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Mexican Macaroni Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad

  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Mexican Macaroni Salad is a vibrant and easy-to-make pasta salad that combines fresh bell peppers, red onion, smoked turkey bacon, and fresh cilantro with creamy plant-based mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar (natural). This colorful and flavorful dish is perfect as a side or a main, offering a refreshing, smoky, and creamy taste that pleases every palate. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or lunches, it can be easily customized with delicious variations to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup fresh bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup smoked turkey bacon, chopped into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Macaroni: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it quickly, ensuring it stays perfectly al dente for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients: While pasta cooks, dice bell peppers, finely chop red onion, and chop smoked turkey bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop fresh cilantro for herbal brightness.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, combine plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (natural), ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, add cooled macaroni, chopped vegetables, turkey bacon, and cilantro. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. Serving chilled enhances freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Use cold pasta to prevent dressing from becoming runny.
  • Chop vegetables evenly for a balanced mix in every bite.
  • Adjust apple cider vinegar (natural) and seasoning to maintain tangy creaminess.
  • Prepare the salad a day in advance for deeper flavor development.
  • Add cilantro just before serving to preserve its color and freshness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture and consistency.
  • Best served cold or at room temperature; allow to sit out briefly if a warmer salad is preferred.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Boiling and Mixing
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Mexican macaroni salad, plant-based mayo, smoked turkey bacon, pasta salad, gluten free pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, colorful pasta salad

Find it online: https://yummyrecipeszone.com/mexican-macaroni-salad/