Macaroni, Corn, Tomato & Basil Salad Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this vibrant Macaroni, Corn, Tomato & Basil Salad. Bursting with freshness and wholesome goodness, this salad is perfect for quick meals or as a side dish for gatherings. Combining the sweetness of corn, the tanginess of tomatoes, and the aromatic basil, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds with every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 3/4 cup |
| Tomatoes | 4 |
| Green onions | 5 |
| English cucumber | 1 |
| Fresh corn kernels | 1 cup |
| Frozen corn kernels | 1 cup |
| Fresh basil leaves | 1/3 cup |
| Plain nonfat yogurt | 3 tbsp |
| Low-fat mayonnaise | 1 1/2 tbsp |
| Fresh lime juice | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
Instructions:
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Boil Water: In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a boil.
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Cook Macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook until tender yet firm. Drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water. Ensure it’s well drained.
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Prepare Vegetables: Place the cooked macaroni in a large bowl. Add in the chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, diced English cucumber, fresh corn kernels, and frozen corn kernels.
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Make Basil Dressing: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, plain nonfat yogurt, low-fat mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and garlic. Process until the basil is finely chopped and the dressing is well blended.
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Toss Salad: Pour the basil dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
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Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Give it a final toss to incorporate the seasoning.
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Serve or Chill: This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Enjoy: Serve this refreshing Macaroni, Corn, Tomato & Basil Salad as a standalone meal or as a side dish alongside your favorite grilled meats or seafood.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 156.1
- Fat Content: 1.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 0.4mg
- Sodium Content: 32.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 32.1g
- Fiber Content: 4.2g
- Sugar Content: 7.4g
- Protein Content: 7g
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can grill the corn kernels before adding them to the salad.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or avocado.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for the plain nonfat yogurt for a creamier texture.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before serving.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, refreshing taste, and nutritious ingredients, this Macaroni, Corn, Tomato & Basil Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it at your next gathering, this salad is bound to impress with its delightful flavors and simplicity. So go ahead, whip up a batch today and savor the taste of summer in every bite! 🥗✨
