Mexican Inspired No-Mayo Macaroni and Cheese Salad

Jun 06, 2023June 6, 20230 1
Mexican-inspired creamy macaroni and cheese salad
in Pasta

Prep

15 min

Cook

10 min

Ready In

1 hr 25 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
Loading...

Ingredients

12 ounces elbow macaroni
2 medium green peppers , fine chopped
2 medium red peppers , fine chopped
1 medium onion , fine chopped
1 cup scallion , chopped
5 -6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese ( more or less to taste )
1/2 - 2/3 cup salsa ( not chunky , just a basic medium heat salsa , use mild if you do n't want any heat )
6 -8 tablespoons sour cream , depending on how creamy you like the salad ( I have used low fat , but do n't use NO fat )
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 limes , zested
2/3 cup fresh cilantro , fine chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
salt
pepper

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
372
Sugar
5g
Fat
18g
Want to bring a little Mexican flavor to your next cookout or potluck? Look no further than this creamy macaroni and cheese salad with a spicy kick! This twist on classic macaroni and cheese incorporates the flavors of salsa, cumin, lime, and cilantro to create a tangy and creamy salad that's perfect for summer. Best of all, this recipe skips the mayo and opts for tangy sour cream instead, making it a great option for those who don't love mayo-based salads. It's a great side dish for grilled meats or a hearty vegetarian main dish when paired with some fresh veggies.

Instructions

1.Cook macaroni according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2.In a large bowl, mix together the chopped green and red peppers, onion, scallions, grated cheddar cheese, salsa, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3.Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl of dressing and toss until completely coated.
4.Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

PROS

This dish is a fun twist on classic macaroni and cheese, with the added bonus of being a salad.

The recipe is creamy and tangy, with a kick of spicy salsa.

It can be served as a side dish or a main course.

CONS

This salad is not particularly low in calories or fat, due to the cheese and sour cream.

It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It also contains gluten and dairy, so it’s not suitable for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this salad may not be the healthiest option, it does contain some beneficial ingredients.
Peppers are a great source of vitamin C, while onions and scallions contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cilantro has been linked to aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation, while lime juice adds a dose of vitamin C.
However, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and balance this dish with other healthier options.

Print

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.