Spicy Macaroni Salad Recipe
This delightful Spicy Macaroni Salad is the perfect combination of flavor and zest, designed for those who enjoy a little kick in their dishes. Whether served as a side dish or transformed into a hearty main entrée with the addition of canned tuna or chicken, this salad is sure to be a hit. The balance of crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing, combined with the heat from the spices, makes this salad both vibrant and satisfying. Enjoy it as a refreshing option for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply as a delightful addition to your family meals.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 9 minutes |
| Total Time | 14 minutes |
| Servings | 8 servings |
| Yield | 8 cups |
| Category | < 15 Minutes |
| Keywords | macaroni salad, spicy salad, quick salad, summer salad |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 118.7 |
| Total Fat | 2.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 1.9 mg |
| Sodium | 55.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g |
| Sugars | 2.6 g |
| Protein | 3.2 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 cups | macaroni noodles |
| 1 cup | diced tomatoes |
| 1 cup | diced green bell pepper |
| 1 cup | diced red onion |
| 1 1/2 tsp | fresh coarse ground black pepper |
| 1 cup | mayonnaise |
Instructions
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Boil the Macaroni: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which typically takes about 7-9 minutes.
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Drain and Chill: Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to halt the cooking process and chill the noodles. This step is crucial for preventing the salad from becoming mushy.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the macaroni is cooling, take the opportunity to prepare your vegetables. Dice the tomatoes, green bell pepper, and red onion into small, uniform pieces for an even distribution of flavor in each bite.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled macaroni, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and the coarse ground black pepper. Use a spatula to gently toss the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
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Incorporate Mayonnaise: Add the mayonnaise to the bowl, and using the spatula, mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well-coated with the creamy dressing.
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Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the macaroni salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, give the salad a gentle toss before serving. Enjoy your spicy macaroni salad as a side dish or elevate it into a main course by adding two cans of drained tuna or chicken for a protein-packed meal.
This Spicy Macaroni Salad is sure to become a favorite at your gatherings, offering a deliciously tangy twist on a classic dish that your guests will rave about. Whether you choose to spice it up or tone it down, it’s a versatile recipe that fits any occasion.
