MEXICAN INSPIRED NO-MAYO MACARONI AND CHEESE SALAD

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Mexican Inspired No-Mayo Macaroni and Cheese Salad image

First this is a much healthier and lighter version of traditional mayo based macaroni salads. This is such a nice salad for summer BBQ's, pot-lucks, even just dinner with the family. It is not spicy, but has a slight Mexican flair. Sour cream, spices and chopped peppers make this a great salad. I actually have 2 versions of this. I have added some sliced black olives and used Monterey Jack cheese, but my favorite is no olives and a good sharp Cheddar. Serve this with some spicy grilled chicken, burgers, steaks, hot dogs, etc. It is just a nice side dish.

Provided by SarasotaCook

Categories     Healthy

Time 30m

Yield 4-8 , 4-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

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 (1 cup after chopping)
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 don't want any heat)
6 -8 tablespoons sour cream, depending on how creamy you like the salad (I have used low fat, but don'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

Steps:

  • Dressing -- In a small bowl, add the salsa, sour cream, lime juice and zest, cilantro, cumin, pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate. NOTE: I start out with 1/2 cup salsa, and 6 tablespoons of sour cream. You can always add more once you dress the salad.
  • Pasta -- Simply cook in good salted water according to package directions.
  • Vegetables -- In a large bowl, add the chopped green and red pepper, onion and scallions.
  • Toss -- Once the past is done, drain and this is one time where I actually rinse my pasta under cold water. Drain well. Add to the bowl with the vegetables and add the dressing and the cheese. Toss well. You can add a bit more sour cream and salsa if necessary. Taste for seasoning and add any more salt and pepper if needed. And remember - this is not a creamy mayo type of salad. This is a healthier light version so there is not as much dressing.
  • Serve -- ENJOY!

Cute Bachy 123
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This salad is a bit too spicy for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. I would recommend using a milder pepper next time.


Abdul Rahim Gaho
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I've made this salad several times now, and it's always a hit. It's a great way to change up the traditional macaroni salad recipe.


IAN Rhoden
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken or ham. It's also a great dish to serve at a summer barbecue.


Vishan Yalinda
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I'm not a big fan of macaroni salad, but this one is really good. The dressing is flavorful and the salad is very refreshing.


Lauren Brunetti
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This salad is so easy to make, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. I love that I can make it ahead of time and it still tastes great.


Rhia Jayne
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I followed the recipe exactly, and the salad turned out perfectly. I can't wait to make it again.


Buhle Mangqishi
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This is the best macaroni salad I've ever had. I'll definitely be making it again and again.


Annemarie Fiday
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I made this salad for my husband's birthday party, and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it!


Hassan Mohammed
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This salad is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids loved the colorful peppers and corn.


Yissely Torres
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I love the combination of flavors in this salad. The sweetness of the corn and the smokiness of the paprika are a perfect match.


Rudro Ghosh
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover macaroni. It's also a great dish to bring to a potluck or party.


Nick Chizzle
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This is a great recipe for a summer cookout or picnic. It's easy to make ahead of time and travels well.


Peter Wilson
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I was skeptical about a macaroni salad without mayo, but I was pleasantly surprised. The dressing was flavorful and tangy, and the salad was very refreshing.


Abena Love
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This salad was easy to make and very tasty. I used a spicy pepper jack cheese, which gave it a nice kick. I also added some chopped avocado, which was a great addition.


abamwesiga Gift
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I'm always looking for new macaroni salad recipes, and this one definitely caught my eye. The no-mayo dressing is a game-changer, and I love the addition of the corn and black beans.


samigo gd
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This macaroni salad was a hit at my last potluck! Everyone loved the unique flavor combination of the Mexican-inspired dressing. I'll definitely be making this again.