Garnish with chopped nuts and cilantro, if desired.
Notes
Use your favorite veggies for the salad. Raw vegetables with a sweet flavor and a nice crunch. is best. Stay away from vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower as they would overpower the salad.
Crunchy Vegetable Options
Orange Peppers
Yellow Peppers
Red Peppers
Water Chestnuts
Bean Sprouts
Baby Corn
Jicama
Radish
Any type of pasta or semolina noodle is fine to use in this recipe. If using a different shape of pasta or noodle, your cook time may be different.This Old Gal's Pasta Rule of Thumb
Look at package of pasta and find the variable cook time. Choose the lesser time given and then subtract 2 minutes. For example, if your package of pasta says "cook for 8 - 11 minutes," take that 8 minute number and cut it in half, which is 4. Then subtract 2 minutes from the 4 minutes and you will end up with the proper cook time. In this example the cook time will be 2 minutes.
After the 2 minute pressure cook time is up, wait 5 minutes and then release the rest of the pressure.
If the variable cook time on your package of pasta is 11 - 16 minutes, err on the lesser side. In this instance, the cook time would be 3 minutes. It is better to end up with overly firm pasta rather than mushy because you can continue to cook the pasta, but if it is mushy, there is nothing you can do to correct.
If the pasta is too firm or al dente for your taste, simply put the lid back on the pot and let the pasta sit in the hot pot. The residual heat will continue to cook the pasta. Check after a few minutes to see if the pasta has reached the perfect firmness for your liking. If not give it a stir and let sit some more.
This method uses a bit of a natural release and the total time is figured into that, so only the cook time needs to be adjusted. The natural release time allows for a little pressure to release, so that the starchy water can settle and not spit out through the pressure valve when the pressure is released.