Best 5 Middle Eastern Inspired Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this comprehensive guide to creating an extraordinary macaroni salad. Discover the perfect balance of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and tangy dressings that will transform this classic dish into a delightful symphony of taste. From traditional variations to modern interpretations, this article offers a plethora of mouthwatering recipes that cater to every palate. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds as you explore the diverse culinary heritage of the Middle East through this beloved dish.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

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.

MIDDLE EASTERN-INSPIRED MACARONI SALAD



Middle Eastern-Inspired Macaroni Salad image

This creamy, tangy macaroni salad is inspired by the many wonderful flavors of the Middle East. The za'atar seasoning gives it an earthy (and delicious!) taste. -Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 pound ground lamb
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 can (16 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 to 2 teaspoons za'atar seasoning
Optional toppings: plain yogurt and lemon zest

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, cook lamb over medium heat until no longer pink, 6-7 minutes, breaking into crumbles; drain. Set aside to cool completely. , For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, onion, za'atar seasoning, macaroni and lamb. Add dressing; gently toss to coat. , Refrigerate until serving. Top with yogurt and lemon zest if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 361 calories, Fat 25g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 21mg cholesterol, Sodium 329mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

MIDDLE EASTERN TOMATO SALAD



Middle Eastern Tomato Salad image

This salad is a perfect side dish for any phase of the South Beach Diet, or any other diet for that matter, and it's an incredible tasting summer treat for anyone, whether or not you're on a diet. I think it pairs wonderfully with any kind of grilled meat or fish.

Provided by mjkitty96

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Cucumber Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup seeded, finely diced cucumber
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely diced tomato
1 cup finely diced sweet onion (such as Vidalia®)
1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
¾ cup finely chopped mint, or to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, or more to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place diced cucumber into a colander and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt or as needed; allow to drain for about 15 minutes. Toss drained cucumber with tomato, sweet onion, parsley, and mint. Drizzle salad with olive oil and fresh lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 48.3 calories, Carbohydrate 4.1 g, Fat 3.5 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 297.3 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

MIDDLE EASTERN SALAD



Middle Eastern Salad image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     salads and dressings, side dish

Time 30m

Yield Six servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups small French lentils
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin, toasted
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
2 tablespoons finely chopped dill
3 scallions, chopped

Steps:

  • Simmer the lentils in 4 cups of water until barely tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and cool. Add half the lemon juice. Toss well and set aside.
  • Put the olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the cumin and the turmeric, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add the Tabasco, the salt and the remaining lemon juice and stir this into the lentils. Stir carefully to avoid getting a big mushy mess. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and some pepper if you choose. Gently stir in the mint, dill and scallions, arrange on a large platter and serve at room temperature buffet style.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 313, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 42 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 202 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

MIDDLE EASTERN PITA SALAD (FATTOUSH SALAD) RECIPE BY TASTY



Middle Eastern Pita Salad (Fattoush Salad) Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: small pita rounds, olive oil, salt, romaine lettuce, medium cucumber, cherry tomato, scallions, radish, red bell pepper, fresh parsley, fresh mint, lemons, white wine vinegar, garlic, ground sumac, allspice, pepper

Provided by Gwenaelle Le Cochennec

Categories     Sides

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 small pita rounds
½ cup olive oil, plus 2 tbs
salt, to taste
2 medium hearts romaine lettuce
1 medium cucumber
2 cups cherry tomato
5 scallions
½ cup radish, sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 cups fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup fresh mint, chopped
1 ½ lemons, juiced
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground sumac, or lemon zest
¼ teaspoon allspice
pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Slice the pitas in half to make 4 thin rounds. Place the pitas on a nonstick sheet pan. Brush with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt.
  • Bake for about 5 minutes, until the outside is golden brown. Let cool until they become crispy.
  • Make 3 cuts lengthwise on each of the romaine hearts, remove the stems, and chop into smaller pieces. Rinse, drain, and add to a large salad bowl.
  • Seed the cucumber, dice it, and add it to the salad bowl.
  • Cut the tomatoes in half and add them to the salad bowl.
  • Mince the scallions and add them to the salad bowl.
  • Add the radishes, bell pepper, parsley, and mint to the salad bowl and toss to combine.
  • In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup (120 ml) of oil, the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, garlic, sumac, allspice, salt, and pepper and whisk until well-combined.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad.
  • Break the crispy pitas into small pieces and add to the salad. Toss well.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 266 calories, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 18 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 4 grams, Sugar 6 grams

Tips:

  • Use high-quality pasta: The type of pasta you use will make a big difference in the final dish. Look for a high-quality pasta that is made with durum wheat and has a good texture.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to the ideal cooking state for pasta. The pasta should be cooked until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: The vegetables in this salad add flavor, color, and texture. Feel free to use any vegetables that you like, or that you have on hand.
  • Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what really brings this salad together. Use a dressing that is flavorful and tangy, such as a vinaigrette or a lemon-tahini dressing.
  • Let the salad chill before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become more flavorful.

Conclusion:

Middle Eastern-inspired macaroni salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer cookout or potluck. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a new salad recipe, give this one a try.

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