Citrus Infused Gourmet Macaroni Salad
Elevate your lunch or snack game with this Citrus Infused Gourmet Macaroni Salad. This delightful dish combines tender pasta with the vibrant zing of fresh orange zest and juice, harmonizing beautifully with creamy mayonnaise and a medley of colorful vegetables. A twist on the classic Southern pasta salad, it’s a perfect side for picnics, barbecues, or a light meal. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this salad will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked macaroni or other pasta
4 cups (cooked)
orange
1/2 (zest and juice)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
onion
1/2 (diced very fine)
flat-leaf Italian parsley
2-4 tablespoons (chopped, to taste)
red bell pepper
1/2 (diced (optional))
scallions
2 (diced (optional))
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (optional)
paprika
1 teaspoon (optional)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
salt
1 dash (optional)
Instructions
1
Start by boiling the macaroni or your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and let cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the diced onions, red bell pepper (if using), scallions (if using), chopped parsley, and spices including garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, zest, and juice of the orange. Mix well until you have a smooth dressing.
4
Pour the orange dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more black pepper if desired.
5
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The orange zest will intensify over time, enhancing the dish.
6
Serve chilled and enjoy your flavorful, gourmet pasta salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Infused Gourmet Macaroni Salad?
It is a gourmet twist on the classic Southern pasta salad that combines tender macaroni with fresh orange zest and juice, creamy mayonnaise, and a variety of fresh vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the orange dressing?
The dressing consists of one cup of mayonnaise mixed with the zest and juice of half an orange.
How much pasta is required for this recipe?
You will need 4 cups of cooked macaroni or your preferred choice of pasta.
Can I use a different type of pasta besides macaroni?
Yes, while macaroni is traditional, you can use any other small pasta shape of your choice.
Is this macaroni salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes finely diced onion, and optionally, red bell peppers and scallions.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be diced very fine to blend well with the creamy dressing and pasta.
Which spices are used to season the salad?
The recipe uses garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Are the garlic powder and paprika mandatory?
No, both garlic powder and paprika are listed as optional ingredients in this recipe.
What kind of parsley is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 to 4 tablespoons of chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh orange?
While fresh orange is preferred because the zest provides intense flavor, you could use bottled juice if necessary, though you would lose the citrus zest element.
Is there a specific way to mix the dressing?
Yes, you should combine the mayonnaise, orange zest, and orange juice in a separate bowl and mix until smooth before adding it to the pasta.
Does the flavor change over time?
Yes, the orange zest flavor tends to intensify over time as the salad rests in the refrigerator.
What occasion is this salad best for?
This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, light lunches, or as a gourmet snack.
Can I add more black pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adjusting the seasoning to taste and adding more black pepper if desired.
Should the pasta be warm or cold when mixing?
The pasta should be drained and allowed to cool before you combine it with the other ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is this a spicy dish?
No, it is not inherently spicy, though it contains paprika and black pepper for flavor depth.
Can I omit the scallions?
Yes, scallions are an optional ingredient and can be left out if you prefer.
How do I ensure the dressing coats everything evenly?
After pouring the orange dressing over the pasta mixture, gently fold the ingredients until everything is well coated.
What gives this salad its 'Southern twist'?
The combination of creamy mayonnaise and traditional seasonings like paprika, paired with citrus, offers a unique variation of classic Southern pasta salads.
Is salt required for this recipe?
A dash of salt is suggested but remains optional based on your taste preferences.
Can this be served as a main meal?
Yes, it can serve as a light meal on its own or a hearty side dish.
What is the primary flavor profile of this salad?
The flavor profile is creamy and zesty, balanced by fresh herbs and savory spices.
Can I use red onion instead of regular onion?
Yes, red onion can be used and would add a nice color and sharp flavor to the salad.
How should I store the salad?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and chilled.
Is the red bell pepper cooked?
No, the red bell pepper should be diced and added raw for a crisp texture.
How much orange zest should I use?
The recipe recommends using the zest from 1/2 of an orange.