup tomato sauce; 4 tbsp vinegar; 4 tbsp sunflower oil; ¼ cup sugar (white or brown); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper

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There is something truly magical about this Curry Noodle Salad (Kerrie Noedelslaai) Recipe that grabs your attention from the first bite. It’s a South African classic that brings together perfectly cooked noodles, vibrant red bell pepper, and sharp red onion, all bathed in a luscious, curry-spiced dressing. This salad manages to be both refreshing and deeply flavorful, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser at barbecues, lunch tables, or as a colorful side at any meal. I love how every forkful is a mix of tender noodles and crisp vegetables, coated with that tangy, slightly sweet curry dressing that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl filled with light yellow shell-shaped pasta at the top right. To its left, a clear glass cup holds thick red tomato sauce. Below these, there is a white bowl filled with white granulated sugar on the left and a small clear glass of water next to it on the right. On the right side, a whole bright red bell pepper sits above a whole purple onion. A small brown bowl with yellow curry powder is placed to the left of the onion and below that is a glass cup with light yellow cooking oil. At the bottom, two wooden spoons lay side by side, one with white salt and the other with black pepper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Curry Noodle Salad (Kerrie Noedelslaai) Recipe is in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing texture, flavor, and color. You don’t need anything fancy, yet each component shines to create a dish that feels both comforting and exciting.

250 grams noodles (screws or shells): Choose pasta shapes that can trap the dressing and veggies for maximum flavor in every bite.
1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a sweet crunch and a vibrant splash of color to the salad.
1 red onion, chopped: Brings a sharp, pungent edge that perfectly contrasts with the creamy dressing.
1 tbsp curry powder: The soul of the dressing, giving it that warm, fragrant kick.
½ cup tomato sauce: Adds sweetness and tang to balance the curry spices.
4 tbsp vinegar: Provides a bright acidity that lifts the entire salad.
4 tbsp sunflower oil: Creates a smooth texture that helps marry all the flavors.
¼ cup sugar (white or brown): Adds a gentle sweetness to round off the zestiness of the vinegar and curry.
1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
½ tsp black pepper: A subtle heat that complements the spice profile.

How to Make Curry Noodle Salad (Kerrie Noedelslaai) Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Noodles

Start by cooking 250 grams of your favorite noodles—screws or shells work beautifully—until they’re just al dente. This ensures they’re tender but still have a slight bite to hold the dressing well. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop any further cooking, preserving that perfect texture. Set them aside to rest while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

Chop one red bell pepper and one red onion finely; these not only add color but bring essential freshness and crunch to your salad. Combine these colorful veggies with your cooled noodles in a large mixing bowl to get ready for their flavorful coat.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dressing

Here’s the exciting part where the magic happens. In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of curry powder, half a cup of tomato sauce, 4 tablespoons each of vinegar and sunflower oil, a quarter cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth, rich, and aromatic dressing that will transform your noodle and veggie mix into a flavorful delight.

Step 4: Combine and Marinate

Pour the curry dressing over the bowl of noodles and vegetables. Gently toss everything together so that each noodle and piece of pepper and onion gets evenly coated. Refrigerate this colorful concoction for at least 30 minutes to an hour; this chilling time allows all the flavors to blend beautifully, making every bite a harmonious experience.

Step 5: Final Toss and Serve

Before serving, give your Curry Noodle Salad (Kerrie Noedelslaai) Recipe one last gentle toss to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom. This final touch ensures an even burst of flavor across the entire salad, ready to delight your guests or family.

How to Serve Curry Noodle Salad (Kerrie Noedelslaai) Recipe

A bowl filled with large, shell-shaped pasta coated in an orange sauce, with small pieces of red bell pepper and purple onion scattered evenly on top, along with some green herb leaves sprinkled throughout, all placed on a white marbled surface with a gray striped cloth underneath the white bowl; in the background, there is a glass container with more orange sauce and some whole red bell pepper and onion slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or coriander on top. These herbs add a pop of green and an aroma that freshens the palate. A light dusting of paprika or a few toasted sesame seeds can also offer an interesting twist both visually and texturally.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, making it a perfect companion at a braai or picnic. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside grilled halloumi or spicy bean burgers. Its bold yet balanced flavors make it a flexible side that complements many mains.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Curry Noodle Salad in individual clear glass bowls layered with a few slices of avocado or cherry tomatoes for an eye-catching appetizer. Or try stuffing it into crisp lettuce cups for a fun, handheld snack that’s perfect for casual gatherings. Its versatility means you can reinvent the presentation for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad actually tastes better after resting, making leftovers a treat! Store your Curry Noodle Salad (Kerrie Noedelslaai) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to 3 days without losing its charm.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the texture of the noodles and fresh vegetables won’t hold up well after thawing, potentially leading to a mushy and less appetizing dish.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, it’s best enjoyed straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, allow it to sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving to maintain the texture and flavor contrast.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Curry Noodle Salad (Kerrie Noedelslaai) Recipe?

Absolutely! While screws or shells are traditional because they hold onto the dressing well, you can experiment with other short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne. Just make sure it’s something sturdy enough to carry the flavorful dressing.

Is this salad spicy?

The salad has a gentle warmth from the curry powder but isn’t overly spicy. If you like it hotter, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the dressing to crank up the heat.

Can I prepare this salad vegan?

Definitely. The recipe is naturally vegetarian, and to make it vegan, just ensure your tomato sauce doesn’t contain any non-vegan ingredients. The rest is already plant-based and delicious!

How far ahead can I make the Curry Noodle Salad (Kerrie Noedelslaai) Recipe?

You can make this salad up to a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge overnight allows the flavors to meld even better. Just give it a good toss before serving for the best taste and texture.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

Feel free to mix in grated carrots, sweet corn, or even diced apples for added sweetness and crunch. Some people like to add raisins or nuts for texture contrast. The key is to balance the flavors without overpowering the curry dressing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that is vibrant, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor, you absolutely need to try this Curry Noodle Salad (Kerrie Noedelslaai) Recipe. It’s a timeless South African favorite that makes weeknight dinners more exciting and gatherings more memorable. Trust me; once you make it, this salad will quickly become a regular in your recipe rotation — full of color, crunch, and that irresistible curry zing that keeps everyone coming back for more!