Description
This Creamy Avocado Lime Macaroni Salad offers a vibrant twist on a classic, featuring creamy avocado, zesty lime, and a smoky paprika drizzle. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch, balancing creamy textures with fresh vegetables and a smoky aroma.
Ingredients
- 250g (9oz) Elbow Macaroni: Cook al dente for best texture.
- 150g (1 cup) Frozen Peas: Thaw before adding.
- 100g (1 cup) Carrots: Diced for crunch.
- 80g (½ cup) Red Onion: Finely diced, soak in cold water to mellow.
- 80g (½ cup) Celery: Diced for refreshing crunch.
- 120ml (½ cup) Mayonnaise: Use high-quality, halal-friendly.
- 60ml (¼ cup) Plain Greek Yogurt: Full-fat for tanginess and creaminess.
- 1 ripe Avocado (≈150g / 5oz): Mashed, perfectly ripe.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and emulsifies.
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) Smoked Paprika: For smoky depth.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil: For smoky paprika drizzle.
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) Ground Cumin: Toasted for warm, earthy flavor.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves: For garnish (optional).
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Boil macaroni al dente, drain, rinse, and cool.
- Prepare Vegetables: Thaw peas and dice carrots, red onion, and celery.
- Make Dressing: Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, avocado, lime juice, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Pasta & Veggies: Toss cooled macaroni with vegetables.
- Coat with Dressing: Gently toss with half the dressing.
- Transfer & Decorate: Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with remaining dressing.
- Smoky Paprika Drizzle: Heat oil, infuse with paprika, and drizzle over salad.
- Garnish & Chill: Sprinkle with cumin and cilantro, chill for 30 minutes.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh lime juice and high-quality mayonnaise. Soaking the diced red onion in cold water can mellow its flavor. Chilling allows flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cold
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg