Middle Eastern Inspired Macaroni Salad Recipes

MIDDLE EASTERN VEGETABLE SALAD

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

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.

MIDDLE EASTERN TOMATO SALAD

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.

MIDDLE EASTERN SALAD

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.

MIDDLE EASTERN PITA SALAD (FATTOUSH SALAD) RECIPE BY TASTY

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!