Best 7 Middle Eastern Inspired Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East with this tantalizing macaroni salad, a delightful fusion of classic American comfort food and vibrant Middle Eastern flavors. This delectable dish features perfectly cooked macaroni tossed in a luscious, tangy dressing infused with exotic spices, fresh herbs, and aromatic olive oil. The salad is adorned with an array of colorful and flavorful ingredients, including crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Indulge in this unique and flavorful twist on a classic favorite, sure to impress your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East.

**Recipes included in the article:**

1. **Middle Eastern-Inspired Macaroni Salad:** The star of the show, this recipe guides you through the process of creating the perfect macaroni salad, blending Middle Eastern flavors with American comfort.

2. **Homemade Macaroni:** Take your salad to the next level by making your own macaroni from scratch. This detailed recipe provides step-by-step instructions for crafting tender, al dente macaroni.

3. **Middle Eastern Dressing:** The secret behind the salad's irresistible taste lies in the dressing. This recipe combines olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, cumin, and a blend of herbs to create a tangy and aromatic dressing.

4. **Cucumber and Tomato Salad:** A refreshing and vibrant side dish, this salad features crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and a simple dressing.

5. **Feta Cheese Crumbles:** Learn how to make your own feta cheese crumbles, adding a salty and tangy touch to your macaroni salad and other dishes.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE



Italian Pasta Salad Recipe image

This is one satisfying and flavor-packed cold pasta salad with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, rustic old-world salami, tangy olives, and mozzarella. A zesty Italian dressing brings it all together.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Salad

Number Of Ingredients 18

¾ lb pasta, ((I recommend fusilli or rotini pasta) )
Kosher salt
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 bell pepper (any color, cored and chopped)
1 shallot (chopped)
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (6 ounces)
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
6 pepperoncini, (chopped)
6 to 8 ounces salami, (sliced into bite size pieces )
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, (torn (or mozzarella cheese balls))
½ cup packed chopped fresh parsley
½ cup packed chopped fresh basil leaves
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until the pasta is cooked to al dante (don't forget to salt your water). Drain
  • In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the tomatoes, chopped veggies, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
  • In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients together.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.1 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Cholesterol 26.9 mg, Sodium 748.4 mg, Fiber 2.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

FATTOUSH SALAD



Fattoush Salad image

Fattoush Salad makes a frequent appearance on the Middle Eastern dinner table. A simple chopped salad dressed in a zesty lime vinaigrette. Homemade pita chips serve as croutons! See the video and step-by-step for how to make fattoush below.

Provided by The Mediterranean Dish

Categories     Salad

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 loaves pita bread
Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
2 tsp sumac, divided, more as needed
1 heart of Romaine lettuce, chopped
1 English cucumber, cut in half, seeds scraped, then chopped or sliced into half moons
5 Roma tomatoes, chopped
5 green onions (both white and green parts), chopped
5 radishes, stems removed, thinly sliced
2 cups chopped fresh parsley leaves, stems removed
1 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon or 1 1/2 limes
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 to 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses, optional
Salt and pepper
1 tsp sumac
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
scant 1/4 tsp ground allspice

Steps:

  • Break the pita bread into small bite-size pieces. Heat 3 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan until shimmering, and add the pita bread. Fry briefly until browned, tossing frequently. Using a pair of tongs, transfer the fried pita chips to a plate lined with paper towel to drain. Season with salt, pepper and sumac.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions with the sliced radish and parsley.
  • To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon or lime juice, olive oil, pomegranate molasses (if using), salt, pepper and spices.
  • Pour toss lightly. Finally, add the pita chips, and more sumac if you like, and toss one more time. Transfer to small serving bowls or plates. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 calories, Sugar 11.4 g, Sodium 177.6 mg, Fat 20.4 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 39.8 g, Fiber 11.3 g, Protein 9.1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Classic Macaroni Salad image

This classic macaroni salad recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It's perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or festive weekend barbecue. -Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
Dash paprika

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. , For dressing, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, sugar substitute, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, celery, carrot and onion. Add dressing and toss gently to coat. , Refrigerate until serving. Garnish with egg and paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 115 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 362mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

POLYNESIAN-INSPIRED MACARONI SALAD



Polynesian-Inspired Macaroni Salad image

I have always loved SPAM, so I decided to combine it with pineapple to make this Polynesian-inspired macaroni salad recipe. It reminds me of vacationing in Hawaii. -Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 can (12 ounces) regular or teriyaki SPAM, cubed
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened pineapple tidbits, drained
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
4 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook Spam until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Cool completely., For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine pineapple, red pepper, water chestnuts, cooled Spam and macaroni. Add dressing; gently toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Top with green onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 351 calories, Fat 27g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 655mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

MIDDLE EASTERN VEGETABLE SALAD



Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad image

Provided by Ina Garten

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

10 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
1 pound ripe tomatoes, seeded, cored, and 1/2-inch-diced
1 hothouse cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded, and 1/2-inch-diced
1 can or jar (12 to 16 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup julienned fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 lemons)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good olive oil
8 ounces good feta cheese, 1/2-inch-diced
Toasted pita bread, for serving

Steps:

  • Place the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, parsley, mint, and basil in a large salad bowl and toss to combine.
  • In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat all the vegetables. Add the feta, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Serve the salad with the toasted pita bread.

MAGNIFICENT MACARONI SALAD



Magnificent Macaroni Salad image

Slightly sweet, classic macaroni salad recipe!

Provided by Christine Anne Limon

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups elbow macaroni
1 ½ cups mayonnaise
⅓ large onion, minced
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon white sugar, or more to taste
¾ teaspoon celery seed
½ teaspoon salt
3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes; drain.
  • Rinse macaroni in cold water until cool; drain.
  • Stir mayonnaise, onion, parsley, mustard, rice vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and salt together in a bowl; add macaroni and eggs and stir to coat.
  • Chill in refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 782.8 calories, Carbohydrate 53.4 g, Cholesterol 152.3 mg, Fat 57.4 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 14 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 718.8 mg, Sugar 3.3 g

CHEF JOHN'S CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD



Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad image

Whether it's sitting next to some smoky ribs or just a humble hot dog, this deli-style macaroni salad will always be a crowd favorite, as long as you pay attention to a few key details.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 4h33m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste
1 cup finely diced celery
¾ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup grated carrot
½ cup chopped green onions, white and light parts
¼ cup diced jalapeno pepper
¼ cup diced poblano pepper
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon water

Steps:

  • Whisk 1 cup mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl until well blended; whisk in sugar. Stir in celery, red bell pepper, carrot, onions, and jalapeno and poblano peppers. Refrigerate until macaroni is ready to dress.
  • Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain but do not rinse. Allow macaroni to drain in a colander about 5 minutes, shaking out moisture from time to time. Pour macaroni into large bowl; toss to separate and cool to room temperature. Macaroni should be sticky.
  • Pour dressing over macaroni and stir until dressing is evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to allow dressing to absorb into the macaroni.
  • Stir salad before serving. Mix 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon water into salad for fresher look.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 294.5 calories, Carbohydrate 32 g, Cholesterol 7.4 mg, Fat 16.1 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 508.1 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality pasta for the best results. Look for a brand that uses durum wheat and has a good texture.
  • Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. This will help it hold its shape and prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your macaroni salad. This will add color, flavor, and texture to the dish.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressing ingredients. You can use a variety of oils, vinegars, and herbs to create a unique and flavorful dressing.
  • Serve the macaroni salad immediately or chill it for later. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Middle Eastern-inspired macaroni salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its vibrant flavors and colorful appearance, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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