I Am Doing A Food Tech Competition On Friday, And My Challenge Is To Make The Best Pasta Salad

[Megan81201]

What I need help with is I want to sprinkle a herb on top as a garnish but I don't know what to have as I am not a girl who knows about herbs due to being a 12 year olds girl
My ingredients are:
Ham
Cheese
Pepper
Onion
Cucumber
Mayonaise
But I need help with the herbs? So what herb shall i put on top of my pasta salad to win?

[Mosaic]

Freshly chopped chives. If no chives around, chop spring onions very small and use them instead.

[Megan81201]

Thank you, and yes I think ill use chives

[gingejbee]

Ingredients list: and, pasta, presumably??

[EcclesCake]

Sounds nice how about some sliced olives or a few capers for piquancy?

[Megan81201]

We'll yes obvs pasta, and I don't like olives haha

[EcclesCake]

Sorry Megan I didn't realise the competition was about what you liked!

[Megan81201]

We'll it is coz I have to eat it too!

[EcclesCake]

Winning the competition isn't all about you!

A good lesson in life for you.

[Megan81201]

Yeah ik! I'm not thick mate

[EcclesCake]

Mate?

[ummmm]

It's a youngster thing, Eccles.

[KristalK]

What sort of site is this that bullies a `12 year old girl asking a valid question, Jesus, get a life Eccles Megan, chopped chives or spring onions would be nice. Also you can get an 'Italian Mixed Herbs' from Asda which I nice sprinkled on the top. If you can get fresh herbs from the supermarket a bit of fresh Thyme and Italian parsley would be lovely. Good Luck -Hope you win!!

[EcclesCake]

Go back a few posts Kristal, I have been constructive and encouraging. Maybe a little short when I suggested that the competition wasn't all about them and I did bridle at the use of 'mate' which is not a term I find used by 12 yr olds.

Good luck for Friday Megan.

[Psybbo]

KristalK, I read that as good advice, not bullying

[ducksie]

the girl only asked what herbs would be good on top of her pasta salad, you could try half teaspoon dried tarragon and some basil leaves, or if it's to sprinlke on, sprinkle a little dried basil instead of basil leaves. If you don't like the taste of those, just sprinkle some parsley on, I find parsley tasteless really. Good luck with your competition - junior masterchef?? ;)

[Clanad]

Fresh thyme is always good on pasta salad, as is some fresh parsley. Some use dried thyme, but I don't think it has the flavor release of fresh. You could also try just a little oregano for a Mediterranean touch...

Don't forget a small palm full (at 12 , your's would be about right) of very freshly coarse ground black pepper.

Cheese should be freshly grated parmesan (mozarella will do in a pinch). and pasta should be penne... in my considered opinion. Good luck!

[DTCwordfan]

I agree on chives and also a little piquancy to distinguish it from other entries, be it olives, capers or a little tad of chilli.

On the parsley option, one could always use a bit of Italian flat parsley, that has more flavour.....

And I didn't see it as bullying, rather kristal, some over-reaction on your part and no need for the semi-cussing either. Tut.

[DTCwordfan]

Lemon thyme is an option as well..........

[ummmm]

I thought it was too harsh and 12 year olds do say 'mate'

[tamborine]

Oregano for a med flavor